StigfossenAbout Stigfossen
Stigfossen is a roadside waterfall in Møre og Romsdal county in western Norway, tumbling down steep rock faces beside the famous Trollstigen mountain road.
The fall is prominent from the hairpin bends of County Road 63 and from the dedicated Trollstigen viewing platform, where visitors see the cascade descending the mountain into the valley below. The site is commonly visited as part of the scenic Trollstigen drive and is photographed from multiple elevated vantage points along the road.
The waterfall and the road infrastructure around it were developed as part of Norway’s 20th-century mountain road and tourist improvements, with the road and viewpoints constructed to provide safe vehicle access and panoramic views of the landscape. The waterfall has been a persistent natural feature used to dramatize the road’s steep descent.
Stigfossen sits along County Road 63 in Rauma municipality within Møre og Romsdal, adjacent to the Trollstigen pass and its series of hairpin turns; the nearest larger settlement is Åndalsnes to the northeast, and the route is a well-known section of Norway’s coastal inland drives.
- Seasonal access: The Trollstigen mountain road is typically closed in winter and generally opens for traffic and visitors in late spring through early autumn (commonly May to October), so access to the waterfall is seasonal.
What to See#
- Trollstigen viewing platform: The Trollstigen viewing area and road section provides the main viewpoints and access to the waterfall from Norwegian County Road 63 and features a paved platform built for scenic viewing above the valley.
Nearby Attractions to Stigfossen
Best Time to Visit Stigfossen
Waterfalls like Stigfossen are often most impressive in late spring and early summer during snowmelt; summer and autumn offer safer, more comfortable access.
Weather & Climate near Stigfossen
Stigfossen's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 13°C. Abundant rainfall (1438 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 163 mm | overcast | 92% | 6.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.8h |
| February | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 125 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.5h |
| March | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 120 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 3° | -5° | 76 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.6h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 5° | 78 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.1 m/s | 1.2 high | 19.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 92 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 102 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.7h |
| September | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 147 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 5° | -2° | 148 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 151 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 181 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
How to Get to Stigfossen
Stigfossen is accessible from regional roads in Møre og Romsdal; specific approach routes depend on the local valley and road network. Travelers should consult regional maps and local tourist information for precise directions and seasonal access notes.
Tips for Visiting Stigfossen
- The waterfall area can be slippery-sturdy footwear and caution are advised on wet rocks.
- Use pullovers in cooler months-the spray from the falls chills the air even in summer.
- If photographing, bring a polarizing filter to manage reflections on wet rock faces.