VinnufossenVinnufossen at a Glance
About Vinnufossen
Vinnufossen is a high mountain waterfall in Møre og Romsdal county in western Norway, noted for its very large total drop. It is counted among Europe’s highest cascades by total fall.
The waterfall is a multi-step cascade that descends from the slopes of Vinnufjellet and joins streams that feed into the Driva river system. Visitors generally view it from roadside vantage points and local viewpoints in the valley below.
The fall is a natural feature formed by mountain drainage and glacially carved topography; it has no built heritage but has become a named natural landmark in regional guides. It is primarily of interest for its scale and hydrology rather than human history.
Vinnufossen sits on the slopes of Vinnufjellet in Sunndal municipality within Møre og Romsdal, dropping from high elevations down toward the Driva valley. The setting is steep mountain terrain typical of western Norway.
- Height: Total vertical drop is approximately 860 metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe.
- Best time to visit: Peak flow typically occurs in late spring and early summer during snowmelt in the surrounding mountains.
Best Time to Visit Vinnufossen
Best visited late spring through early autumn for access and hiking; waterfalls are most impressive after spring melt.
Weather & Climate near Vinnufossen
Vinnufossen's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -5°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1021 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 1° | -7° | 97 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.8h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 0° | -7° | 79 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 79 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 0° - 7° | 0° | 63 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.6h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 48 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 63 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 19.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 83 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 18.4h |
| August | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 80 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 15.7h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 12° | 7° | 107 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.8 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 108 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 3° | -3° | 97 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 1° | -6° | 117 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
How to Get to Vinnufossen
Vinnufossen is in the Møre og Romsdal county. Access is by regional roads from Sunndalsøra and other local centers; detailed driving directions are recommended and local signage guides visitors to viewpoint trails.
Tips for Visiting Vinnufossen
- Arrive early in the day to avoid fog that often fills the valleys and obscures the waterfall.
- Combine the visit with other local hikes to appreciate the area's waterfalls and riverscape.
- Wear waterproof outer layers - spray from the falls and sudden weather changes are common.