Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda and Vøringsfossen
From the center of Geilo, it is about an hour to Vøringsfossen. The trip first passes the high mountain villages of Ustaoset and Haugastøl, before the road rises up to Northern Europe's largest high mountain plateau. You pass Halne Fjellstove, known for its long and rich history related to reindeer hunting, before continuing to Dyranut. From here, the road gradually descends again to Vøringsfossen.
From Haugastøl, at the start of the famous Rallarvegen, the Hardangervidda National Tourist Road begins, taking you over the high mountain plateau to the western nature of Eidfjord. A trip worth spending a lot of time on. Total length is 67km, and elevation difference from 0m to 1251m.
Rasteplass Ørteren
The Ørteren and Vardestopp rest areas are located right off Highway 7, by the regulated water Ørteren on the Hardangervidda plateau.
They have new parking spaces and a cast recreation area in low-carbon concrete, which gently curves into the terrain. This reflects the connection between the man-made and the natural landscape. This creates small, unique places to stop and enjoy the view. A simple gravel path connects the rest areas with the water.
The design is discreet and adapted to nature, with the motto: "LET IT BE".
Halne Fjellstove and Halnekongen
Halfway between Geilo and Vøringsfossen is Halne Fjellstove – a perfect place to take a break and stretch your legs. Take a short hike up to Halnekollen for incredible views of Hardangervidda, Hallingskarvet, and Hardangerjøkulen. The hike is about 3 km long and takes between an hour and a half hour. More information and tour descriptions can be found on ut.no
Halne Fjellstove is open seasonally with a café and accommodation.
Vøringsfossen waterfall
Vøringsfossen is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway. Here, large amounts of water plunge 182 meters from Hardangervidda into Måbødalen. The dramatic waterfall and the transition between fjord and plateau make a strong impression.
The waterfall is partially wheelchair accessible.
The toilets at Vøringsfossen are closed for the winter from November to early April.
Bridge over the waterfall
In the summer of 2020, the spectacular pedestrian bridge was finally opened. The bridge stands 50 meters above the gorge where Vøringsfossen flows from the plateau towards the fjord. There are several viewpoints, and you can go for a short walk around.
Hike to the foot of Vøringsfossen waterfall
If you want to see Vøringsfossen from the bottom of Måbødalen, you can park at Fossatromma and follow the old road down to the old, marked path from 1872 that leads to the waterfall. The waterfall can be loud, especially when the water flow is high, and the drizzle from the waterfall can provide a fresh experience. From the main road, it takes half an hour to an hour to walk to the waterfall, and the total hike is 3 km. The first part of the trail can be steep. Along the way, you pass, among other things, an old car wreck. See OUTTT.com for a detailed tour description.
Måbø Bridge
Måbø Bridge is a stone arch bridge from 1910 over the Bjoreio River in Måbødalen. It is a protected cultural monument and was taken out of use when Highway 7 was rerouted in 1986.
The picnic area below the bridge is now being upgraded with seating areas, planting and universally designed access. From here there is a great view of the bridge and the waterfalls at Måbøvatnet. The architect has emphasized the reuse of stone in the design. (completion autumn 2025)
Rasteplass Ørteren
The Ørteren and Vardestopp rest areas are located right off Highway 7, by the regulated water Ørteren on the Hardangervidda plateau.
They have new parking spaces and a cast recreation area in low-carbon concrete, which gently curves into the terrain. This reflects the connection between the man-made and the natural landscape. This creates small, unique places to stop and enjoy the view. A simple gravel path connects the rest areas with the water.
The design is discreet and adapted to nature, with the motto: "LET IT BE".
Halne Fjellstove and Halnekongen
Halfway between Geilo and Vøringsfossen is Halne Fjellstove – a perfect place to take a break and stretch your legs. Take a short hike up to Halnekollen for incredible views of Hardangervidda, Hallingskarvet, and Hardangerjøkulen. The hike is about 3 km long and takes between an hour and a half hour. More information and tour descriptions can be found on ut.no
Halne Fjellstove is open seasonally with a café and accommodation.
Vøringsfossen waterfall
Vøringsfossen is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway. Here, large amounts of water plunge 182 meters from Hardangervidda into Måbødalen. The dramatic waterfall and the transition between fjord and plateau make a strong impression.
The waterfall is partially wheelchair accessible.
The toilets at Vøringsfossen are closed for the winter from November to early April.
Bridge over the waterfall
In the summer of 2020, the spectacular pedestrian bridge was finally opened. The bridge stands 50 meters above the gorge where Vøringsfossen flows from the plateau towards the fjord. There are several viewpoints, and you can go for a short walk around.
Hike to the foot of Vøringsfossen waterfall
If you want to see Vøringsfossen from the bottom of Måbødalen, you can park at Fossatromma and follow the old road down to the old, marked path from 1872 that leads to the waterfall. The waterfall can be loud, especially when the water flow is high, and the drizzle from the waterfall can provide a fresh experience. From the main road, it takes half an hour to an hour to walk to the waterfall, and the total hike is 3 km. The first part of the trail can be steep. Along the way, you pass, among other things, an old car wreck. See OUTTT.com for a detailed tour description.
Måbø Bridge
Måbø Bridge is a stone arch bridge from 1910 over the Bjoreio River in Måbødalen. It is a protected cultural monument and was taken out of use when Highway 7 was rerouted in 1986.
The picnic area below the bridge is now being upgraded with seating areas, planting and universally designed access. From here there is a great view of the bridge and the waterfalls at Måbøvatnet. The architect has emphasized the reuse of stone in the design. (completion autumn 2025)