Sivlefossen

Drive north from Voss along the E16 to the signed turn for Stalheim (13km north of Vinje). Follow the road through Stalheim for 1.5km, then bear right at the sign for the Stalheimskleivi – note that due to the extreme grade this road can only be driven one-way (downhill). Be cautious of hikers, bikers and tour buses (especially when parking) which also frequent the road. Sivlefossen can be seen from several switchbacks as the road descends to the valley floor. Parking is limited along the road (be especially wary of tour buses which require a wide turn radius) so if there is not obvious space to park, proceed to the bottom of the hill and walk back up to view the falls. The best views are found at the 7th and 11th switchback down from the top.Sivlefossen is one of two large and significant waterfalls found at the head of world-renowned Nærøydalen. The falls drop a total of approximately 250 meters (820 feet) in 9-10 distinct steps over a linear run of approximately 410 meters (1,350 feet). The first eight or nine steps of the falls (depending how they are split up) each drop anywhere from 5 to 20 meters, typically separated from the next subsequent fall by a small pool. The final drop in the series is a booming horsetail type fall which explodes outward and falls 146 meters (480 feet) into a narrow canyon. Due to the narrow shape of the gorge above the main fall, and the lack of developed access, there is unfortunately no easy way to view any of the upper portions of the falls. The main drop is however easily visible from the sinuous Stalheimskleivi as it winds down to the floor of the valley. Unfortunately, because the falls drop into a narrower canyon than Stalheimsfossen, it is more difficult to see the entirety of the final drop of the falls. When we surveyed the falls in June 2011, we found a location where the whole fall should be visible, but the immense volume of spray being ejected into the air and coating the surrounding terrain made a close approach very dangerous.Sivlefossen bears the name of famous Norwegian poet and author Per Sivle, who apparently spent much time in and generated inspiration from Nærøydalen.