Stalheimsfossen

There are two ways to view Stalheimsfossen, either from the base or from the Stalheimskleivi across the valley. For either option, 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. Park at the fourth switchback as the road descends for the best view across the valley to the falls. To view the falls from the base, either follow the Stalheimskleivi to the valley floor, or take the E16 past the turnoff for Stalheim and turn right shortly after exiting the tunnel at the bottom of the valley. Park adjacent to the bridge over the river and follow the easy trail for 10 minutes to the base of the falls. If the river is running high, it may be very difficult to approach closely due to the spray.Stalheimsfossen is the shorter but much more powerful of a pair of large waterfalls guarding the headwall of the rightly famous Nærøydalen. The Stalheimselvi rumbles through a narrow gap in the cliff and thunders 126 meters (414 feet) into a huge amphitheater-shaped bowl, ejecting an immense volume of spray into the air in the process. The falls and gorge are overlooked by the famous Stalheim Hotel and the nearby Stalheimskleivi, a precariously winding road (formerly the main road) descending into the Nærøydalen at a grade of 20%. Below the powerful falls the river serves as habitat for fish spawning.