Discover Norway’s most stunning waterfalls without the crowds. Explore off-season waterfall hikes in Western Norway — hidden gems perfect for autumn 2025.
Introduction
There’s something magical about autumn in Norway. The summer crowds have gone home, the air turns crisp, and the forests explode into shades of gold, rust, and red. It’s a season where Norway slows down — and for those who seek nature’s quiet beauty, it becomes the best time to explore.
One of the most breathtaking ways to experience this is through off-season waterfall hikes in Western Norway.
When the rain begins to fall (and in Norway, it often does!), the waterfalls come alive — roaring louder, flowing fuller, and reflecting the deep colors of autumn.
Most travelers visit Norway in summer, but those who come later — in September, October, or early November — discover a side of Norway that feels raw, untouched, and deeply peaceful.
If you love hiking, photography, or simply chasing waterfalls without bus tours in sight, this guide will show you where to go, how to get there without a car, and how to enjoy Norway’s waterfalls safely in the off-season.
Take into consideration the level of difficulty of the waterfall hikes as well as your experience as a hiker. If you are not sure, you can talk to local guides.
🌦️ Why Autumn is the Best Time for Waterfall Adventures
Norway’s waterfalls are powerful year-round, but autumn adds a special kind of magic.
- The rivers and fjords swell from rain, creating thunderous cascades.
- The forests turn fiery orange and red, framing the waterfalls in color.
- The tourist traffic disappears, leaving the trails quiet and serene.
- Accommodation prices drop (as compared to peak seasons), and transport is easier to book.
💡 Bonus: Fewer visitors mean you can linger longer at viewpoints, take photos without queues, and experience the sound of rushing water with no one else around.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and if you use these links to buy the recommended products, we earn a small commission. Rest assured that it does not affect you as a customer.
🏞️ Top 5 Off-Season Waterfall Hikes in Western Norway
Each of these waterfalls is accessible by public transport — no car needed — and offers spectacular views even in unpredictable autumn weather.
1️⃣ Låtefossen Waterfall (Odda, Hardangerfjord Region)
Best for: Dramatic roadside views & easy access
Låtefossen is one of Norway’s most photographed waterfalls — and for good reason. It’s actually a twin waterfall, where two separate streams cascade down from Lake Lotevatnet and merge under an old stone bridge before rushing beneath the road.
In autumn, mist rises over the bridge, creating a mystical scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Getting There Without a Car:
- 🚆 Train: Oslo or Bergen → Voss (on the Bergen Line)
- 🚌 Bus: From Voss, take the Skyss 990 bus to Odda (about 2 hours)
- Låtefossen is right along the main road (E134), 15 minutes south of Odda
Hike Tip: There’s a short trail above the bridge for panoramic views of the valley.
Nearby Stays:
- Trolltunga Guesthouse or Hardanger Hotel Odda (budget-friendly, open year-round).
💡 Photography Tip: Visit in the early morning for soft light. If you are visiting in October onwards, then the days are shorter, and it gets dark early.
2️⃣ Vøringsfossen (Eidfjord, Hardanger Plateau)
Best for: Norway’s most famous and accessible waterfall viewpoint
Vøringsfossen drops an incredible 182 meters (597 ft) into the Måbødalen valley — one of the most stunning scenes in Western Norway. In autumn, it becomes even more dramatic as heavy rain and snowmelt increase its flow.
What makes it special:
The new glass viewing bridge over the canyon — 47 meters long — allows you to walk right above the waterfall safely.
Getting There Without a Car:
- 🚆 Train: Oslo → Voss
- 🚌 Bus: Voss → Eidfjord (Skyss 991, about 2.5 hours)
- From Eidfjord, a shuttle or taxi takes you to the waterfall viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October. The colors on the Hardangervidda plateau are fiery, and snow might already dust the peaks.(Sometimes winter begins early).
💡 Travel Tip: Combine this trip with a stop at Hardangervidda Nature Centre — open through autumn, explaining how glaciers shape Norway’s landscape.
3️⃣ Steinsdalsfossen (Norheimsund, Hardangerfjord)
Best for: Walk-behind waterfall experience
Steinsdalsfossen is unique — you can walk behind the curtain of water without getting wet! It’s 50 meters high and framed by trees that glow orange and yellow in October.
Getting There Without a Car:
- 🚆 Train: Bergen → Arna (15 min)
- 🚌 Bus: Arna → Norheimsund (Skyss 925, 1.5 h)
- The waterfall is just a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
Nearby: Norheimsund village, situated along Hardangerfjord, boasts cozy cafes ideal for rainy days.
Stay: Thon Hotel Sandven — historic and open through autumn.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit after rain — the water pressure doubles and creates a powerful mist.
4️⃣ Rjukandefossen (Hemsedal, Buskerud County)
Best for: Short, scenic hike with bridges and autumn forests
Hidden in the Hemsedal valley, Rjukandefossen is a double waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. In autumn, the surrounding birch forests turn bright yellow, and the wooden bridge across the canyon gives the perfect photo angle.
Getting There Without a Car:
- 🚆 Train: Oslo → Gol (on the Bergen Line, 3.5 h)
- 🚌 Bus: Gol → Hemsedal Sentrum (30 min)
- 🚶 Walk 3 km from the town center or take a local taxi.
Trail Length: 1.5 km round-trip, easy and family-friendly.
Nearby Stay: Hemsedal Cafe & Lodge or Fanitullen Hotel.
💡 Family Tip: There’s a picnic spot by the river with benches — perfect for lunch with a view.
5️⃣ Mardalsfossen (Eikesdal, Møre og Romsdal)
Best for: Remote beauty & Norway’s tallest accessible waterfall
Mardalsfossen is one of the tallest waterfalls in Northern Europe, with a combined drop of 705 meters. It’s only open part of the year because it’s part of a hydroelectric system — but in autumn, especially after heavy rain, it’s spectacular.
Getting There Without a Car:
- 🚆 Train: Oslo → Åndalsnes (via Dombås, 5.5 h)
- 🚌 Bus: Åndalsnes → Eikesdal (about 1.5 h, summer/autumn route)
- 🚶 Short walk (2 km) from the parking to the waterfall viewpoint.
Stay: Eikesdal Camping (basic cabins with fjord views, open until late October).
💡 Adventure Tip: Bring waterproof boots; the trail can be muddy after rainfall.
🌤️ Bonus: Other Lesser-Known Autumn Waterfalls
If you have more time, these are worth the detour:
- Tvindefossen (near Voss): Easy to reach, right off the main road.
- Kjelfossen (Gudvangen): Visible from the fjord ferry — one of Norway’s tallest free-falling waterfalls.
- Husedalen Valley (Kinsarvik): A moderate hike passing four waterfalls in one valley — best visited in early autumn.
🚆 How to Explore Norway’s Waterfalls Without a Car
Norway’s public transportation system is designed for travelers who prefer slow, scenic, eco-friendly journeys. You can connect trains, ferries, and buses with one digital pass.
🧭 Travel Tools You’ll Need
- Entur App: Combines all national transport routes (trains, ferries, and buses).
- Vy App: For train tickets (Oslo–Bergen line).
- Skyss App: Regional buses and ferries in Western Norway.
💡 Tip: Norway’s public transport is punctual but less frequent off-season — always check schedules a day before your trip.
🧳 What to Pack for Autumn Hiking in Norway
Autumn weather in Norway is moody — sunshine, rain, and fog can all happen in one day.
Here’s what you’ll need to stay comfortable and safe:
🧥 Clothing
- Waterproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
- Warm fleece or wool mid-layer
- Quick-dry hiking pants
- Merino wool socks (bring extra pairs!)
- Hat, gloves, and a lightweight scarf
- Waterproof hiking boots with a good grip
🎒 Essentials
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe)
- Thermos for coffee or tea
- Snacks or trail mix (a few shops near rural waterfalls)
- Portable phone charger
- Small first-aid kit
- Camera with waterproof pouch
💡 Photo tip: Autumn’s golden hours (10–11 AM and 4–6 PM) give soft lighting and vibrant colors for waterfall photography.
🏡 Where to Stay in Autumn (Fjord & Mountain Regions)
| Region | Suggested Stay | Price Range (EUR) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odda | Hardanger Hotel | 120–150 | Near Låtefossen, cozy & central |
| Eidfjord | Kinsarvik Camping | 70–100 | Cabins near the fjord |
| Bergen | Citybox Hotel | 90–120 | Easy base for day trips |
| Voss | Park Hotel Vossevangen | 100–130 | Scenic views & train access |
| Hemsedal | Fanitullen Hotel | 80–100 | Rustic, family-friendly |
💡 Budget tip: Off-season (Sept–Nov) prices are often 25–40% lower than in summer. Many hotels offer breakfast buffets, which is a great way to save on meals.
⚠️ Safety Tips for Autumn Hikes
- Check the weather daily. Use Yr.no (Norway’s official weather app).
- Daylight hours shorten fast in autumn — start hikes early.
- Trail conditions: Wet leaves and mud can be slippery; use trekking poles if needed.
- Avoid cliff edges near waterfalls — spray makes rocks slick.
- Emergency numbers:
- Medical/Fire: 113
- Police: 112
- Mountain rescue: 120
💡 Local rule: Always tell someone where you’re hiking, even for short trails.
📸 Why Off-Season Norway Deserves More Love
Autumn in Norway is an experience few travelers get to see — yet it’s unforgettable. You hear the echo of waterfalls instead of crowds, you find solitude on once-busy trails, and you witness the changing of the seasons in one of the purest environments on Earth.
Whether you’re an expat living here or a traveler chasing peace and nature, autumn is your secret window into Norway’s soul.
💬 Final Thoughts
Off-season travel in Western Norway is not just about saving money — it’s about seeing the country at its most natural. The fog, the rain, the soft light reflecting on wet rocks — it all feels intimate and alive.
So next time you think about visiting Norway, skip the summer rush.
Come in autumn, lace up your boots, breathe in the mountain air, and let the waterfalls remind you that beauty doesn’t always need sunshine.
🔗 Get to know more about Norway: Related topics you can check
- Ultimate Guide to Travelling & Living in Norway (2025 Edition)
- How to Travel Norway Fjords Without a Car (7-Day Budget Itinerary)
- Cost of Living as an Expat in Norway (2025 Breakdown)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, and if you use these links to buy the recommended products, we earn a small commission. Rest assured that it does not affect you as a customer.
