Places with a story
Vettisfossen
Vettisfossen drops in a free fall of 275 metres in Utladalen, a mountain valley in Årdal. Reaching it is part of the experience: the route passes from Hjelle along a valley road to Vetti before continuing on a walking path towards the waterfall.
The place1
The waterfall belongs to a landscape of steep rock walls, rivers and former mountain farms. A view from the valley floor emphasises the height of the falling water, while an upper viewpoint offers a different perspective. These are distinct routes, and the climb to the upper area should not be confused with the approach to the bottom of the waterfall.
History and local connections12
Norges vassdrags- og energidirektorat records that Vettisfossen received legal protection in 1924 under the nature-protection law of 1910. The decision responded to the growing use of waterfalls for hydropower. The access road known as Folkevegen was built between 1973 and 1977 through a major community effort, connecting local history with the present walking approach.
What to look for1
Follow the route description from Hjelle towards Vetti and notice how the valley opens and narrows around the river. The waterfall can be experienced from the lower approach or a separately planned climb to the upper viewpoint. The visitor authority describes a guarded viewing platform above; barriers are there for safety and must not be crossed to improve a photograph.
Planning a visit1
Read Visit Årdal's route information before setting out, check weather and assess the distance and terrain against your ability. The waterfall is reached on foot, not by simply driving to its base. Choose the lower or upper route deliberately, wear suitable footwear and allow enough time for the return through the valley.
Sources
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