The trail is following waterfall Vinnufossen in Norway, offering spectacular views on the waterfall as well as on the valley and surrounding mountains. According to information boards, it is 6th tallest waterfall in the world. There is ongoing project to build steps all the way to the top of the waterfall. Nepalese sherpas build every steps and when they finish, it will be longest staircase build by Nepalese sherpas in the world. The project is sponsored by private donors as well as businesses or organisations. In 2024 the project was still ongoing and the plan is to build steps all the way to the top of the waterfall.
If you have payment method Vips you can also “purchase a step” and have your name engraved and support this project. More information about the project HERE
GETTING THERE
Oslo – 460km (6h)
Bergen – 600km (8h 50min)
Trondheim – 180km (2h 40 min)
By car: Park at the free public parking on Sunndalsvegen, about 200m away from the trail head. Alternatively you can park at many of the parking spaces within Sunndalsora village.
By public transport: There are no busses going directly to the waterfall. Depending on the direction, you will need to stop either in village Holland or Lokkjabekken and then walk over 1km to the trail. Detailed planning HERE
Camper/ Van overnight stay: I have stayed at Sunndalsora marina. 200NOK including electricity, payment only in cash or Vipps. No showers, 1 public toilet. No website.
By bike/on foot: From Sunndalsora there is 6km bike path along road 70 from the village right to the waterfall. It is mostly flat, except just before the parking lot, you will tackle smaller hill. You can also walk/run this path. If you travel on foot, I recommend taking the small trail along river Driva for the first 2 km from Sunndalsora, it is much more enjoyable and only slightly longer.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
It is short and easy trail, no navigation is required. At the parking, there is a sign and after about 200m there is another sign towards the waterfall, from here it is single trail without any turns.
TRAIL DETAILS
Enjoy short but steep hike on fully man-made trail. First there is a gravel portion, which is easy enough, except in some parts the incline is very steep. After short while the trail changes into stone steps and continues in zig zag pattern until the end. The steps are somewhat similar size and height, but not precisely, but in general are nicely spaced. There are wide enough for about 3 people, so no problem with people passing up or down. There are couple stops/stone benches to enjoy views and catch breath. In summer 2024 there were about 600-700 steps, ending at nice view point of Vinnufossen. The trail is closed over winter period for safety, generally from October to May, subject to change, so keep this in mind. The steps might be slippery after heavy rain, might be ok after light rain.
WALKING FROM SUNNDALSORA
As mentioned, you can get to the waterfall Vinnufossen easily on foot or by bike from Sunndalsora. The bike path is following road 70 on left side. It is somewhat flat but with couple of smaller hills, but still doable even if you are not used to climbs on bike. If you travel on foot, there is really nice trail along river Driva starting at the bridge in Sunndalsora. It is flat dirt path offering great views. No problem to join the bike path where the trail ends, by crossing road 70. I do not recommend doing the trail on bike as it does turn into very narrow single path and there might be people walking.
Tree coverage: There is tree coverage almost the whole way, once more steps are build, there might not be any higher up.
Geocaching: There are is one geocache or no Adventure labs.
Dogs: Dogs could do this hike if they are able to walk up and down stairs and they must be leashed.
Shoes recommendation: Can be completed in trail runners or any other sports shoes.
FACILITIES
Restroom: At Vinnufossen parking lot
Restaurants: Small kiosk at the parking lot or at Sunndalsora
Shops: At Sunndalsora
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I completed this hike August 2024 on Wednesday. It was cloudy, around 19 degrees with some wind. There were a lot of people, this is popular hike.
I run from Sunndalsora to Vinnufossen parking lot, I did not meet anyone on the bike/walking path.
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