Steinsdalsfossen is a 50-metre waterfall on the Steinselva river, just north of Norheimsund in Kvam municipality — about 80 kilometres east of Bergen by road. What makes it unusual is a maintained path that leads behind the falling water, letting you stand inside the waterfall rather than in front of it. It is one of the most visited waterfalls in western Norway and one of the most accessible: a direct bus from Bergen drops you within walking distance in roughly 80 minutes, and the path behind the falls requires no special footwear or fitness.
Walking behind the falls
The path from the car park to the falls takes about five minutes on flat ground. A stepped walkway then climbs alongside the waterfall to a viewing platform, and from there a narrow path — wet, but not slippery if you take reasonable care — runs directly behind the curtain of falling water. The view looking out through the falls across the valley is the one most people photograph. The water temperature is cold year-round; wear something you don't mind getting damp. The whole circuit, including the path behind the falls, takes about 20–30 minutes.
Combining with Norheimsund
Norheimsund is the nearest town, about 2 kilometres from the falls along the main road. It sits on the south shore of Hardangerfjord and has a harbour, a handful of cafés, and the starting point for Hardangerfjord boat trips in season. The combination of Steinsdalsfossen and a short walk along the Norheimsund waterfront makes for a satisfying half-day from Bergen. If you have a car, the Hardanger landscape along Rv7 east from Norheimsund — apple orchards, small fishing villages, and views of the fjord — is worth driving further into.
Getting there from Bergen
By bus: the Hardanger express (Skyss route 990) runs from Bergen bus station (Bystasjonen) to Norheimsund in approximately 80 minutes. The bus stops at or near Steinsdalsfossen — check with the driver, as the stop is right by the falls on the main road. Return buses run through the afternoon; check skyss.no for the current timetable and plan your return before leaving Bergen. By car: take E39 south from Bergen, then follow signs onto Rv7 east toward Norheimsund — approximately 80 kilometres, about 1 hour.