Langfoss, Vestland

Stunning waterfall within easy access of the main road with parking and a path to the top.

What´s your position on waterfalls? I love them – especially when they are dramatic, long and accessible. In the case of Langfoss (Langfossen) on the E134 just outside the village of Fjæra, Etne municipality, Vestland, this ticks all the boxes. Conveniently situated literally right next to the main road, it falls 612 m down (the fifth tallest in the country and we have a fair few!) into the beautiful Åkrafjord at the bottom, twisting and turning over the latter parts, awesome and dramatic at the top.

We didn´t have time or inclination to climb to the top the couple of times we have driven past it this past year, but I think we should next time. From the car park across the road, where there are toilet facilities, a kiosk and a picnic area with views both up the fall and across the fjord, there´s a clearly marked path, both up to a halfway viewpoint where you apparently have the best view of the waterfall. Should you continue to the top you´ll get an amazing view back down and across the Åkrafjord and over to the Folgefonna glacier in the distance – a 4-5 hour trip there and back.

And, for those travelling from Oslo >< Haugesund it makes a perfect milestone stop to break your journey. And talking of stones, the picnic area also contains a mini outdoor geology museum, showing the stunning rock types to be found in the area. This is a definite must see place if you are in the region.