Låtefossen

What makes it special

Låtefossen is the main sight of the Odda Valley, often called the Valley of Waterfalls. Melting water comes down the mountainside in two separate streams, then gathers below and flows straight under the road. Cars crossing the bridge drive through the spray.

The old stone bridge was finished in 1859, and from then on tourists rode up from Odda by horse and carriage to see the falls. Its arches still carry the main road between Odda and Røldal, so the traffic crosses directly over the falling water.

High on the eastern side of the valley, the ruins of an old viewing café stand above the falls. They sit at the top of the old carriage road, which still climbs the mountainside from beside the bridge.

Visiting

From the small layby beside Road 13, you look up at the falls and the bridge. Watch the road while you do, because traffic passes close and fast. Photographers favour the early morning or late afternoon light here.

With more time, walk about 50 to 60 metres south of the bridge to the start of the old carriage road. It climbs the eastern mountainside to a viewpoint above the falls, beside the ruins of the viewing café.

From the top you look down on Låtefossen and across to a second waterfall, Espelandsfossen.

Tips

Bring water and a snack, because there are few facilities at the falls. Driving across the narrow bridge, expect slow traffic where drivers stop for photos.

Stop only where the signs in the area allow it, and keep the carriageway clear for through traffic. If the forecast promises rain, the falls will be fuller than usual.