Norway’s new bridge gives epic views of Vøringsfossen waterfall

Those crossing a new bridge erected in Norway will be treated to amazing views from on high. The footbridge crosses the canyon 50m above the Vøringsfossen waterfall, which was the most visited natural attraction in Norway in 2018 and is situated close to Eifjord.

The recently-opened bridge has 99 steps and a range of 47 meters, and it has been over a decade in the making. Its designer is architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk, and the construction represents a long tradition of exploring the fields between architecture, technology, infrastructure and nature. “Several conditions have influenced the shape of the bridge," he says. "The construction needs to safe and solid; the bridge needs to connect with the old, historic road and the landscape; and of course emphasize the views and experiences.”

Vøringsfossen is perhaps the best-known waterfall in Norway, with vast quantities of water plunging 182 metres down from the Hardangervidda plateau to the Måbødalen valley. The bridge connects the two sides of the valley, giving visitors a bird's eye view of the waterfall. It is part of a larger project around the area, which will eventually include an accessible footpath and café. The first phase of the project was completed in 2018 and included viewpoints, paths, a parking lot and service facilities near the Fossli Hotel, which is located at the top of the waterfall. By 2021, new viewpoints and paths will be added.

The bridge was opened by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration as a new Norwegian Scenic Routes attraction. For further information on the area, check out Visit Norway's website here.

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