Vettisfossen

Vettisfossen drops 275 metres in a single unbroken fall into the Utladalen valley, and because the river is not dammed anywhere upstream it is the tallest free-falling waterfall in Norway that runs at natural volume all year. It was protected by royal decree in 1924, one of the earliest conservation acts in the country. There is no road: the walk in from Hjelle takes about two hours along a track through a steep-sided protected valley, past the old farm at Vetti which now serves as a lodge, then a final climb to a viewpoint at the top or a path to the base. The valley is a landscape protection area within the Jotunheimen fringe, with old farms and paths that predate any road.

What you actually see

• The 275-metre free fall - an unbroken, unregulated drop.
• Utladalen - a narrow protected valley with steep walls.
• Vetti farm - an old mountain farm on the route, now a lodge.
• The viewpoints - paths to both the base and the top of the fall.

When to go

June to September, when the path is clear and the lodge open; flow is highest with the June snowmelt. Autumn brings colour to the valley. Winter access is not maintained.

Honest expectations

The walk in and out is four hours minimum before any detours, on a track that is rough in places with steep sections near the fall. There is no vehicle access at all. Spray soaks the lower viewpoint in high water, and the upper path has unfenced drops.

Nearby

Ovre Ardal lies at the valley mouth; Turtagro, Hurrungane and the Sognefjell road are north.