Elgåfossen

Älgafallet is a waterfall with a total drop of 46 metres, set right on the Swedish-Norwegian border. On the Swedish side it belongs to Tanum municipality in Bohuslän, and on the Norwegian side to Østfold county. In Norwegian it is called Elgåfossen. The nearest settlement is Vassbotten, close to the border line.

Where is Älgafallet and what makes it special?

The falls sit on a small tributary of the Enningdalsälven river, and the watercourse itself marks part of the boundary between the two countries. That makes it one of those places where a walk ends at the frontier and the water literally tumbles between nations. At 46 metres it is regarded as the highest waterfall in Bohuslän, the historic province on Sweden's west coast. Some visitor accounts also rank it among the largest in Sweden as a whole, though the safest claim is that it has no rival within its own region.

How do you get to the waterfall?

Driving is the easiest option. From the E6, take road 163 towards Bullarebygden, then near the village of Östad turn onto road 165 towards Halden. At Vassbotten, after crossing the border, continue for about one kilometre to reach the car park. Directions vary slightly between sources, so check a current map and local signage before you set off.

Can you reach it on foot?

Yes. The waterfall lies along the Bohusleden, the long-distance hiking trail of Bohuslän. Stage 23, running from Nornäs to Vassbotten, is about 13 kilometres long and ends near Älgafallet. If you do not plan the whole stage, the falls also make a shorter walk from the car park. A footbridge above the top of the falls is described in trail notes as the official border crossing, so you can step from one country into the other.

When should you visit for the most water?

The flow changes through the year, and it shapes the whole experience. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, as are the days after heavy rain, when the water is powerful and loud. In a dry summer the stream can shrink to a modest trickle. It is still a pretty spot, but not a dramatic cascade. If the spectacle matters to you, time your visit after rainfall.

Practical tips

• Wear sturdy shoes, since paths near the falls and along the Bohusleden can be wet and rocky.
• Carry photo ID in case you cross the border while driving.
• Allow extra time if you want to combine the visit with a section of the Bohusleden or a walk over the footbridge to the Norwegian side.
• Check the forecast and recent rainfall to know how much water to expect.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Älgafallet? The total drop is 46 metres.

Which country is the waterfall in? It lies on the Sweden-Norway border: in Tanum municipality on the Swedish side and in Østfold county on the Norwegian side.

Does the waterfall have another name? Yes, in Norwegian it is Elgåfossen.

Is it just as impressive in summer? Not necessarily. In a dry summer the flow can be very small, so spring, autumn or the period after rain is a better choice.

Can you hike here? Yes, the falls are along stage 23 of the Bohusleden trail, between Nornäs and Vassbotten.