Pikefossen

Pikefossen is a waterfall on the Kautokeino-Alta River in Norway's Finnmark region, a few dozen kilometres northeast of the town of Kautokeino. It drops about 8 metres but spans roughly 75 to 100 metres across, so it looks more like a broad curtain of water than a tall fall. It sits right beside the road, making it one of the easiest stops between Kautokeino and Alta.

Where is Pikefossen and how do you get there?

The falls lie on the Finnmarksvidda plateau, in the heart of Sami country, just north of Kautokeino. A parking area serves the site, and a short path leads down towards the riverbed. The walk takes a few minutes and needs no hiking experience. It combines naturally with a drive on towards Alta and the Alta canyon.

What is the legend behind the name?

In Sami the waterfall is called Nieidagorzi. The place is tied to a story about a young reindeer herder who lost her entire herd when the animals drowned. In one version the reindeer crossed unsafe ice above the falls. According to the tale, her employer, in anger, threw her into the waterfall. Another version says she was sealed in a barrel that floated all the way down to Alta. Details vary, and the name of the place is often linked to this story.

What should you know before visiting?

• There is a picnic area with toilets, so a longer break is easy.
• Summer is the best time to go. In winter, snow can make access and parking tricky.
• The wide ledge of water photographs well from the riverbank, especially in low sun.
• The surroundings are open tundra, so bring a windproof layer even on warm days.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pikefossen? About 8 metres, with a width of 75 to 100 metres.

Is the walk difficult? No. A short path leads from the car park to the riverbed.

Are there facilities? Yes, a picnic area and toilets.

When should I go? In summer. Winter snow can make parking awkward.

What does the Sami name mean? Nieidagorzi is the Sami name of the falls, linked to the local legend of the reindeer herder.

Pikefossen is a good short stop for anyone travelling through Finnmark who wants a taste of Lapland scenery and a local story. A visit rarely takes more than an hour and offers a break from driving across the open, austere landscape of northern Norway. It works best as part of a longer route across the plateau, together with other stops around Kautokeino and Alta, such as Sami cultural sites or a pause at the Alta canyon. That way a brief visit to the falls fits into a fuller picture of the region.