Skrikjofossen

Skrikjofossen is a waterfall in Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland county, western Norway. It drops from the edge of the Hardanger Plateau toward the fjord, roughly 3.5 kilometres southeast of the village of Lofthus. Its total height is about 455 metres (1,493 ft), with the tallest single drop measuring around 260 metres (850 ft). It ranks among the highest and most dramatic falls in this part of Hardanger.

Where is Skrikjofossen?

The falls sit above Lofthus, a small village on the eastern shore of the Sørfjord, an arm of the Hardangerfjord. The region is known for its apple and cherry orchards, and steep mountain walls rise directly behind the village. The water comes down those walls. Reaching Lofthus is easy; getting closer to the falls means walking.

How tall is it?

The water descends from the plateau in several steps. A combined height of about 455 metres is striking, and the tallest single drop of roughly 260 metres is impressive even by Norwegian standards. Different publications give slightly different figures depending on how the cascades are measured. The name is sometimes spelled Krikjofossen.

Does the waterfall run all year?

Not with the same force. The drainage area above the falls is small, so for most of the year the flow is modest. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when snowmelt from the plateau feeds the stream and the falls look their best.

How do you get up there?

Trails climb the slope from Lofthus. The best known is the historic route to the plateau, called the Monk's Steps. From the campsite in Lofthus, a path marked with a red T leads up to the top of the falls and on toward Nosi, at about 950 metres. The round trip takes around five hours, so bring sturdy shoes, water and an extra layer for changing weather.

A gentler option is the river valley route, Elvedalen, about 5.6 km long with roughly 214 metres of elevation gain, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. Check current conditions before setting out: the bridge over the river has been closed after a landslide, though part of the route remained open.

What else is nearby?

The neighbouring waterfall Opofossen lies next to Skrikjofossen, and visitors usually see both on the same outing. In Lofthus itself, the orchards and the fjord shore are worth a stop, and the village is a good base for further trips around Hardanger.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Skrikjofossen? In Ullensvang Municipality, Vestland, about 3.5 km southeast of Lofthus.

How tall is it? About 455 m in total, with a tallest single drop of around 260 m.

When should I go? Spring and early summer, when the flow is strongest.

How long is the hike? The full route from Lofthus toward Nosi takes about five hours round trip; the river valley route takes 1.5 to 2 hours.