Overview
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Vettisfossen hike overview
13 km
200 m
500 m
3 to 4 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
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About the hike
You can choose to either walk to the top or the bottom of the waterfall. The total hike, both to the top and to the bottom, is around 13 km (6,5 km one way). The first part of the hike is easy and quite flat, but don’t underestimate the second part.
Let us tell you more about the hike to this magnificent waterfall through the gorgeous Utladal Valley. We only hiked to the bottom of the waterfall so we will only focus on this hike.
The hike can be divided into two parts. The first part goes from Hjelle to Vetti Gard and it’s the easy part of the hike. Both hiking to the top and to the bottom have this trail in common.
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Vettisfossen waterfall hike
Hjelle to Vetti Gard
You start your hike at the impressive Hjellefossen. From here you follow a well-groomed road for about 5,5km until Vetti Gard.
After the first 600 m, you will pass Utladalen Naturhus, where you can have a look at some artifacts of the history of the area. The hike continues along the Utla river. One kilometer further than Utladalen Naturhus, you will pass another gigantic waterfall: the Avdalsfossen.
After hiking two kilometers from the Avdalsfossen you will see the third major waterfall along the trail, called Hyljefossen. This is where the first (short but steep) ascent begins. When you reach the top, the path descents again and you will hike in the middle of this beautiful valley with multiple waterfalls plunging down into the valley.
After walking another 20 minutes you will have to ascent a second time to reach Vetti farm.
Vetti Gard to Vettisfossen
When you’ve reached Vetti farm, you have the choice to continue your hike to the bottom or the top of Vettisfossen. From this point, we decided to hike further to the bottom of the waterfall, because we wanted to see the full size of it.
You follow the sign indicating the path to the bottom (1km). This path continues between the trees, where eventually you start descending along a very steep and rocky path. When you have reached the level of the Utla River, the path flattens out again. After hiking on this flat but rocky path for about 30 minutes you will arrive at a plume of mist and the impressive Vettisfossen will appear behind the cliff.
The return
To get back to the beginning, you will have to hike the same way back. Keep in mind that the part from Vettisfossen to Vetti Gard will be tougher than the way out, as you will now have to climb the steep and rocky path. After the climb, you will arrive back at Vetti Gard, from where you follow the groomed road back to the car park at Hjellefossen. The way back is as interesting as the way out as you will see this impressive valley from the other way around and notice even more waterfalls plunging down into the valley.
Best time to visit
The best time to hike to Vettisfossen is from June until September or even early October. Hiking conditions will be pleasant, depending on the weather conditions and the amount of snow.
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How to get there
There is a parking lot at Hjellefossen. This is where the trail to Vettisfossen starts as well. In this parking lot, you will find toilets that you can use before you start the walk.
The easiest way to get there is by car or camper.
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Tips & Safety
Important hiking tips!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
