Hjellefossen

Utladalen was our introduction into Jotunheimen National Park. Jotunheimen (pronounced "YOOT-un-hai-mun") I believe translates as "Home of the Giants," which is probably in reference to the tall mountains in the park. But as you can see from this waterfall, the mountains weren't the only things that were tall! Another thing about Utladalen is that it apparently has the highest concentration of unregulated waterfalls in Norway, and the fact it sits in the national park is a good sign that it might remain that way for some time to come.

Directions: The nearest town is the aluminum producing Øvre Årdal (Upper Årdal), which is 41km northeast of Lærdalsøyri. From Øvre Årdal, you leave Rv53 and head northeast along a county road 8km into the Utla Valley where a car park sits near Hjelle. There's a car park right across from Hjellefossen next to the turf restroom on the left side of the road.

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Approaching the waterfall from the road

My wife checking out the towering falls

Direct and misty view from the bridge (and cropping out the power lines above)

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TRIP REPORTS

• June 28, 2005

GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCES

NEARBY WATERFALLS

• Avdalsfossen
• Vettisfossen
• Other Utladalen Waterfalls

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