Langfoss

We were able to view this waterfall from a couple of different main spots. One was from a bus stop along the E134 providing a panoramic view of both Åkrafjorden and Langfoss. From that vantage point, we could see the falls dwarf some of the structures near its base providing some visual clues as to its magnitude and grandeur.

The other way we saw the falls was from near its base. There was a large car park and we spent some time trying to take in the size of the falls as we were so close to it. I believe it was even spraying the road even though we didn't go further west. And admittedly, there might have been other walks and ways to get even closer to the falls, but we were content to view it from the car park area (though I'm now curious about the other ways to see the falls).

At the moment (at least when we were there in June 2005), the waterfall was unregulated, but given its volume. However, I guess it shouldn't have been surprising that we saw a sign near its base saying there were plans to develop hydroelectric schemes that would impact the falls (which would probably cause it to join other prominent Norwegian waterfalls that have already lost their status as being amongst the world's tallest). Despite there being some local opposition to such efforts, the ever-increasing energy demands and implications to the local economy can't be ignored. So there's no telling when this gorgeous waterfall might be gone.

Directions: From Odda, head south on Road 13 for 15km as it junctions with E134. Then, turn right (west) onto E134 as it heads southwest through the Åkra Fjord Tunnel (Åkrafjordtunnelen; nearly 20km from the Rv13/E134 junction). Beyond the tunnel, you can start to see the impressive falls (there is a bus stop on the right hand side of the road, where you can briefly pull over and take photos).

Proceeding further along E134, there is a large car park with a small snack bar, gift shop, and picnic tables near the bridge where E134 gets sprayed by the mist of the falls.

One thing to note about our visit (which would affect any visitor coming from the east to see the falls) was that there was a road toll station (bomstasjon) just in front of the waterfall. After paying the toll, then checking out the waterfall, we had to go through the toll station again to get back to the tunnel and the rest of Hordaland. And because we had to go through the toll station, we had to pay again (that's right, you have to pay the toll twice)! Given how expensive things were in Norway, that really HURT!

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Zoomed in on Langfoss as viewed from a bus stop not far from a tunnel

That blue sign was telling us there was a dreaded toll plaza 1km further east

A pair of waterfalls we noticed across a lake (I think is called Rullestadvatnet)

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