Skrikjofossen and Opofossen
Skrikjofossen and Opofossen are a pair of towering waterfalls rushing their way down from the Hardanger Plateau (or Hardangervidda) towards the Sør Fjord by the town of Lofthus. Skrikjofossen is the waterfall you're probably going to get the most satisfying views of because it conspicuously plunges off the cliff in two gaudy tiers. However, it's lower sections are obstructed so it beckons you closer to get a better view (not an easy task however). There is a somewhat easy trail in Elvedalen, but just driving through the maze of unpaved roads to get to its trailhead can be a challenge. We had to ask around after getting lost several times. The cascading Opofossen, if you count its overall loss of elevation, is amongst the tallest waterfalls in Norway. It has several constituent waterfalls (among them is one called Rjukandefossen) so you may see it under different names or understandings. But the frustrating thing about this waterfall is you're probably only going to get a partial view of its lowest cascades unless you take one of the strenuous trails that climb above Lofthus towards Hardangervidda (one such trail is the Monk Stairs or Munkestreppene). I haven't tried them so I can't guarantee that you'll get a better view of it. If you do try, you might also have to be careful of cliff exposure as I've read about someone falling to his death here. Personally, I'm on the fence about trying such a hike, but I'll need to do more research before I decide on a future Norway trip. Tell us about your experience with this waterfall. [Back to top] [Go to previous waterfall: Ædnafossen] [Go to next waterfall: The Husedalen Waterfalls] [Go to the Hordaland Waterfalls Page] [Go to the Norway Page] [Return from Skrikjofossen and Opofossen to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]
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Focused on Skrikjofossen
Partial view of Opofossen from the bridge in Elvedalen
View of Skrikjofossen from a short scramble beyond the bridge over the Opo River in Elvedalen
