Home
Blog
Search Site
Sitemap

Special Topics
Books
Equipment
Movies & TV
Photography Tips
FAQ
Waterfalls 101
Featured Articles

World's Best Waterfalls
Top 10 Waterfalls
Regional Top 10 Lists
The SoCal Top 10
Tallest Waterfalls
Iguazu Falls
Victoria Falls
Niagara Falls
Plitvice Waterfalls
Angel Falls

Waterfalls
In The USA

Regions
American Southwest
Pacific Northwest
Eastern US
Special States California
Hawaii
New York
Oregon
Special Parks Yosemite
Yellowstone

Waterfalls
Around The World

The Americas
Canada
Caribbean
Latin America

Asia
Asia
China
Japan
Thailand
India

Oceania
Australia
New Zealand
South Pacific

Europe and Africa
Europe
Iceland
Norway
Africa

Waterfall Community
Travel Stories
Contributions
Share A Story
About Us
Contact Us
Advertise Here
Links
Updates
 

Skykkjedalsfossen

Looking up at Skykkjedalsfossen



Skykkjedalsfossen (I think it's pronounced "SKIK-sheh-dahls-foss-un") is an impressive waterfall deep in the narrow Sima Valley (Simadalen). I've also seen this waterfall called Skytjefossen as well as Skykkjefossen (again reinforcing that idiosyncracy of Norwegian waterfalls where many of them have many different names and spellings). Although the falls are said to be regulated (to help feed the Sima Power Plant, which is said to have an output power that is one of the largest in
Norway), the flow was still impressive when we saw it during our June 2005 trip. I can only imagine how much crazier the waterfall would've been had it been allowed to flow freely.

In terms of dimensions, this waterfall was said to have a plunge of 300m (which would've made it one of the highest in the land) along with a 605m total drop. Now when Julie and I saw the falls, I wasn't so sure that these numbers were true, but then again, we couldn't say for sure unless we would be able to employ a way to measure it.

Even though the falls was roadside, we were a little annoyed with the power lines getting in the way. So we scrambled beneath the power lines and pylons to get a better view.

In my research, I also learned that there was a trail leaving the valley at Løfall Falls leading to Skytjedal Lake (Skytjedalsvatnet) – the lake sourcing Skykkjedal Falls. Apparently there were even more waterfalls further up that trail such as Rembedalsfossen. However, given the nature of regulation to generate hydroelectric power in the area, I wasn't so sure the hikes would be worth it if they were regulated anyways. The uncertainty alone would be enough for me not to try it if we were to come back next time.

Directions: From Eidfjord, we took a county road that followed Simadalsfjorden east to Simadalen. Continuing east through the valley, we passed by the turnoff for Kjeåsen and some scattered residential homes before the road started to become narrow and unpaved. After a few minutes of driving on the unpaved road, we eventually saw Skykkjedalsfossen to our right besides some hideous power lines and pylons.

If you're curious, the unpaved road eventually ends near the head of Simadalen at Løfallfossen (which was practically trickling due to regulation apparently).

[Back to top]

A pair of thin waterfalls at the head of SimadalenA pair of thin waterfalls at the head of Simadalen

Another look at Skykkjedalsfossen from the roadAnother look at the Skykkjedalsfossen from the road; note the annoying power lines and the power pylon

[Back to top]


View Larger Map



TRIP REPORTS
For more information about our experiences with this waterfall, check out the following travel stories.

GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCES


NEARBY WATERFALLS




Have You Been To This Waterfall?

Share your experience!

Click here to see visitor comments for this waterfall

Click here to see visitor comments for other waterfalls that we've visited in this region

Click here to go to the Comments Main Page

Enter Your Title



[Back to top]

[Go to the Hordaland Waterfalls Page]

[Go to the Norway Page]


[Return from Skykkjedalsfossen to the World of Waterfalls Home Page]






FOLLOW US ON:   Facebook   Twitter


There's lots to say about Norway and its waterfalls. Click on one of the following links to jump to the section you're interested in...

If you like this page,
you might also like...

Hordaland Waterfalls
Hordaland Waterfalls

Norway Waterfalls
Norway Waterfalls

Norway's Top 10 Waterfalls
Norway's Top 10

Europe Waterfalls
Europe Waterfalls

Other Norwegian Attractions
Other Norwegian
Attractions

Norway Travel Stories
Norway Travel Stories

A Waterfalling Adventure
Tell YOUR Story!


Featured Visitor Stories
or Comments


Vettisfossen Cairn
You're right about the protruding rock that obscures the best views but having trekked there we thought we might try and get a little closer...[more]


Norway Family
When my father was alive, his family in Norway contacted him, stating that he had a lot of family there. His father came to the states at age 17 by himself...[more]


Ken Foshaug
My last name is derived from this area of Norway. Foshaug - Fos meaning waterfall and haug meaning hill. My Great-great-great grandfather moved...[more]


Explore the
World of Waterfalls

World of Waterfalls Map
See Where We've Been!

Top 10 Waterfalls
The World's Top 10

Waterfalls FAQ
Waterfalls FAQ

Waterfalls 101
Waterfalls 101

World of Waterfalls: An Emotive Journey
Take an Emotive Journey!


Waterfalls Blog


Weather