Skykkjedalsfossen (Eidfjord, Hordaland, Norway)

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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).

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A pair of thin waterfalls at the head of Simadalen

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

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