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Vettisfossen

Vettisfossen





Vettisfossen was definitely the main waterfall of the Utla Valley (Utladalen) as far as we were concerned. It's said to have a freefalling drop of 275m freefall making it the
tallest unregulated freefalling waterfall in Norway. I had read that Utladalen contained the highest concentration of major unregulated waterfalls in the country, and after having seen Hjellefossen and Avdalsfossen on the way here, we can certain vouch for the vigor of the waterfalls here. But perhaps more impressive was the ability to exercise constraint in not regulating this area despite hydroelectricity being the main source of power in the country. Keep in mind that this happened back in 1924. So kudos to those with the foresight to keep this place relatively unspoiled by man.

The overall hike was about 5-6km taking us a little over 4 hours.

Sti til VettiFrom the official car park for the public (residents can drive further; see directions below), we walked past a couple of bridges as well as past Avdalsfossen. Beyond that falls, we had to pass through a rockfall-prone area before crossing another bridge (that one's gated, but you can open and close it). A little over another kilometer further from the bridge, the trail started to ascend noticeably. It was along this stretch that we noticed a primitive path that said, "sti til Vetti" (Path to Vetti). We opted to stay on the main road eventually getting to the village after about 45 minutes or so of walking.

Steep descent down to the Utla River beyond VettiWe took a pretty obvious path from Vetti village to the falls that hugged the Utla River eventually leading to the waterfall's base. I think we took around 60 minutes or so of walking from the village to the falls. But the only problem with the view from the bottom of Vettisfossen was that we couldn't get to see the entire falls thanks to protruding cliffs on the bottom. I was real tempted to get my feet drenched by crossing the rushing stream on the rocky streambed, but I decided against it (and therefore be content with the view you see at the top of this page).

While we were a little gassed from all the walking, we didn't consider (actually we had forgotten) an attractive alternative trail that led to the top of Vettisfossen. This trail left from Vetti but would climb steeply allowing for some top-down views of the falls. We didn't try this, but this might be something we might try next time...

Directions: Follow the directions given on our Hjellefossen page then continue another 400m along the county road beyond that waterfall. The road will end at a car park meant for public day use. Even though the road continues to descend towards the river, it's meant for residents and a manned barricade is there blocking you from driving further. So you'll have to hoof it the rest of the way on foot.

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Rockfall-prone section of trackRockfall-prone section of track

Gated bridgeGated bridge

Lots of waterfalls along this trail as we headed to VettiLots of waterfalls along this trail as we headed to Vetti

Vetti up aheadVetti up ahead

The trail continuing beyond VettiThe trail continuing beyond Vetti

Julie walking awkwardly along the primitive trail beside the riverJulie walking awkwardly along the primitive trail beside the river

Finally, almost by VettisfossenFinally, almost by Vettisfossen!

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

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Vettisfossen Cairn  starstarstarstarstar
Hello there,

Have been admiring your site and the huge amount of waterfalls you and your wife have managed to tick off around the globe - very impressive,...

Norway 1970 (Vettisfossen)  Not rated yet
'an hour later found us in the only pasture in the Vetti mountains, or so it seemed. We all sat down for a rest and the sun came out. It was lovely. I ...



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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]


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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]


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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]


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