Låtefossen is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. Located in Oddadalen, or Odda Valley, this is one of the most accessible waterfalls. It’s right off of Norwegian National Road 13 (E13). This waterfall begins as two separate streams coming from Låtevatnet cascading down the rock wall before joining and flowing underneath the road. It’s seriously a spectacular sight. If you’re driving into Odda (perhaps to hike Trolltunga?) this is something you can’t miss.
The best time to visit is early summer after the snowmelt while the falls are raging. Right now it’s still a little baby. E13 is one of the most scenic highways to drive if you’re into chasing waterfalls; several waterfalls are located right off the highway! I kept whipping my head back and forth in the car to make sure I didn’t miss any. Most of them don’t have turnouts or access roads which is a bit of a bummer! The 2-lane road is a little too narrow to stop safely to snap photos. Driving in Norway is a little scary, guys.
The first waterfall you encounter is on the left side of the road and is also quite spectacular. I’m not sure if it has a name. There’s no turnout for this waterfall, but to the right of Låtefossen there is a set of small switchbacks that will take you to the top of the falls. Here you can snap shots of the first waterfall without fear of being hit by a car before continuing up higher. Låtefossen is the second waterfall you’ll pass on this drive up into Odda if you’re coming from the south. Luckily, this has a turnout and a little snack shack that’s open in the summer.
We stayed in the Trolltunga Hotel just outside of Odda Sentrum at the north end of Sandvevatnet. It’s right next to the river Opo that flows into Sørfjorden. Visitors can choose from hostel-style rooms, individual rooms with a shared bathroom, or rooms with private bathrooms that’ll run you anywhere from 250-1350NOK. They’re not the fanciest digs, but they’re clean, inexpensive, and close to all the nature the Hardangerfjord area has to offer.
