The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has opened a new National Scenic Routes attraction with a staircase bridge over the Vøringsfossen waterfall in the Hardangerfjord region.
Vøringsfossen is perhaps the best-known waterfall in Norway, with vast quantities of water plunging 182 metres down from the Hardangervidda plateau to the Måbødalen valley. The waterfall and the dramatic transition between fjord and mountain plateau make for a majestic impression.
The bridge is designed by architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk, and the construction represents a long tradition of exploring the fields between architecture, technology, infrastructure and nature.
“Several conditions have influenced the shape of the bridge. The construction needs to safe and solid; the bridge needs to connect with the old, historic road and the landscape; and of course emphasize the views and experiences” says Hølmebakk. The bridge has a range of 47 metres and has 99 steps.
The development of the tourist icon Vøringsfossen has happened step by step over several years to make sure that visitors and the local tourism industry can enjoy the project as it is being finished. The first leg of the project was finished in 2018 and included viewpoints, paths, parking lot and service facilities near the Fossli Hotel. By 2021, there will be new viewpoints and paths added.