Stalheimfossen:
While driving down the famous Stalheimskleiva, a road with so many curves, one can have good view of both Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen. At the first curve of the Stalheimskleiva there is a nice view on the Stalheimsfossen. After the 2nd curve, at every curve we can see the Stalheimsfossen or the Sivlefossen. As there would be other vehicles behind, it was hard to stop in the Stalheimklevia road to have a closer view of the waterfalls. So we had decided to come back again when we first descended the Stalheimklevia road.
At Gudvangen Camp got some maps of places around. After going through several maps, we realized that it is possible to visit Stalheimfossen by walk. We drove till Stalheimklevia road and parked our car in the parking lot near to E16 just at the end of Stalheimklevia. We wanted to climb up the Stalheimklevia road till Stalheim Hotel. As we started climbing up, we realized it was difficult. It was difficult not only because of being steep, but also because of the vehicles which passed by. After climbing 2 curves, our enthusiasm to climb up till Stalheimfossen was over. So we decided to climb down and walk to Stalheimfossen.
If you see the river towards the bottom in the below picture, there is a narrow path on the side along the river. This path leads to the Waterfall “Stalheimfossen”.
The way was so beautiful with green ferns and moose on the Stones, it felt like a fairytale. The river was flowing with fierce force. There was absolutely no other human being other than 4 of us.
At times, we got bit scared thinking, what if a Wolf or some wild animal comes on our way! Because the formations of the stones and moose seemed like little caves. But the desire to go near the Stalheimfossen Waterfall was much stronger than our fears.
At some places it looked like there was a competition between the Water and the Stones about who is stronger.
The Waterfall was at its full Glory. End of June and Beginning of July seems to be the best time to visit this waterfalls, which we came to know later. We had seen pictures of this waterfall while planning our trip. But we had not expected it to be so magnificent.
As we neared the Waterfall, the whole area was covered with mist. It was so hard to use my Camera as every 2-3 seconds had to wipe off water droplets. focusing was so difficult. So much mist that it felt like Rain. There was a view platform near the waterfall. But it was almost impossible to reach it without getting ourselves drenched and it was bit scary too. The mist seemed like the shower of blessings from Nature and all of us wanted to get those blessings and we got ourselves drenched. I do not know if we are going to experience the same if we visit this place again. But this experience was so devine, cant express in words.
And it was time to return as more places were awaiting us.