Visitors to one of the most dramatic waterfalls in Norway will soon be able to experience a brand new thrilling view of it, thanks to a staircase spanning the gorge it thunders through.
This is the dramatic Vøringsfossen waterfall bridge, a newly opened tourist attraction offering incredible views of the spectacular landscape near Eifjord in Hardanger, western Norway.
Here's a look at this architectural marvel above the Vøringsfossen waterfall, which was the most visited natural attraction in Norway in 2018 and is situated close to Eifjord.
The recently opened Vøringsfossen bridge climbs over the dramatic, 535-foot Vøringsfossen waterfall. This structure provides an altogether more adrenalin-pumping perspective of Voringsfossen. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
The 154ft-long construction has been designed by architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk. The project has been over a decade in the making. Hølmebakk’s team began working on the bridge in 2015 and had to call in helicopters to help with construction due to the difficult terrain. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
The bridge has 99 steps and a range of 47 metres and has an acute angle, because the two sides of the gorge it connects have a height difference of 52ft. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
The bridge connects the two sides of the valley, giving visitors a bird's eye view of the waterfall. It is part of a larger project around the area, which will eventually include an accessible footpath and café. The first phase of the project was completed in 2018 and included viewpoints, paths, a parking lot and service facilities near the Fossli Hotel, which is located at the top of the waterfall. By 2021, new viewpoints and paths will be added. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
Speaking about the construction, Visit Norway said in a statement: "The development of the tourist icon Voringsfossen 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." Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
It's suitable for children and older people, but it is not wheelchair friendly. Hølmebakk says there is an accessible foothpath currently under development as part of the larger project. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
The eyecatching, floating-on-air design is inspired by Norwegian folklore and the country's Romantic tradition, says Hølmebakk. Turning this concept into a reality wasn't easy -- alongside more conventional building methods, the team had to use helicopters and mountaineers. Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
This bridge will also be a perfect backdrop for some gorgeous Instagram photos, so watch out! Photograph: Courtesy of Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk
