Steinelvfossen waterfall in Norddalen

Steinelva is located deep in Norddalen, in the mighty mountain landscape east of Narvik. The waterfall is not primarily known for its violent drop, but for its compactness, shape and the raw frame around it. Here, thundering masses of water from the glacier at Unnariehpašvárri meet the rock walls inside a lush, moss-covered gorge that the waterfall has excavated over millennia. Walking a bit inland along the left side of the waterfall is a strong nature experience in itself. The trip starts at the dam at Norddalen power plant. From a small gravel exit on the right side of the dam, follow a marked path along the right side of the lake. The route goes through flat high mountain terrain and follows the river delta inwards, before you cross a small suspension bridge over the river. You hear the waterfall before you stand in front of it. The sound builds up as the path approaches the water, and at the waterfall, Steinelva gathers its power before falling into a narrow gorge. The waterfall is compact, raw and close, with wet rock, rock walls and river rushes all around you. On summer mornings, the light can hit the waterfall spray through a narrow opening in the rock on the north side of the waterfall. When the conditions are right, the light stands as a clear vertical beam through the water haze. Steinelva is well suited for those who want to experience a waterfall on foot, without a long or demanding mountain hike.