Henrikkafossen
Highlights
- Experience Henrikkafossen, the region's most impressive waterfall
- Follow the Midnight Sun Stairs up through Spansdalen's spectacular landscape
- Stop at rest areas and viewpoints along the stairs
- Watch the valley open up below you from the top of the stairs
- Continue on the marked path to the waterfall and feel the sound and power of the water
Description
Henrikkafossen is a spectacular sight in Spansdalen in Lavangen. The valley is narrow, steep and green, with mountainsides that rise several hundred meters up from the valley floor. At the heart of this landscape, the waterfall plunges down the mountainside like a long, white ribbon through dark rock.
The hike starts at Spansdalen hamlet and first goes along Holmeveien down towards Tennevoll to the starting point of the Midnight Sun Stairs. From there, follow the wooden stairs up the mountainside. The staircase has 2117 steps and walkways, is one meter wide and has railings. Along the way, there are picnic areas and viewpoints where you can stop, catch your breath and take in Spansdalen from ever new heights.
The midnight sun staircase goes 368 meters up from the valley. From the top, a marked hiking trail continues on to Henrikkafossen. The last part towards the waterfall gives a clearer sense of the valley's rawness: steep sides, narrow terrain and the sound of the water getting stronger the closer you get. At the waterfall, you feel the forces of nature close to your body.
Henrikkafossen is also known as a winter destination for ice climbers. When the waterfall freezes, it becomes a large wall of ice that has attracted climbers for many years. An ice climbing festival has previously been held here, but the festival is no longer held.
More information
- The trip is 2.5 km each way.
- The estimated time spent is about 2 hours in total.
- The level of difficulty is medium.
- The season is summer and autumn.
- The route goes via the Midnight Sun Stairs and further on the marked hiking trail to Henrikkafossen.
- It is about 0.6 km from the parking lot to the stairs, 0.8 km on the stairs and 0.8 km from the top of the stairs to Henrikkafossen.
- The Midnight Sun Staircase has 2117 steps and walkways.
- The stairs go up 368 meters, are built in wood, are one meter wide and have railings.
- From the top of the stairs, there is a marked hiking trail to Henrikkafossen, and on to the rock formation Polaria and the plane wreck from World War II at Fjordbotneidet.
- The trip is suitable for children who can walk about 2000 steps in wooden stairs.
- Toilet facilities are available at the starting point at the village hall in Spansdalen, by the parking lot.
- Keep a good distance from the waterfall. Steep terrain, water flow, damp ground and ice can result in demanding conditions.
- Winter use such as ice climbing requires experience, the right equipment and safe conditions.