[Countrywide] Waterfalls for a weekend road trip: which ones are the most impressive with the least effort?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

I’m trying to create a high-signal thread for waterfall lovers—especially “low-effort, high-reward” stops. People search for Norway waterfalls all the time, but it’s hard to know which ones are genuinely memorable vs just “a quick stop.”

Would love your input on:

• Best waterfalls that are right by the road (or a short 0–20 minute walk).
• Which famous waterfall actually lives up to the hype (and which doesn’t).
• Any routes where you can combine multiple falls in a single day.
• Safety tips (slippery rocks, spray, wind, parking issues).

What’s the one waterfall you’d confidently recommend to friends—and what’s the best time of day to visit?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

I’ve done a few weekend road trips chasing Norway waterfalls, and my strong opinion is that the most impressive ones are often the ones you barely have to work for. From what I’ve seen, roadside falls can feel ridiculously powerful because you’re not exhausted or distracted by a long hike. Some famous stops absolutely deliver, but others feel like a photo checkpoint where everyone hops out, snaps, and leaves in five minutes. but there’s a nuance… water level and light matter a lot, so the same waterfall can feel epic one day and kind of flat the next. I loved routes where you can string together multiple short-stop waterfalls in one day without rushing, because the contrast keeps it fun. It feels like people underestimate safety too, since spray, wind, and slick rocks sneak up on you fast even at “easy” spots. Which waterfall actually made you stop and just stare for a while? And do you prefer early morning calm or golden-hour drama when you visit?

 

[Alex Turner]

I’m 100% with you on the low-effort, high-reward philosophy. Some of the waterfalls that really stopped me cold were basically roadside monsters, where you open the car door and instantly feel the ground vibrating. That’s when Norway really flexes. A few of the super-hyped ones honestly felt more like traffic jams with mist, but when the flow is high and the light hits right, even an “easy” stop can feel overwhelming. Timing matters more than fame, especially after rain or during spring melt. One of my favorite waterfall days ended with zero hiking and a ridiculous grin on my face, which is how it should be. Afterward, I always vote for a cold beer or coffee at a nearby roadside café — nothing fancy, just somewhere you can sit, dry off, and let it sink in.