Gorsa Bridge and Waterfall Hike, a deep canyon with Waterfall, Norway

The Hike to the Gorsa bridge, or Gorsabrua in Norwegian, and the waterfall next to it is one of the best and most scenic stops on the E6 highway between Tromsø and Alta.

Gorsa Bridge Waterfall

Located in the Kåfjorddalen valley just east of the Lyngen Alps, the Gorsa bridge is a metal structure that provides stunning views of the Gorsa Waterfall as well as the deep and narrow canyon above which the bridge stands.

The waterfall, also called Gorži, Gorzifossen, or Gorsafossen, falls into a 153 meters deep canyon. It’s quite a unique sight, likely one of the best waterfalls in northern Norway. However, one that I found to be somewhat difficult to render properly in photos.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an adrenaline rush you can also bungee jump into the canyon in summer!

Gorsafossen – view from the bridge.

Drone photo – view of the Gorsa Bridge and Waterfall

Table of Contents

Overview of the Gorsa Bridge and Waterfall Hike & Map

If you want to hike to the Gorsa Bridge and the Gorzi waterfall, there are several options. However, when I visited in 2024 the only option was to drive/hike up the northern side of the river. The access point on the other side was damaged by a flood in 2022 (if I remember correctly), so the loop hike wasn’t possible.

Do note that if you park at the first parking area, the hike is much longer.

The recommended period is early summer to early autumn.

Here is also the map of the hike. You can download the GPX track for free from the activity linked below if you wish to do so:

How to get to the Gorsa Bridge trailhead and Parking

Note that getting to the small parking area close to the bridge requires driving a narrow, twisty dirt road up the mountain for a few kilometers. Also, there is a narrow wooden bridge that is wide enough for vans but not for larger vehicles. If you are driving a larger motorhome, you’d need to park before the bridge.

Anyway, what I’m getting at is if you are not used to dirt, narrow roads, this one may feel scary at times, so use your best judgment. I drove up there with a 2WD Renault Traffic, and the drive was entirely doable although rather rough in places.

• Driving Directions: The drive from Tromsø to the Gorsa Bridge trailhead takes about 3 hours in total. You can drive toward Alta, and turn into Biltavarre. There aren’t many signs and Google Maps could not give proper directions to the upper parking area when I got there. However, once you reach the first wide parking area where the gavel road starts, you can keep driving on the dirt road up the mountain.
• Parking: There are three different parking areas. Parking is paid, do note that you have to pay to enter the area regardless. You can pay with the Easypark app. There are three parking areas. The first parking area you’ll pass by is the farthest from the bridge. The second parking area is located just before the wooded bridge mentioned above. And, finally, here’s the third parking area, the one closest to the bridge
• Public Transport: none

The uper parking area by the trailhead.

The Gorsa Bridge and Waterfall Hiking Trail

If you parked at the top of the gravel road the hike is quite short, about 20-25 minutes from the parking area to the bridge. the trail is essentially a wide, flattish pat on the side of the mountain, partially covered by vegetation but with the views opening up here and there.

Trail to Gorsabrua.

The trail does offer some Panoramic views too.

The bridge is hidden from view and it’s also in between birch trees. There will most likely be a few people around, as this seemed to be quite a popular place, which isn’t really surprising for such a stunning location.

But anyway, you’ll see a few people around the general area of the bridge and either follow them or take one of the 2-3 trails that lead downhill toward the canyon.

You’ll first see the upper part of the bridge’s structure, and once you do you can just follow the trail downhill to reach the bridge.

The Gorsa Bridge, or Gorsabrua.

The bridge offers, of course, the best views of the waterfall and the best views into the 153-meter-deep canyon just below you. Obviously, it is not the best location for those afraid of heights.

On the other hand, if you are not afraid of heights, staring down into the deep canyon is quite an experience.

View of the waterfall from the bridge.

View of the canyon in the opposite direction.

Gorsa Bridge and Waterfall Photos and Photography Tips

Straight to the point – the waterfall is fun but kind of tough to photograph. I spent quite a lot of time trying to compose to the best of my abilities and capture the scene properly. For some reason, I don’t feel like I could render the waterfall properly, and I can’t quite put my hands on what that is.

14mm shot, full frame.

You need a wide angle and the first problem, the structure of the bridge quite often gets in the way especially if you are using a tripod. Not that this is a major downside, but I actually quite like trying to find composition in limited spaces. But anyway, it is fun to photograph nonetheless. On top of that the bridge will shake whenever someone is walking on it so that will require careful timing.

Long exposure, 1.3 seconds, 14mm.

View of the falls from the opposite side of the bridge.

The other challenge is light. On cloudy days it will be quite dark in the canyon and that may require a tripod or pumping the ISO up. On sunny days there’s going to be harsh contrast. Between the two, I’d take cloudy days if I had the chance to choose.

Also note in autumn, unless there’s been recent rainfall, the volume of water going through the fall can be somewhat reduced. earlier in the season, there will likely be more water.

Lastly, if you have a drone it can help get a different perspective of the Gorsa Falls here, especially considering how limited the viewpoints are.

Drone photo

Where to stay

Accommodation in or around Biltavarre is limited, but it’s possible to stay in a van in any of the parking locations along the dirt route.

Technically, however, it’s doable as a day trip from Tromsø too if you are staying there, but you’ll need a car.

Additional Resources

• Check out the main page on Hiking in Norway (with Maps) to discover more beautiful hikes and locations.
• Here you can book a Bungee Jumping spot from the Gorsa Bridge