Spectacular bridge spans over waterfalls in Norway

A spectacular footbridge that spans over a famous waterfall site in Norway was recently opened.

The stunning facility opened on Friday, August 21, 2020, and provides an astonishing view of the Mabodalen valley and the Vøringsfossen Waterfall which are situated in southwestern Norway.

The 163-meter waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country and the new bridge is the major component of a large endeavor that aims at making the site even more attractive to visitors. The whole project includes new platforms and passages for the people and is scheduled to be completed by 2020 at a cost of $4.4 million. "The first leg of the project was finished in 2018 and included viewpoints, paths, a parking lot and service facilities near the Fossli Hotel. By 2021, there will be new viewpoints and paths added," VisitNorway, mentioned.

The new bridge that was completed after about 10 years of design and construction works, connects the two sides of the Mabodalen valley. The structure's length is 47 meters and it consists of 99 steps. Its design is unique and inspired by the surrounding environment and the Norwegian folklore. The bridge has two parts on each side to connect points with different elevations which are joined together in the middle to form a single passage. 

By studying the landscape and conducting a thorough investigation, designers ensured that the facility will not interfere with the natural environment. 

The construction of the bridge was not an easy task. Due to difficulties posed by the landscape, the components of the structure were prefabricated and brought to the site where they were assembled by a team of experts with the utilization of helicopters. Moreover, construction works could only proceed in the summer due to the bad weather and harsh conditions that the site experiences during the other seasons. The structure is founded on the solid rock mass of the canyon.

According to the architect, Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk, the view from the bridge is so breathtaking that people who have fear of heights may actually wish to cross it without looking down.

Nevertheless, there were certain oppositions regarding the construction of the bridge. Some people believe that despite its adaptive design, it disturbs the natural environment. "I think it's sad to see. I think it is an abuse of nature. I get an actual physical pain seeing how it has ended up. The pictures only confirm my worst fears," Arne Nævra, a photographer and a member of parliament for the Norwegian Socialist Left party, stated. 

Watch the video below to get a glimpse of the spectacular site and the new bridge.

Sources: Thelocal.no, CNN, Dailymail