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The confluence of three rivers, is full of drama. Water is rushing through one of Europe’s deepest canyons, and masses of water flow in a graceful arch on their way into the gorge. It can all be followed from a front-row vantage point on an elegant bridge.
The water is gushing from all sides
This magic spot is found at the confluence of three rivers, the Guolášjohka, the Unna Goddejohka and the Magerjohka, all flowing through a landscape of broad mountain ranges stretching to the Finnish border and beyond. Gravity guides them towards the deep-cut Kåfjorddalen valley, where they flow into the fjord. The Magerjohka has dug the deepest canyon, called Sabetjohk, forming 153 metres high cliff sides. The Guolášjohka, fed by Norwegian and Finnish water, then gushes 141 metres into the abyss in a graceful curve from the side. Downriver, an aluminium footbridge spans the river, providing fantastic views of the drama.
The bridge looks flimsy, but is rock solid
The Rintala-Eggertson Arkitektkontor (Architect Studio) did the first design sketches of this landmark bridge. Then the architect studio of Ghilardi+Hellsten in Oslo and the Austrian metal processing company Bitschnau GmbH joined forces to make a unique lightweight construction. The hollow aluminum pipes were joined together at the parking, and then lifted by helicopter in the summer of 2011. The total weight of the bridge is a mere 4 tonnes, the bridge is 53 metres long and the walkway is 1,5 metres wide.
Getting there is an easy walk
If you’re driving, exit the E6 at Birtavarre and venture into the Kåfjorddalen valley. The valley floor is flat, with farms and houses, all built in the characteristic reconstruction style from the 1950’es. After some 8 km, the paving ends, and you are driving on a potholed gravel road where slow speed is recommended. A further 3 km, you reach the parking, with toilets and signage to trails. You head towards “Gorsabrua” for some 1,8 kilometres (a good mile), which should take you about 25 minutes. The path is even and easy to walk, and the ascent is gentle.
Europe’s tightest bungee jump is a moment to remember
There is a way to make the Gorsabrua visit even more memorable; you can bungee jump. The jump is described as Europe’s tightest, as you jump into the deep canyon. Feel free to let your heart’s cry echo in a primal scream as you fall, the roar of the waterfall overwhelms everything. The company organises jumps most Saturdays through the summer and early autumn season. Even non-jumpers often time their visits to these Saturdays, hoping for that bungee snapshot. If you just want a quiet moment with the waterfall, make sure to come on a week-day with less people hiking.
When should you hike to Gorsabrua?
If you have an average mobility and limited experience with snow, you should come in the snow-free season from June to early October, possibly later if the autumn is mild. Only the experienced should try skiing or snow shoeing up to the bridge in winter, as icy and snowy conditions can turn cliffs and ledges into danger zones.
Points of interest around the Gorsabrua Bridge
Here some points of orientation when heading to the Gorsabrua Bridge, along with some points of interest when travelling in the area.
Gorsabrua Bridge
Bridge across the Sabetjohk canyon viewing the 141 metre high waterfall.
Ankerlia – Parking
Parking for the Gorsabrua bridge, along with many other hikes.
Birtavarre
Exit the E6 here and drive into the Kåfjorddalen valley for Ankerlia parking/Gorsabrua bridge.
Løkvollen – Manndalen
Don’t miss the Grenebua handicraft shop, owned by the local crafters.
Ruovddassæter – Jan Baalsrud Cave
Starting point for an easy forest hike to the Jan Baalsrud Cave.
Olderdalen
Municipal centre, and ferry crossing to Lyngseidet and further to Tromsø.
Steindalen
Iconic hike to the Steindalsbreen Glacier.
Good to know about the Gorsabrua bridge
The Gorsabrua bridge is in the municipality of Kåfjord, one of the boroughs around the Lyngenfjord. More precisely, it is found at the end of the road 7936 through the Kåfjorddalen Valley, exiting from the main E6 highway at Birtavarre.
The distance by road is some 270 km, and it should take close to three hours, if you drive via Nordkjosbotn and Skibotn. The drive through Lyngseidet is only 110 km, but involves two ferry crossing. It is often a drive via Nordkjosbotn/Skibotn in one direction, and then travel by the two ferries Breivikeidet/Svensby and Lyngseidet/Olderdalen the other way. That way, you see more.
Lyngenfjord Bungee organises bungee jumps on Saturdays in the summer/early autumn season.
The Grenebua in Manndalen is a little treasure trove of old handicraft. You can also take the short hike to the Jan Baalsrud cave. At Spåkenes, you can see the crubling remains of an old coastal fort. We refer to the home page of Visit Lyngenfjord for all the details.
This is prime hiking terrain. Visit Lyngenfjord informs comprehensively on their website.
Visit Lyngenfjord is the primary source of information.
