Skjegge

At Tysseldassida, around six kilometres towards the Hardanger plateau, you can find the village of Skjeggedal and the Ringsdalsdammen dam. The latter is a whole 521 metres long, 33 metres high and built of hand chiselled granite. This makes it the largest dam of its type in Norway. Unfortunately, such constructions can’t be made without dramatic effects on the surrounding nature. At one time, Norway’s highest free fall waterfall stood here - Tyssestrengene. Together with Ringedalsfossen, they were close to becoming a major tourist attraction before they were forced into pipes for power production. Across the valley there are several experiences for both body and soul. People from all over the world come to Hardanger to experience the mountain spring Trolltunga which is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Norway. Not far away you can also find the protruding Preikestolen (The pulpit rock), which is a slightly smaller version of the famous Preikestolen in Lysefjorden. It is recommended to take a stop in Skjeggedal on your way, to visit the power station and accompanying buildings that house several hundred years of history. The name ‘Sjeggedal’ originates from a time when an outlaw from Telemark settled in the valley. He let his hair and beard grow and consequently got the name ‘skjegge’ which means beard.