Voss: Where gravity is merely a suggestion

Voss lies tucked between the world-famous Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord of western Norway. A small town of 17 000 inhabitants where nature’s extremes are met not with hesitation, but with harnesses, helmets, and a thirst for adrenaline. Surrounded by deep valleys, thundering rivers, and steep cliffs, Voss has evolved from scenic stopover to full-blown adrenaline capital.

Once a quiet mountain town, Voss is now globally recognised as the home of Ekstremsportveko – the world’s largest extreme sports festival and a magnet for thrill-seekers, creatives, and curious travellers from across the globe. Imagine the energy!

“Voss is internationally recognised because of Ekstremsportveko,” says Tord Bakke Arvesen, the festival’s general manager. “It’s incredibly important to the community – not just for tourism, but for what it brings to the people who live here.”

Private photo of Tord Bakke Arvesen

Born in a basement, raised on vision

The origins of Ekstremsportveko are as bold as the sports it celebrates. In 1997, a series of uncoordinated national and European extreme sports events were on the horizon. But instead of scattering them across annual calendar, a group of locals gathered in the basement of Park Hotel Voss and proposed something more radical: Combine everything. Make it big. Make it unforgettable.

“It was clear that having each club organize their own event would miss the bigger picture,” explains Tord. “So, we said – let’s create something that can really put these sports on the map. That’s how Ekstremsportveko in Voss was born.”

From day one, the concept included three essential elements: daytime action, evening social events, and same-day video highlights. In fact, the very first festival funds were invested in film and editing equipment, so that spectators could relive the day's madness over a drink each evening.

Photo by Kristian Jondal | Ekstremsportveko

A festival that built a community – and vice versa

What makes Veko special isn’t just the stunts, it’s the soul. The town of Voss is deeply woven into the festival’s success, and vice versa.

“Many of the key roles in the local community, like teachers, doctors and nurses, are filled by people who came here because of the festival,” says Tord. “It’s shaped the town more than people realise.”

Photo by Olav Aga | Ekstremsportveko

But although the event has gained fame worldwide, it’s an impressive volunteer culture that’s the backbone of it all.

“We have around 800 volunteers each year, and many of them are local. But there’s also a ‘hidden’ layer of support – people who offer their time, their spaces, their skills – just to make it all happen. We wouldn’t be here without them”.

The spirit is contagious. Local youth look forward to the day they’re old enough to help or to participate in the competitions, and the town beams with pride throughout the week at the end of June.

Photo by Dmitry Konovalov | Ekstremsportveko

From fjordside secret to global attraction

Ekstremsportveko has grown steadily and intentionally. Today, around 1,500 athletes and 3,000 festivalgoers from over 40 countries descend on Voss every summer. The festival is no longer just for elite athletes; it’s become a bucket-list experience for travellers, outdoor lovers, as well as curious first timers.

“We’re working actively to attract both the hardcore extreme sports crowd and ordinary travellers who just want to enjoy nature and the atmosphere,” says Tord. “There’s room for both.”

And it works. Tord shares a story which sums it up perfectly: “Last year, a group of five friends from the U.S. were road-tripping through the fjords. They heard about the festival, stopped by to watch a competition, and ended up staying two more days. They just loved the vibe.”

Photo by Kevin Breuer | Ekstremsportveko

So, whether you’re here for the daring activities or to simply breathe in some of the crispest air in Europe, Voss welcomes you with open arms (and possibly a parachute). And no festival is complete without an amazing music lineup and lots of social events, of course. This is a place where nature turns up the volume, and you’re invited to join the symphony.