Mardalsfossen | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Mardalsfossen is a waterfall of global significance found in the northern part of western Norway. The falls consist of two main drops separated by a short stretch of bedrock cascades. The initial plunge, a free-fall of 974 feet is frequently claimed to be the tallest sheer leap in Europe (which it is not, continue reading below for more). Following the initial plunge the river cascades through talus for a short distance, not losing much more than about 100 feet in elevation in the process. The river then splits in to two channels, both of which chute down narrow gullies in parallel form before they merge and explode outwards and into a free-fall for the second drop, which totals about 1,050 feet in height.

Because of the prominence and global significance of the falls, the exact height of Mardalsfossen has been in dispute for quite some time. The falls are often claimed to be the tallest in Norway, or featuring the tallest free-falling drop in Norway – both claims are wholly incorrect. The Norwegian statistics bureau SSB cites the falls as dropping 2,312 feet (704m), however the figures which have been compiled by SSB often reflect the measurement of head available in waterfalls which are tied in to a hydroelectric system, which Mardalsfossen is. More frequently the falls have been cited to stand 2,165 feet (659m) tall, which corresponds more accurately with topographic data available. When we surveyed the falls in June 2011, we were not able to accurately measure the entire waterfall, but we were able to accurately achieve an elevation at the bottom of the waterfall. Given our measurements and the elevation of the lake at the top of the falls, we came up with a figure of 2,116 feet (645m). We were not able to verify how the total height breaks down into the two main drops, but assuming the upper tier to be fairly accurately measured at 974 feet (296m) the lower tier would then actually be the tallest drop at somewhere not far over 1,000 feet in total height.

Since 1977 the Inste Mardøla River has been harnessed and diverted into the Grytten hydro power plant in Romsdalen for the majority of the year. Part of the licensing agreement however stipulated that the falls would see a minimum release of 88 cubic feet per second from June 20 to August 20 every year. When the falls are “turned off” by the system the river is diverted above the lake at the top of the falls. This results in any rain or snowmelt which would naturally drain into the lake flowing over the falls when the majority of the river is otherwise diverted, ensuring the falls actually do flow for more than two months out of the year. Unfortunately this only ensures the falls flow while there is snow on the ground or prolonged periods of heavy rain. During the spring and early summer months before the falls are allowed to flow naturally, the extra water from melting snow in the Inste Mardøla appears to be discharged into the Ytste Mardøla, which allows neighboring Nordre Mardalsfossen to flow heavily while Mardalsfossen may be significantly reduced in volume.

Hydroelectric Intergration
This waterfall has been incorporated into a hydroelectric scheme and as a result may not flow consistently year round.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Østre Mardalsfossen, Søndre Mardalsfossen
Mardalsfossen is the Official name of this waterfall

Our thoughts

Let’s just cut to the obvious: Mardalsfossen is a big, impressive waterfall. But the kicker in any debate about exactly how impressive is that even though the falls are effectively “turned off” for over half of the year, this is still legitimately the best waterfall in Europe. When we surveyed the falls in early June 2011, the release schedule had not yet begun so the falls were just a fraction of its unregulated self. But the small volume of water was not nearly as detracting as one might suspect. The falls are still really, really tall and feature one of the tallest free-falling drops in the world and the scenery is still top notch. Yes, this is a better waterfall when it’s not parched, but even if you can’t see it flowing at peak levels, this is still a feature which should land at the very top of any waterfall hunter’s bucket list.

Location and directions

Mardalsfossen is found in Eikesdalen in the municipality of Nesset. From the junction of Routes 62 and 660 in the town of Nesset, follow Route 660 south for almost 17km to the small town of Eresfjord and turn left onto Route 192, which is signed for Eikesdalen and Mardalsfossen. Follow Route 192 for 6km then bear left onto Route 191, still watching for signs for Eikesdalen and Mardalsfossen. Follow Route 191 along the shore of Eikesdalsvatnet for another 21km and turn right onto a gravel road (for which there is a toll of NOK 30) just after crossing the river, again following signs pointing to Mardalsfossen. Follow the gravel road for another 2.5km to the large parking area about 130 meters beyond the bridge over the Mardøla. Do not park at or along the gravel road which branches left before the bridge where signs point to the trail for the falls. From the parking area, walk back along the road, crossing the river and up the aforementioned gravel road where the signs mark the trail. About 1/2km up the road the trail heads off to the right and begins climbing steadily to reach the base of the falls after about 2km of walking.

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Mardalsfossen is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Nordre Mardalsfossen	0.9 mi / 1.44 km

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Photography tips

When the falls are allowed to flow at their maximum volume, the falls will kick up an absurd amount of spray which will without a doubt be problematic. At lower flows as we observed, it isn't a problem at all. The falls face north and will see direct sunlight from morning until mid afternoon, at which point the sheer cliffs of the valley will start to cast shadows on the lower tier of the falls.

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Mardalsfossen Møre Og Romsdal, Norway