Volefossen | World Waterfall Database

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

Volefossen is bar none the the most prominent waterfall in Oldendalen, plunging 1,015 feet over a sheer cliff directly opposite the parking area and tourist center at the famous Briksdal Glacier. The falls drop in two steps steps, about 100 and 900 feet respectively, though because the second drop begins with a sheer plunge of about 575 feet and then impacts on diagonally angled bedrock which forces the water to cascade and then plunge again, it appears as if the falls consist of three tiers.

Volefossen is visible plunging into Oldedalen for nearly the entire length of the valley and can be seen in tandem with the Melkevoll Glacier and Oldevatnet in many areas. Perhaps the most eye catching view of the falls is when standing at the top of nearby Kleivafossen along the trail to the Briksdal Glacier (something we were not able to witness when we surveyed the falls in June 2011 due to low clouds occupying the valley). The stream feeding Volefossen flows from the Flatebreen and a handful of modest lakes, which ensure a consistent volume of water present throughout the year.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Also Known as: Vålefossen
Volefossen is the Official name of this waterfall

Reliable sources have told us that the proper spelling for the falls is Vålefossen, however every map we've come across uses the more phoenetically generic Volefossen. The pronunciation is the same (using a long "O" as in "go") in either case.

Our thoughts

Of the literally dozens of waterfalls in Oldedalen, Volefossen is without question among the most impressive (if not the best, then a very close second). If you have limited time in this area and plan on visiting Briksdalsbreen then viewing Volefossen should automatically become a top priority over all the other waterfalls in the valley (of course, that it is impossible to miss Volefossen when visiting Briksdalsbreen makes it all the easier a goal to achieve).

Location and directions

Take Route 60 south from Stryn to the small town of Olden and make a left onto Route 724 immediately before crossing the river (note, a new road was being built when we visited, so expect directions to change in the future), watching for signs pointing to Briksdalsbreen and Oldevatnet. Follow the signs to Briksdalsbreen, proceeding all the way to the end of the road at the Visitors Center 22km from Olden (stay to the right after crossing the river for day use parking, for which there is a fee). Volefossen will be visible on the right (west) side of the valley.

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Volefossen 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
Kleivafossen	0.88 mi / 1.41 km
Melkevollfossen	0.96 mi / 1.54 km
Tjøtafossen	1.59 mi / 2.55 km
Hølgamefossen	2.09 mi / 3.34 km
Rustøyfossen	2.87 mi / 4.59 km
Kvamefossen	3.09 mi / 4.95 km
Neslefossen	4.16 mi / 6.66 km
Yrifossen	4.31 mi / 6.9 km

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Photography tips

The falls face east and will see direct sunlight in the morning hours. The view from the parking area will yield good, unobstructed results though the upper tier won't be visible. Our favorite compositions are from along the Briksdalsbreen trail near the top of Kleivafossen where the Briksdalselva can be utilized as a foreground element, with Volefossen in the background - though this does take a considerable amount of focus off of the falls itself if that is your goal.

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Volefossen Sogn Og Fjordane, Norway