Mardalsfossen
Molde, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Regulated Flow
This waterfall has been regulated by Hydroelectric development and may no longer flow consistently. The waterfall may have reduced flow, seasonal flow, or may no longer flow at all due to the diversion of its watercourse.Detailed Info
Mardalsfossen is a waterfall of global significance found in the northern part of western Norway. The falls drop a total of 645 meters (2,116 feet) in two main plunging tiers separated by a short stretch of bedrock cascades. The upper tier of the falls is a true free-falling drop, and is often cited at 297 meters (974 feet) in height as the tallest sheer fall in Europe. In actuality the upper tier falls 262 meters (859 feet). Between the upper and lower tiers, the Mardøla tumbles down a series of bedrock cascades which drop 55 meters (180 feet) over a run of approximately 165 linear meters (540 feet). The river then splits into two channels and drops 328 meters (1,076 feet) over the lower tier of the falls, the two channels sliding down concave chutes and then converging at the point where the stream reverts to a free-fall.
Because of the prominence and global significance of the falls, the precise height of Mardalsfossen had been difficult to pinpoint for quite some time. The falls are often claimed as 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 704 meters (2,312 feet), 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 659 meters (2,165 feet) tall, which corresponds more accurately with topographic data. 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. Using the measurements taken in 2011 along with recently available one-meter contour topographic maps, it has been determined that the actual height of the falls is 645 meters (2,116 feet).
Since 1977 the river Mardøla 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. Rain or snowmelt which would naturally drain into the lake is still allowed to flow 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.
History and Naming
Mardalsfossen is the Official name of this waterfall.
Has also been known as:
- Østre Mardalsfossen
- Søndre Mardalsfossen
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 & Directions
Coordinates: Unknown Elevation: 2975 feet
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.
By The Numbers
The information presented in this table is meant to help identify and clarify the physical aspects of the waterfall for comparative purposes. While we try to ensure this information is as accurate as possible, sometimes it will prove necessary to either estimate or flat out guess at certain characteristics where either enough information isn't readily available, is not known, or we were not able to confirm a given trait upon surveying. This information may be changed at any given time to ensure accuracy.
Total Height
The Total Height listed for the waterfall represents the difference in elevation from the top of the uppermost drop, to the bottom of the lowermost drop of the waterfall, including all stretches of interstitial stream in between. Stream between two tiers of a waterfall is counted in its overall height regardless of whether or not that section of the stream would be legitimately considered a waterfall on its own right, were it to be isolated. Waterfalls with only one drop will of have the height of only the single drop listed here.
Tallest Drop
The Tallest Drop figure represents the height of the largest single drop within a multi-stepped waterfall. Waterfalls with only one drop will have the total height of the waterfall repeated here.
Num of Drops
The Number of Drops in a waterfall is a tally of the total number of distinct drops which make up the waterfall. Stretches of interstitial stream in between two or more distinct drops of a single waterfall are NOT considered to be distinct drops of the waterfall unless the section of stream in question would otherwise qualify as a waterfall were it to be isolated.
Avg Width
The Average Width of the waterfall represents the breadth of the waterfall from bank to bank under typical flow conditions, or if the waterfall has been Cataloged, under the conditions which it was most thoroughly surveyed. Often this number will be approximated because of a lack of approachability to many waterfalls. We often utilize Google Earth to measure the width (where imagery is of sufficient quality and resolution to allow it.
Maximum Width
Maximum Width represents a hypothetical measurement of roughly how wide a waterfall could get during peak streamflow or flood conditions. For smaller waterfalls, this figure will generally not differ much from the Average Width measurement, but for broader waterfalls - especially those that feature a crest that isn't constricted - this figure can at times be consideraby larger. Like the Average Width measurement, this measurement will take into account the difference in width at the top and bottom of the waterfall as much as possible, but will often be made based on the width of the crest of th falls alone.
Pitch
The Pitch of a waterfall is an estimated - often very roughly - measure of the average slope or steepness of a waterfall. The Pitch figure only takes into account sections of stream which are actively falling. Pools or stretches of level stream in between two or more successive drops of the falls will not factor in this figure. As an example, a waterfall which features two truly free-falling leaps separated by several dozen yards of flat stream will have a Pitch of 90 degrees. Similarly, a waterfall with two drops separated by a pool, one with a true free-falling drop, and one with a Horsetail type fall will average the two, so while the Plunging drop has a Pitch of 90 degrees, if the Horsetail drop has a Pitch of 45 degrees, the total Pitch will be roughly 67 degrees.
Run
The Run of a waterfall is a measurement representing the total linear distance on the ground between the top and bottom of a waterfall. This figure is not often easy to establish with a high degree of precision and as such will often be estimated. Waterfalls with a longer Run will usually either be less steep, often cascading type waterfalls, or will feature multiple steps separated by shorter stretches of a more gradual gradient streambed.
Form
The system of classification of waterfall forms we use is a heavily modified derivative of the classifications outlined by Greg Plumb in his "Waterfall Lover's Guide to the Pacific Northwest" books. While plumb uses eight distnct forms, we wanted further granularity and opted to break down the hierarchy twofold: first based on the overall pitch of the waterfall, and then based on what shape the fall takes as it makes its descent. There are five primary Categories of falls in this system: Plunge, Horsetail, Steep Cascades, Shallow Cascades, and Rapids. Additional deliniation is then applied depending on characteristics such as the breadth of the falls, whether it splits into two or more channels, whether it falls in multiple successive drops, etc. For more information on our waterfall form classifications, see the Help page.
Watershed
The watershed which a waterfall occurs within, if it is specified, will be based on the ultimate distributary watercourse to the ocean. For example, Washington's Palouse Falls occurs along the Palouse River - which is a tributary to the Snake River, which is itself a tributary to the Columbia River, which ultimately enters the Pacific Ocean, so Palouse Falls would then fall within the Columbia River watershed. Streams which empty directly into the ocean, or into a minor basin which then empties to the ocean will often have this field left blank.
Stream
The name of the watercourse which the waterfall occurs along. If the watercourse is not known to have an officially or colloquially recognized name, this field is left blank.
Avg Volume
The volume of water present in the stream at the location of the waterfall. This is often the most difficult figure to pin down because accurately measuring streamflow is not a simple process. We will rely on USGS data as much as possible, and attempt to take into account seasonal fluctuations in stream levels if possible. There is no guarantee that this figure will be accurate, and in cases where there is no USGS data to use, it may be a very, very rough estimate at best.
Source
If known, the primary source of the watercourse which produces the waterfall will be listed here. This is helpful in determining whether a waterfall may flow more consistently during certain periods of the year - streams which originate in Springs, Lakes, or Glaciers will often flow more consistently throughout the year than those fueled by simply Runoff. The source of the stream may also be either unknown or undetermined.
Flow Consistency
A rough estimation of how many months out of the year the stream which produces the waterfall will actually hold water. The vast majority of waterfalls featured on this website will technically be truly perennial waterfalls (those that flow all year long), but some may see their flow dwindle greatly in the late summer months. This figure will not take into account the winter months when the waterfall may freeze, because in such cases the waterfall will very often be inaccessible. Entries which specify a Flow Consistncy of 12 Months should in general have an acceptable flow at any time of year (but may be better during certain periods - see below).
Best Flow
A general estimate of the best period of the year during which time the falls will be considered at optimal conditions, or flowing at their best. There may be variance within the range specified where the flow will be better or worse, but visiting at any time in the range specified (if available) will generally present the waterfall in its best light.
CloseKey
CatalogedWaterfalls which are Cataloged we have visited and surveyed in person. Statistical information should be quite accurate (for the most part), and exact measurements will often be available (information is not guaranteed to always be up to date). Detailed information, directions, and photographs will almost always be available. |
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ConfirmedConfirmed Waterfalls are known to exist, should be relatively accurately mapped and geotagged, and the statistical information available will often be dependable. If height information is presented, it may be estimated but should be accurate. Directions will not likely be available. |
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UnconfirmedUnconfirmed Waterfalls are often marked on a published map, but we have yet to confirm the exact location and / or whether or not its stature is significant enough to qualify for listing in the database. Statistical information may be estimated and may be inaccurate. No directions. |
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UnknownWaterfalls marked as Unknown are either suspected to exist based on heresay or a hunch, or we have received unverified information suggesting a waterfall may exist near the location provided but cannot corroborate it in any way. Geodata may not be accurate, the location may not be known at all, and statistical information will be estimated and highly inaccurate. |
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InundatedInundated Waterfalls have been submerged beneath lakes or reservoirs, usually a result of impoundment of a river behind a dam, and most often no longer functionally exist (there may be rare exceptions). We maintain records for these features out of historical importance. |
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SubterraneanThough not common, some waterfalls can be found entirely underground within cave systems. Access to subterranean waterfalls can vary from easy via developed walkways to requiring a high level of extremely technical spelunking skill, including familiarity with ropework and a distinct lack of claustrophobia. |
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DisqualifiedWaterfalls which have been marked as Disqualified do not have the necessary stature or features to qualify as a legitimate waterfall according to our criteria. We will maintain records for entries with this status where the feature is well known and / or may have been historically referred to as a waterfall at some point in time. |
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PostedPosted Waterfalls are known to exist, and we may have a large amount of information associated with them, but are located on private property and are not legally accessible to the general public. Accessing waterfalls with this status should not be attempted without first being explicitly granted permission of the property owner. |