Is Mardalsfossen one of the world's tallest waterfalls or a man-made illusion?

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located in Norway, Mardalsfossen is a tiered waterfall that commands awe, yet its existence is a delicate negotiation between nature and industry. While it ranks among the tallest in Europe, its flow is strictly regulated by a hydroelectric scheme, turning a natural wonder into a seasonal tourist spectacle.

Mardalsfossen sits in Møre og Romsdal county, where the Mardøla river plunges from a hanging valley toward Eikesdalsvatnet lake. Its height is a subject of significant debate among experts. Statistics Norway (SSB) estimates the total fall at 705 metres, while the World Waterfall Database (WWD) suggests 645 metres. These discrepancies often arise because official bodies may include head measurements from hydroelectric infrastructure, whereas independent surveys focus on the natural cataract. The waterfall itself is a tiered structure, featuring two primary drops and several smaller ones, with widths fluctuating between 12 and 30 metres depending on the volume of water.

The waterfall's modern history is defined by the tension between energy production and environmental preservation. In 1970, Arne Næss, the founder of the Deep Ecology movement, led a protest involving 300 people who chained themselves to the site to prevent the damming of the river. Despite these efforts, the waterfall was integrated into a hydroelectric system. Today, the water is diverted through pipes for most of the year. To balance industrial needs with tourism, the falls are permitted to flow at a limited rate—less than 3 cubic metres per second—only during the summer window of 20 June to 20 August.

Beyond its physical dimensions, the site has become a canvas for cultural expression. Between June 2014 and August 2015, the waterfall served as the backdrop for Antony Gormley’s installation, 'Another Time,' marking the inauguration of the Mardalsfossen Art Project. The name itself carries ancient linguistic roots; 'Mardalen' derives from the old river name 'Mara,' which may stem from a verb meaning to dig or rub, while 'foss' is the Norse term for waterfall. Whether viewed as a feat of engineering or a natural monument, Mardalsfossen remains a complex intersection of geology, activism, and art.

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