Mollisfossen

It turned out that we needed help from the friendly receptionist at the Storslett Norlandia to help us make a call to one of the boat operators. During our July 2005 trip, the boat ride costed 1200kr per boatload (which could take up to 4-5 people and be shared amongst the participants). Unfortunately, that boatload only consisted of Julie and I so it wasn't cheap.

In any case, we arranged to meet at the banks of the Reisa River at this place called Saraelv. Once we saw the boat operator (who spoke little to no English, which was quite rare on our trip), we braved the wasps and mozzies to get right onto the boat after paying the operator in Norwegian kroners.

The boat ride up Reisaelva took about 30-45 minutes each way (longer on the way there since we were going against the current). The river seemed shallow in spots, but the operator skillfully avoided rocks and shoals even though it seemed like we had lots of close calls. Once we docked at the falls, the boat operator gave us a few minutes to spend at the base of the Mollisfossen.

There were wildflowers blooming in the grassy area before the falls as well as a few wasps (including one that wouldn't leave me alone). There were also some Norwegian locals picnicking here as well (they also took a boat tour here).

Alternatively, another way to experience this waterfall is to take a trail that leads to an overlook of the falls across the canyon, but that requires a taxing 8-hour hike I believe. I think if you're prepared enough to go all the way out this way, it might also be possible to continue further upstream towards Imofossen (which we didn't do). Anyways, I think the viewing experience by this arduous hike is far different from what we were able to do because it didn't seem like there was any valley access from what we could tell. However, the upper tiers of the falls could be seen (according to a brochure we saw, which I imagine was taken from up here).

Directions: The nearest main town is Storslett, which is 312km north of Narvik and 178km southwest of Alta; both along the E6.

From Storslett, head south on Rv865 for 44km to either Bilto or Saraelv (we did the latter). This road eventually degenerates into unpaved road towards the end of the drive. There is a rough unpaved road before Saraelv, which branches off the main unpaved road on the south side of the Reisa River leading to a car park. It was here where we met with our river boat guide, but it was also here that the trail into the Reisa Valley began.

Overall, we spent about 60-75 minutes driving from Storslett to Saraelv.

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Clear water beneath us showing how shallow the river was

Another riverboat with passengers going the other way

A waterfall we saw on the way up to Mollisfossen

After the hypnotic boat ride (due to the constant vibration from the motor), the waterfall showing itself definitely took us out of our trance

Julie starting the walk to Mollisfossen

The falls with a rainbow in its mist

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TRIP REPORTS

• July 7, 2005

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