Manafossen

Frafjord, Rogaland County, Norway

About Manafossen

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Manafossen (or Månafossen [“Moon Falls”?, I’ve also seen it spelled Monafossen and Månefossen]; I think it’s pronounced “MOH-nuh-foss-un”) was definitely our favorite waterfall in Rogaland county.

It was probably the first major waterfall that made us go “WoW!” during our June 2005 trip.

Manafossen_018_06232005 - Månafossen
Månafossen

As you can see in the photo above, the waterfall plunged spectacularly over a 92m drop flowing wildly with unregulated force while also generating enough mist at its base to produce a bold afternoon rainbow.

The unregulated nature of this waterfall not only compelled us to think very favorably upon it, but it was also something we would come to appreciate as many of the waterfalls in Norway had been tapped for hydropower.

We’d later learn over the years that hydroelectricity was one of the country’s main sources of domestic energy generation.

Hiking to Månafossen

Getting to Manafossen from the car park required us to go up a steep (and potentially slippery) uphill hike.

Manafossen_026_06202019 - Julie going up the initial climb to reach Månafossen. I noticed that this section was now turned into steps instead of a pebbly slope that we experienced back in June 2005
Julie going up the initial climb to reach Månafossen. I noticed that this section was now turned into steps instead of a pebbly slope that we experienced back in June 2005

At first the trail began as a steep series of steps, where it seemed like improvements had been made to this part of the trail.

Back when we first did this hike in late June 2005, this incline was a steep pebbly slope.

As we got further up the trail, the footpath quickly degenerated into a series of even steeper climbs along a combination of granite slopes and some steps.

A good portion of this section of the climb (comprising the majority of the elevation gain to Manafossen) involved holding chain links held by poles bolted into the hard granite-like surface.

Manafossen_047_06202019 - Julie and Tahia continuing to go up the steep chain-assisted climb to reach the overlooks for Månafossen
Julie and Tahia continuing to go up the steep chain-assisted climb to reach the overlooks for Månafossen

Due to the potential of slipping and falling here, we definitely had to take our time and make sure of our steps.

Under bad weather, these steep sections became even more dangerous due to the slick surfaces.

Indeed, it’s for this reason that hiking boots were essential for this hike.

Eventually after about 30-45 minutes of this persistent ascent, the trail started to flatten out somewhat as it reached a couple of spurs.

Viewing Månafossen

Manafossen_152_06222019 - A couple girls had a hammock set up at the first overlook of Månafossen
A couple girls had a hammock set up at the first overlook of Månafossen

The first spur led to the first overlook of Manafossen, and this was the most popular spot to see it.

From this vantage point, we could not only see the entire plunge of the falls, but we could also see (if the clouds cooperate) a cascade higher up, which created the illusion that it fell right into the main falls.

This lookout did not have safety railings so we definitely had to use our better judgement and stay back from the dropoffs.

The second spur led to a second overlook of the falls, though it was a bit more direct and harder to see its entirety from there.

Manafossen_081_06202019 - Månafossen shrouded in clouds when the weather was not so great
Månafossen shrouded in clouds when the weather was not so great

Like the first lookout, there were no safety railings to keep us from going over the edge.

There was also a narrow trail of use connecting the two overlooks along the cliff.

We managed to experience this waterfall in a variety of conditions over the years.

Weather does make a big difference in the experience here – not only because of the slick climb, but also because clouds can block the view.

Manafossen_161_06222019 - Direct look at Månafossen and its companion waterfall in the background where the Mån Farmstead sits near its base
Direct look at Månafossen and its companion waterfall in the background where the Mån Farmstead sits near its base

This was the extent of our experiences with the Manafossen Waterfall, and we would typically spend around an hour away from the car.

Although we were content with just the views before coming back down to the car park, it was also possible to hike another 1km up to the Mån Farmstead.

We didn’t do that so we can’t say more about it, but apparently they made it possible to spend the night there as the farmstead also doubled as an accommodation as well as a museum.

Eikeskogfossen – a bonus waterfall

Finally, when Julie and I drove up to the Manafossen car park (see directions below), we also spotted another smaller but attractive roadside waterfall called Eikeskogsfossen.

Manafossen_125_06202019 - Contextual view of Eikeskogfossen on the way up to the car park at the end of the road for Månafossen
Contextual view of Eikeskogfossen on the way up to the car park at the end of the road for Månafossen

We didn’t bother finding a way to get closer to this waterfall as we were perfectly content to enjoy the falls from the road.

I’m guessing that this waterfall got its name from the neighboring community of Eikeskog, and that the immediate area might have been an oak forest.

According to my Norwegian dictionary, eik means “oak” and skog means “forest”.

Authorities

Manafossen resides near Frafjord in the Gjesdal Municipality in Rogaland County, Norway. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, visit their website.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual members. See Membership Options.
Content is for members. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: gjesdal, frafjord, rogaland, stavanger, southern norway, scandinavia, norway, waterfall, byrkjedal, algard



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Manafossen, Norway November 1, 2014 10:07 am by Saulius Misiunas - Some pictures of Manafossen waterfall ...Read More

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Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
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