Månafossen, Large waterfall in Gjesdal, Norway
Månafossen is a waterfall in Gjesdal, Norway, where the Månaåna river drops straight down into a narrow gorge framed by rock walls. The base of the falls is visible from viewing areas below, and the sound of the water carries well before the falls come into sight.
The area around the falls has been farmed for centuries, and the nearby Mån Farmstead is one of the clearest signs of this long presence. The farm was later set aside as an open-air site to keep a record of how rural life was lived in this part of Norway.
The name Månafossen comes from the Mån Farmstead sitting just above the falls, which visitors can still walk through today. Many people combine a visit to the waterfall with a stop at the farm to see traditional Norwegian rural buildings up close.
The path to the falls is steep and includes sections with fixed chains to help with the climb, so sturdy footwear is a good idea. Wet rock can be slippery, and extra care is needed after rain or in damp conditions.
On sunny days the mist at the base of the falls produces a rainbow that appears when the light hits the spray at the right angle. This happens most often in summer mornings when the sun is still low in the sky.
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