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Rjukanfossen

Type:Scenic attractions

Torget 2, 3660, Rjukan

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 14 reviews14 reviews

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About

The Rjukan Waterfall is unfortunately much less impressive than it used to be as most of the water has now been diverted into pipes running to the Vemork power station. But at the same time, it's so much more beautiful and powerful when they release it.

In 1810, geology professor Jens Esmark "discovered" the Rjukan Waterfall, and sent a report to the King in Copenhagen about the "world's highest waterfall". This was a slight exaggeration. The Rjukan Waterfall is no more than 104m high, but it led to increased tourism in Rjukan. The mountain man and heavy water saboteur Claus Helberg claimed that Rjukan was the cradle of modern tourism in Norway.

Great artists such as I. C. Dahl and Johannes Flintoe came first and painted the two giants of nature, Gaustatoppen and the Rjukan Waterfall, followed by the upper classes from large European cities who came to "inspect this beautiful scenery". There are many descriptions to be found of first meetings with the Rjukan waterfall. The lawyer Bernhard Dunker, totally entranced, wrote the following:

"After passing Skovbekken and reaching the cliff face close by, it seemed to me that I should see the waterfall. Finally and unexpectedly the path led out of the forest and on to a terrace on the mountainside, and there was the waterfall in all its glory. As if by magic, I was standing face to face with this great waterfall and a natural phenomenon, the power and beauty of which surpassed even the most spectacular dream. Neither words, brush nor colour can do justice to the Rjukan waterfall and its surroundings. But for he who is granted the privilege of standing on the terrace just opposite the Rjukan Waterfall and hears its thundering roar and observes the clouds of mist rising towards the sky, a picture of nature's majesty and power forms in his soul which will remain with him throughout his life."
 

Facilities

Activities

  • culture path
  • nature trails

Nature and terrain

  • mountainous terrain

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      6
    • Very Good
      6
    • Average
      1
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      1

    Recent Reviews:

    • opilet
      Oslo, Norway
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Where is the water?
      1 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 25th June 2015
      I walk down the trail with my child and it is a pleasant walk not too challenging for kids. However on the Gaustattoppen website it says that the waterfall is less impressive than in the past..ok... Read full review
    • ejohnsplass
      Skien Municipality, Norway
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Remarkable giants kettle in Flatdal
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 8th December 2017
      Jettegryten in Flatdal is a giant's kettle, also known as a giant's cauldron or pothole, which is a cavity or hole which appears to have been drilled in the surrounding rocks by eddying currents of... Read full review
    • twoplustwocrew
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Family
      Impressive falls, nice walk 90 mins from Arendal
      4 of 5 stars
      Monday, 28th May 2018
      It was a generally easy 1 to 1 &1/2hrs walk from the car park. It's worth going down to the lookout to the left as you first get to see the waterfall..... this gives you a good view up the valley to... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Events

    Tuesday, 16th July 2024 - Saturday, 20th July 2024

    scene from the Mari play at RjukanMarispelet RjukanOutdoor magical love story of Mari and her forbidden love for the servant boy Oystein.
    more info

    Contact

    Tel: 35080550

    What's Nearby

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    Previous Next

    Related

    Tuesday, 16th July 2024 - Saturday, 20th July 2024

    scene from the Mari play at RjukanMarispelet RjukanOutdoor magical love story of Mari and her forbidden love for the servant boy Oystein.
    more info

    scene from the Mari play at RjukanMarispelet Rjukan, TinnThe Mari play is referred to as one of Norway's best games and is based on an old legend. The legend is about Mari and Øystein and their forbidden love.