The scenic Mardalsfossen waterfall measures 655 m in total. The
top part drops vertically down 297 m.
The cache is placed near the trail, at one of the places where
you can view the waterfall in more or less full length. The trail
goes on, so you can in fact continue until very close to the
headwall. But as the proximity and water stain increases, parts of
the waterfall becomes obscured and you will need a wide-angle lens
on your camera anyway.
Mardalsfossen has been dammed since the early 1970's, but not
without battle. In 1970 preservation of Mardalsfossen was the
objective for activists using civil disobedience to protest against
the project and stall it by occupying the construction site. The
campaign attracted wide media coverage, but brought no particular
changes to the scope of the project. Nevertheless it marks a
milestone in the development of Norwegian hydroelectric power
resources, emphasizing the dilemma between industrial prosperity
and environmental authenticity.
The dams diverting the water are in the mountains behind the
cliff and not visible from the valley. The power station is located
near Åndalsnes, on the western side of the mountain range.
The new public awareness also brought an adjustment to the
licensing terms so that between 20. june and 20. august, the paddle
gates are opened to maintain a flow of 3 m3/s of water down the old
riverbed and over the cliff. Of course this period will be the most
beneficial for visits. In the rest of the year, there is not much
more left than a mere shadow.
Down the western headwall there used to be another waterfall
called Ytste Mardøla, which was also regulated into hydroelectric
use by the aforementioned project. Only erratic reservoir overflow
and melting water from below the dam brings it back to life even so
often.
The area is in fact within a glacial cirque, with limited
satellite horizon. It is advisable to obtain GPS fix before entry.
The difficulity rating has been adjusted for the GPS
conditions.
Parts of the trail, particularly the area around the cache, are
rather rocky. Bicycles or trams are not appropriate. The walking
distance is approx. 2km, with 250m ascent.
As this is one of the main tourist sights in the area, the site
can be busy. Please muster the required stealth when you retrieve
and return the box. It is possible to make it to the cache and back
within an hour, but that leaves very little time to enjoy the
area.
The box is a 0.6l Curver.
Initial contents:
Tape measure
Paper clips
Decoration stars
as well as a logbook and pencil.
2010 update: The toll is now NOK 30 for
driving your car the last 2.5km from public road and to the parking
area. It is possible to park your car by the old ferry slip if you
prefer the longer walk.