Rjoandefossen
(Roandefossen)
Rjoandefossen, also called Roandefossen, is a gorgeous waterfall in the south-middle of Norway at Flåm, municipality Aurland, in the region Sogn og Fjordane. Rjoandefossen is one of my favorite waterfalls in Norway because of the scenery, the power of the water falling down, the colors and its shape.
Most people will see most of the waterfalls along the Flåmbanen by train. The Rjoandefossen is also easy accessible by car/foot from Flam. To see the Rjoandefossen you have to leave road E16 and follow the signs for Flam Center.
Just outside Flåm, the first waterfall on the right is Brekkefossen. A powerful waterfall with an overall height of 100 meters, probably higher (800 meters) if you count in the rest of the river. Unfortunately the flow of the river wasn’t that impressive when I visited Flåm for the third time on may 4th 2015.
A little bit further (5 minutes) following the road and the train trail you will see the Rjoandefossen from a distance. From then on you can view the gigantic Rjoandefossen waterfall from several viewpoints photographing to the southwest, west and northwest. Best time to visit the Rjoandefossen is in the morning or midday.
The volume of the water in the Rjoandefossen was quit respectable regarding that I was there may 4th 2015. The first seven pictures are taken in June-July and the last four pictures in may. Best time to visit the Rjoandefossen is June-early July.
Rjoandefossen is fed by the river Vidalselvi which has its origin at the Viddalsfjelett and Viddalvatnet (lake) at an alltitude of 1418 meters. Rjoandefossen itself has a total height of appr. 310 meters but the clear visible part has a single drop of 147 meters.
Flåm is famous because of the train journey to Myrdal. But there is also a road that takes you upp (halfway) to Myrdal.
The most famous waterfall is Kjosfossen. During the main season a show is performed where a girl is dressed as Huldra (a seductive forest creature). Aside from the fact that a nice show is staged, Kjosfossen is absolute a top 10 waterfall in Norway. With its 225 m height and a huge volume, you take all the fuss in the bargain, and you can enjoy the force of the water.
The Flåmbanen is a popular tourist attraction where a train brings you from Flåm to Myrdal. The height difference is 865 meters which has to be done in 20 kilometers, the second steepest railway in the world. On the way you can enjoy several waterfalls, named and unnamed. Be sure to make a reservation in the high season. It can be very crowded.
Near station Berekvam you will see several waterfalls on the left, the biggest (unofficial named) one is Tunnshello. Then you will pass by the Kardalsfossen, but this is better visible when walking down from Myrdal.
The first short stop of the train is at the Kjosfossen. From here you will see several streams and you will have a beautiful view on the Myrdalsfossen which plunges down over 225 meters. When walking down from Myrdal you will decent along the waterfall. In Berekvam we took the train back to Flåm.