Sarp Falls

Sarp Falls (Norwegian: Sarpsfossen) is a waterfall on the Glomma River in Sarpsborg, in Norway's Østfold county. By discharge it is the second largest waterfall in Europe, behind only the Rhine Falls. It makes an easy stop for anyone travelling from Oslo toward the Swedish border who wants to see raw natural power right at the edge of a town.

Why is Sarpsfossen so powerful?

The falls sit at the end of the Glomma, Norway's longest river. The catchment above Sarpsborg covers more than 41,000 km², so water from a huge part of eastern Norway funnels over this single drop. Average flow is about 577 cubic metres per second, and during spring snowmelt or floods it can be many times higher. It is the last waterfall on the Glomma before the river reaches the Oslofjord.

How tall is it?

Sources give different figures, generally between about 19.5 and 23 metres of drop. It is not a record-setter for height, but the volume of water is striking: you hear the roar from a distance and feel spray in the air.

History and hydropower

Local tradition links the area to King Olav Haraldsson, who is said to have founded the settlement of Borg here in 1016. The name Sarpsborg derives from the old name of the falls (Sarpr) and the word "borg". For centuries the falling water drove mills and sawmills, and from the late 19th century it became an important energy source for industry. Three power stations still use the falls today: Borregaard, Hafslund and Sarp. The scene is therefore not purely wild; alongside nature you see traces of the town's industrial past.

What to see nearby

A bridge crosses the river above the falls; the first was built in 1854 and the current one dates from 1942. From the bridge and the riverbanks you can view the cascades from several vantage points. Walking paths run nearby, and central Sarpsborg offers cafes and reminders of its medieval history.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sarp Falls the biggest waterfall in Europe? Not by height, but by discharge it ranks second in Europe after the Rhine Falls.

How much water flows over it? About 577 cubic metres per second on average, and much more in flood conditions.

When is the best time to visit? Spring, during snowmelt, when the flow is strongest and the view most dramatic. In summer it is calmer but still impressive.

Is the waterfall used to generate electricity? Yes. Three power stations, Borregaard, Hafslund and Sarp, harness its energy.

Where is it? In central Sarpsborg, Østfold, in south-eastern Norway, a little over an hour's drive from Oslo.