About This Hike
Månafossen plunges 92 metres into a narrow gorge in the Frafjordheiane Landscape Conservation Area and is regarded as Rogaland's highest waterfall. The signed route starts at Eikeskog car park. It is only about 800 metres return with roughly 100 metres of ascent, but the first 100 metres climb quickly on stone steps and the remaining steep sections use wooden steps and fixed chains. Allow about one hour and use the chains deliberately rather than treating the short distance as an easy stroll. Several prepared viewpoints provide a clear view across the gorge; there is no reason to leave them or approach wet edges for a photograph. Spray, rain and snowmelt can keep the rock slippery even in otherwise dry weather. Families can complete the walk, but adults must judge whether each child can manage the steep ground and keep them close beside the gorge and river. Continuing beyond the viewpoints leads to Friluftsgarden Mån, a restored mountain farm occupied until 1915. That extension makes a separate outing of roughly two hours return and 2.6–2.7 kilometres in total. Longer travel through Fidjadalen toward Blåfjellenden is a full mountain journey, not an improvised addition to the waterfall visit.
Highlights
- ✓ A 92 m free fall into the Frafjordelva gorge
- ✓ Prepared viewpoints reached by steps and fixed chains
- ✓ An 800 m return option that still feels like a real climb
- ✓ Optional continuation to the restored Friluftsgarden Mån
Getting There
Eikeskog car park, at the signed start for Månafossen and Mån
Before You Go
The waterfall viewpoint and the mountain farm are different turnarounds. The first is a short but steep, chain-assisted climb from Eikeskog; continuing to Mån makes a roughly 2.7 km, two-hour return with substantially more ascent. Decide before starting which one matches the group, because the rock can be slippery even when the distance looks trivial. At the viewpoint, enjoy the waterfall from the prepared area and keep well back from the unfenced gorge edge—do not try to improve the photo angle by stepping onto wet rock.
Information checked: September 2026, against current Region Stavanger, Gjesdal municipality and DNT information
⚠️ Safety Notes
- The falls viewpoint has unfenced, exposed edges above a 92-metre drop, so stay back from the rim and hold children by the hand.
- The chains, steps, and bare rock can be icy or snow-covered outside the summer months, so check conditions and wear footwear with good grip.
- Constant spray keeps the upper rock wet and slippery even in dry weather.