Friaren

Friaren is the largest waterfall by volume which drops into Geirangerfjorden. Because the falls drop directly into the sea, and there is no access on foot, exact measurements of the falls are essentially impossible to obtain. Using aerial imagery and one-meter contour topographic maps however, we can obtain a moderately close approximation. The overall height of the falls appears to be in the vicinity of 475 meters (1,560 feet) over a linear run of approximately 580 meters. The upper half of that drop is effectively hidden from view in a narrow gorge, and only the final 225 meters (740 feet) of the falls are clearly visible from the boats which cruise the fjord. Another tier or two may be visible from certain angles on the fjord, bringing the visible portion of the falls up by another 30-50 meters at most, the rest will remain out of view to all but birds.Friaren (the Suitor) as it's most commonly known is a name that suggests the relationship to the Seven Sisters across the fjord. The name Friarfossen is often used incorrectly. The names Geitfossen and Skageflåfossen are both considered official titles as well, though both date back quite some time and are no longer use in colloquial vernacular.