Norway's longest river, the Glomma, is located in the eastern part of the country. Its length is 621 kilometers and its basin covers about 13% of the entire surface of Norway.
In August 2023, Storm Hans hit Norway and other northern European countries. The element caused significant material damage to the entire region. In a short time, a record amount of rainfall fell, and there were floods and landslides that damaged roads and houses.
And so, as almost all the rivers of the eastern region of Norway flow into the Glomma. Namely, the main blow of the elements fell on the east of the country, then the water in it rose to a critical level. The flood even broke the dam at the Braskereidfoss hydroelectric power plant (Braskereidfoss kraftverk) on the Glomma River.
In normal times, it is quite difficult to catch the moment when the hydroelectric power plants of the Østfold region simultaneously release water at the maximum level. But "Hans" changed all plans. And in August 2023, we managed to admire this loud, seething, and rare sight.
We visited four hydroelectric power plants, which are the last barrier of water before the mouth of the river. The Glomma flows into the sea at Fredrikstad.
Solberfoss power plant (Solbergfoss kraftverk) is located not far from the town of Askim. It was built in 1924 - 1925 and the height difference of the river here is 20 meters. This is our favorite hydroelectric plant, as there are several convenient viewing platforms around it and even picnic tables. But the visual component is no less pleasant! The Solberfoss power plant is built of light stone, in large blocks and very much resembles the buildings of the dwarves from fantasy books that we love so much :)
The next on our way was the Vamma kraftverk hydroelectric power plant, which is located in the municipality of Skiptvet. The height difference of Glomma here is 28.5 meters. The power plant was launched in 1907. This is one of the widest power plants on the Glomma River, its length is 385 meters and it is very comfortable and interesting to walk along it, as it is completely pedestrian and there is even a special bridge to the far part of the power plant, so it is a pleasure to watch the seething flow of water under your feet!
Next we visited the Kykkelsrud Hydroelectric Power Plant (Kykkelsrud kraftverk). After the previous two, she seemed not at all big and even fragile. Walking along the promenade from above, we clearly feel the vibration of the water, by the way, in the video, it can be seen from the trembling glass in the windows above the gateways. The river drop here is 26.5 meters and it was built in 1900.
And the last power station on our way and on the way of the river Glomma to the sea was Sarpsfossen waterfall. This waterfall is shared by three power plants at once! The Hafslund power station is on the east side under the waterfall bridge, the Borregaard power station is on the west side, and the Sarp power station is on the north side of the bridge. The difference in the height of the river here is about 23 meters.
Sarpsfossen is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe, measured in terms of water flow. By the way, it was this waterfall that was the direct reason that King Olav Haraldsson of Norway founded the new capital of the country Borg in 1016. He sailed up the Glomma, but could not pass this mighty waterfall on his boats. Also, at different times, the waterfall attracted kings, artists, and poets with its beauty. And we love to sit on its bank with a thermos of coffee and watch the sunset over the Glomma River.
And in this video, we invite you to ride with us along the Glomma River in the Østfol region. And admire the seething views of the element of water, which does not always agree with the fact that a person is trying to tame it. And also look at the rare spectacle of water discharge from hydroelectric power plants from a bird's eye view!
We really hope you enjoy the video! We tried our best! Feel free to ask your questions and write wishes in the comments, we are always pleased to read them!;)
Thank you for traveling with us!
About Us:
We live in the south of Norway and travel around the country with a Hymer Eriba Troll 530 Rockabilly caravan called "CrazyTroll". We have videos on our channel about our travels and adventures, useful tips, and drone videos of the most beautiful places in Norway.
Filmed and edited by the CrazyTroll team
Filmed by iPhone 12Pro + DJI OSMO mobile 5, DJI Mavic Mini Drone, Nikon z7
Edited with Final Cut Pro X.
Date: 17.08.2023
Homepage - crazytroll.no/
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