Setesdalsbanen railway description and photos - Norway: Kristiansand (Topic)

Setesdalsbanen railway description and photos - Norway: Kristiansand. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Setesdalsbanen railway.

Photo and description

One of the most exciting things to do in southern Norway for tourists is a trip on an old steam locomotive that runs on the Setesdalbanen railway between Grovan and Reuknas stations.

The 78-kilometer route was opened for use in November 1896, connecting Kristiansand with the Biglandsfjord. The commissioning of this route opened up to the world the picturesque landscapes of the plain, which was previously extremely difficult to access. Moreover, the plain was rich in minerals and other natural resources. Thus, the Setesdalbanen railway played an important role for the industry: it was used to transport timber, feldspar, aluminum, etc.

In 1938. Setesdalbanen was merged with a new railway line (Sorlandsbahnen), making Grovan station a hub for freight and passenger traffic. However, the boom that began after World War II on personal vehicles led to the fact that in 1962. the authorities were forced to cease the operation of this line.

Currently, Setesdalben operates only in the summer as a tourist route, during which you can enjoy the magnificent unspoiled landscapes. Most of the route with sharp turns, tunnels, bridges runs parallel to the Otra River.

The revival of this line was made possible by the efforts of volunteers who did not want Setesdalben, the last Norwegian narrow gauge railway, to become a forgotten part of history.

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Topic: Setesdalsbanen railway description and photos - Norway: Kristiansand.