Setesdal Line | |
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Norwegian: Setesdalsbanen | |
Veteran train on the Setesdal Line, 23 July 2003. The train is driving onto the Paulen bridge.
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Terminus | Grovane Røyknes |
Commercial operations | |
Built by | Norwegian State Railways |
Original gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Original electrification | None |
Preserved operations | |
Owned by | Setesdal Line |
Operated by | Setesdal Line |
Stations |
Kristiansand Station - Byglandsfjord Station (original) Grovane Station - Røyknes Station (heritage) |
Length | 78 km (48 mi) (original) 8 km (5 mi) (heritage) |
Preserved gauge | 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) |
Commercial history | |
Opened | 26 November 1895 |
Closed | 1 September 1962 |
The Setesdal Line (Norwegian: Setesdalsbanen) was a railway between Kristiansand and Byglandsfjord in southern Norway, 78 km (48 mi) long. It was built with a narrow gauge of 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in), and opened to Hægeland 26 November 1895, and to Byglandsfjord 27 November 1896. Stations along the line included Mosby, Vennesla, Grovene (Grovane), Iveland and Hægeland.
Today, only the stretch between Grovane and Røyknes of the original line is preserved as a heritage railway.
When the standard gauged Sørlandet Line was opened to Kristiansand in 1938, Grovane became the new terminal station for the Setesdal Line, with connection to the Sørlandet Line.
The Setesdal Line was suspended from 1 September 1962, and the track was lifted between Byglandsfjord and Beihølen. The 6 km (3.7 mi) line between Beihølen and Grovane was, however, preserved by local enthusiasts. The Setesdal Line Hobby Club was already established in 1964.
Today, the Setesdal Line is a railway museum with steam trains serving the 8 km (5.0 mi) line between Grovane and Røyknes. Four steam locomotives from 1894-1902 are preserved, along with a number of passenger and freight cars.
These locomotives are only used for shunting at areas with dual gauge track.