A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway

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A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway

In Vennesla near Kristiansand you’ll find a narrow gauge preserved railway line (3’6” gauge) using 100 years old steam locomotives and carriages.

The 48.5 miles long Setesdalsbanen was opened up to ordinary service between Kristiansand and Byglandsfjord in November 1896. More than hundred years later the coal is still hlowing and the water is boiling on the old steam locomotives.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway
From Kristiansand to Grovane Station: Follow the RV-9 road to Mosby

The gauge chosen, 3’6”, was commonly used at the time. Take a unique journey through a little piece of Norway and enjoy the stylish teak carriages and the sight of the venerable station buildings along the way.

Take time to go off the train at Kringsjå station and have a look at the ruins of Kringsjå power plant, which was built by “Rallere” from 1899 to 1900. All machinery was transported from Kristiansand by train. Just before the plant closed down in 1957 it delivered 6000kW. Just follow the signs from the station.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway
Setedalsbanen

At Røyknes station you can enjoy the old wooden village buildings at the west side of the river Otra. Røyknes has only about 100 inhabitants.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway
Setesdalsbanen at Røyknes station

At Grovane station it is possible to buy light refreshments and souvenirs.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway
Setedalsbanen at Beiholen dam

The railway represents part of Norway’s transport history and is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the southern part of Norway.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway
The railway represents part of Norway’s transport history

Directions by road from Kristiansand to Grovane Station: Follow the RV-9 road to Mosby. Then follow RV-405 to Vennesla and Grovane Station. Setesdalsbanen is situated about 21 km from Kristiansand city center.

Here is the Time table and fares.

A Rolling Railway Museum in Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg

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Journalist, PR and marketing consultant Tor Kjolberg has several degrees in marketing management. He started out as a marketing manager in Scandinavian companies and his last engagement before going solo was as director in one of Norway’s largest corporations. Tor realized early on that writing engaging stories was more efficient and far cheaper than paying for ads. He wrote hundreds of articles on products and services offered by the companies he worked for. Thus, he was attuned to the fact that storytelling was his passion.