Rauma Line
| Length: | Starts: | Ends: | Status: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 114 km | Dombås Station | Åndalsnes Station | In service |
The Rauma Line is an 114.2-kilometre long branch line of the Dovre Line which runs between Dombås and Åndalsnes. The line was opened on 29 November 1924 and voted as the most beautiful railway line in Europe by Lonely Planet in 2012.
The opening of Lesja Station. Photo: Anders B. Wilse/Norsk Folkemuseum
Disagreements
There was a disagreement about the route in the county. Molde Municipality wanted their own railway line between Oppdal and Molde, a 130 kilometre longer and more expensive line than the original suggestion through the valley Romsdalen. On 9 July 1908 the Rauma Line between Dombås and Åndalsnes was approved in Parliament.
The construction
The railway line was traversed on 8 August 1909, and on 27 July 1912 the Parliament decided that it should be constructed with standard gauge. The steepest part should have a gradient of 2 percent with an elevation difference of 644 metres between the termini. To manage the steep ascent at Verma, the 1,340-metre long Stavem Tunnel was constructed, which is part of a horseshoe curve. Close to the lower tunnel entrance, the 76-metre long Kylling Bride was constructed, which is a tourist attraction today.
The opening
The part from Dombås to Bjorli was opened on 21 November 1921 and to Verma on 25 November 1923. The line was completed and opened to Åndalsnes on 29 November 1924. From 1 June 1958, the steam locomotives where replaced by diesel locomotives, known as class NSB Di 3.
Rauma Line today
In 2012 the Rauma Line was named one of Europe's top scenic train journeys by Lonely Planet. From 2020 the passenger trains are operated by SJ Norge AS, known as Nord, passed spectacular tourist attractions such as the Kylling Bridge and the vertical rock face Trollveggen.