Walking the Solbergfoss Line
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 km | 2 hours | Gravel road | Medium | Hikes |
The Solbergfoss Line is a fabulous rail trail which passes several halts and railway bridges. It ends at a huge hydroelectric power station on Glomma, the longest river in Norway.
Along the Solbergfoss Line. Photo: Astraea Antal
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Kolstad
The rail trail starts north of Askimtorget. You can easily find it by following the road on the left of the shopping centre, which is placed over the old track. The corridor continues as a gravel road into the woods along a river. After two kilometres you will pass the 33-metre Kolstad Bridge. A temporary halt was located by the bridge during WW2.
Onstad Halt
You will reach Onstad after a kilometre, the first proper halt on the Solbergfoss Line. In the red shed on the right you will find a visitor information board with old photos of the Solbergfoss Line.
Skaarud Bridge
After another kilometre you will reach Skaarud Bridge, which is as long as Kolstad Bridge, but much higher since it passes over a deep gorge. The trail continues northwards along the Glomma through a farmland area. You pass another shed similar to the one at Onstad, but yellow. Inside you will also find an information board with photos of the railway line. There are benches outside in case you want to stretch your legs.
Tømt Halt
The trail bends to the right and continues eastwards through an area with big rock cuts. Tømt Halt was located on the right before you cross Solbergfossveien. Eight metres of track have been reconstructed at the preserved rail loading ramp. The Solbergfoss Line continues in a long curve through a hilly landscape and passes Solberg Farm on the left. Shortly after it ends in Solbergfossveien, which you must follow a while before it continues through the woods on the left.
Solbergfoss
After 600 metres you arrive Solbergfoss Station, and here you will see a circle on the ground which is the remains of the turntable. The yellow garage to the right was where the railbuses were parked. If you continue straight ahead, you will arrive Solbergfoss Hydroelectric Power Station, an impressive building where you can get a guided tour if you book in advance.
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How do I get there?
Vy local train L22 (Skøyen–Oslo S–Mysen–Rakkestad) to Askim.