Cycling the Setesdal Line
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 km | 4 hours | Asphalt, Gravel road | Easy | Cycling |
The National Cycle Route 3 follows the abandoned Setesdal Line between Byglandsfjord and Hægeland Station. You will pass railway bridges, old station buildings and other attractions along the river Otra.
Setesdal Line along the Kile fjord. Photo: Roger Jensen
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TrollAktiv
You can rent a bike from TrollAktiv, an adventure park situated south of Byglandsfjord. From the crossroads north of the park, where Syrtveit Halt used to be, you follow the gravel road southwards, which has replaced the tracks. After five kilometres you continue along the national roads when you have passed the church.
Evje Station
The station building was demolished in 1973 — situated approximately where the shopping centre is today. Continue along the cycle path for a while, but follow the signpost to Evjemoen instead of crossing the bridge over the Otra river. Otherwise you will not cycle the railway corridor. Follow the cycle and footpath passed a former army camp, which is now the location of Evjemoen Defence Museum.
Hornnes Bridge
The cycle path soon crosses the river over the 142-metre Hornnes Bridge. You will then pass a red house with yellow window and door frames on your left, which is the former station building of Hornes.
Mineral Park
Turn left and you are again following the national cycle route. You will pass the Mineral Park on your left. Consider a break and visit the Rock Shop where you will find the biggest selection of precious stones in Norway.
Stone Arch Bridge
After you hav passed the long embankment at Breidflå, the cycle route branches off to the left, following the railway corridor on a gravel road. The rail trail will pass high rock cuts and follow the river Otra closely southwards. After three kilometres it crosses the national road and continues on the other side. Do not miss the beautiful stone arch bridge when you arrive Hannåsmoen.
Stunning part
From Moisund you must follow the national road, which has luckily been widened on both sides. After 2.5 kilometres you must cross the road and follow the tiny cycle path on the other side of the crash barrier. You will now reach Kilefjorden campsite. Then the route will continue on a gravel road along the Kilefjord and cross several wooden bridges. This part is especially stunning.
Kiledal Halt
After 1.5 kilometres the corridor will cross the national road and continue on the other side along the lake Kiledalstjønn. You should stop when you reach the yellow building on your right, which is where the old Kiledal Halt was situated. You will find a tourist information board inside about the Setesdal Line with many old photographs.
Hægeland Station
The railway corridor will cross the national road once again and continue on the other side as a gravel road. You will follow the river Uråna a while and pass Bornes Campsite. From here you must follow the national road until you reach a red building on your right, which is the old station building. If you want to extend the trip, you can follow railway corridor further to Røyknes. This route is two kilometres long and will pass several old railway tunnels.
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How do I get there?
Bus 170 (Haukeli) from Kristiansand to Syrtveit stop, which is located close to the activity centre TrollAktiv. If you are driving from Oslo, exit E18 and follow the National Road 42 when you are approaching Arendal. TrollAktiv is situated about six kilometres north of Evje.
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