Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line along Bergsvannet
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 km | 1 hour | Asphalt, Gravel road | Easy | Hikes |
Between Hof and Eidsfoss you can hike the Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line over a beautiful stone arch bridge and pass remains of Kopstad railway station. The last part follows a rail trail with a great view of Bergsvannet.
Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
Read more in the book
Hof Station
The petrol station at the roundabout at Hof is located in the old station area. At Hof Station, which was demolished in 1970, people could change trains to continue on the Holmestrand—Vittingfoss Line. The two lines shared the same track between Hof and Hillestad Station, six kilometres further south.
Highest point
Follow the cycleway towards Eidsfoss. After 500 metres, turn right and continue along Kopstadlinna. After 300 metres you will pass the highest point on the Tønsberg—Eidsfoss Line, which is located 73 metres above sea level. You will pass an area with deep rock cuts before the corridor continues as a gravel road in a more deserted area.
Kopstad Station
After three kilometres you will pass the river Østbybekken over an old railway bridge. You have now arrived Kopstad Station. Here you will find benches and an information board about the station and the railway line. The platform is well preserved, but only the foundations remains of the ticket office, which was demolished in 1972.
Stubben
The corridor crosses the national road and continues along the river Kopstadelva to Bergsvannet. After a sharp curve through some deeps rock cuts, the corridor meets the national road. The railway went closer to the lake, and you can clearly see the corridor to the right, just before the end of the gravel road. There are benches where it crossed the river over a railway bridge. Stubben Station was located on the other side.
Rail trail
Continue along the national road for about one kilometre until you see the stairs to the left. These takes you up to the railway corridor, which opened as a rail trail in 2022. Enjoy the great view of Bergsvannet along this one-kilometre long trail, which ends near Eidsfoss Church. You will pass several information boards, benches and a few metres of rebuilt tracks on your way.
Eidsfoss
Continue on the cycleway and turn left on the path just before the church. You are now following the railway corridor, which ends in front of the former engine shed. You will pass Eidsfoss Waterworks on your way, and here you can see the remains of the platform of Eidsfoss Station. Just in front of the engine shed, you will discover the remains of the turntable where the locomotives where turned for the round trip to Tønsberg. If you continue on the road to the right of the shed, you are actually following the spur down to the ship quay, and here you will also find the Ironworks Museum.
► Show itinerary
How do I get there?
Take the exit number 30 on E18 and follow the signposted road to Hof. Then take the National Road 32 about eight kilometres until you arrive a petrol station at the roundabout. By public transportation take the bus from Tønsberg to Hof.