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Cycling the Lier Line

Distance:	Duration:	Terrain:	Level:	Type:
21 km	2 hours	Asphalt, Gravel road, Path	Medium	Cycling

The Lier Line was a narrow-gauged railway line which ran between Lier and Svangstrand Station. The branch line was closed in 1937 and is now a popular cycle route through a lush valley with a lot of apple orchards.

Bikers on the Lier Line. Photo: Alexander Vestrum

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Hiking and Biking the Rail Trails of Norway

The trip starts at Lier Station, the former railway station in Lierbyen. There used to be a pub in the gods shed and the carriages outside, but it was closed during the pandemic. The station itself was closed in 1973, when the Lieråsen Tunnel opened on the Drammen Line and the corridor was rerouted. The Lier Line, which was closed as early as 1937, branched off here.

Apple orchard
From the roundabout follow the cycle and footpath along Vestsideveien for about a kilometre. Turn left on Linjevegen and you will pass the former Landfald Halt after 750 metres. Since the corridor continues through a private area, you must follow Vestsideveien a bit further until you reach a crossroads. From here the Lier Line continues as a trail through an apple orchard. Just follow the signpost.

Egge Station
After the orchard the Lier Line goes along a gravel road in a long curve pass a large greenhouse on your right. It then continues along Banevegen and you will soon pass Egge Farm, known for its production of apple juice and wine from organic apples.

Utengen and Sjåstad stations
You will pass the former Utengen Halt after two kilometres, but you will probably not notice it since the station building has been significantly altered. After a while you will also pass the former Sjåstad Station, which was situated just before you cross the bridge over the river Glitra.

Deciduous woodland
You will reach a crossroads after 1.5 kilometres. Turn left onto Brurbergveien and right when you pass a little, white house after 250 metres. Follow the signpost to Lierbanen. This part is especially stunning and goes through a dense deciduous woodland.

Spur to Tronstad Factory
The railway corridor continues as a tractor road until you reach a crossroads. Here the Lier Line makes a sharp bend to the right and crosses the river. The road straight ahead is the former spur to Tronstad Factory, which you can follow if you want a detour. Here you will find the picturesque waterfall Solbergfossen where you can fancy a dip.

Svangstrand Station
Turn left when the trail joins Iledalsveien. Previously the railway branched off to the right, but this part is now replaced by arable land. Continue straight when the road meets Gunnerudveien, and here you pass the highest point on the Lier Line, 134 metres above sea level. Turn right down the Meieribakken and you will pass Sylling Station, which was located near the supermarket. Since the last section down to Svangstrand Station was steep, the train first had to continue forward a bit and then reverse to its final destination. You will reach Svangstrand more easily. Just follow Svangstrandveien and then turn left onto Gamle Stasjonsvei until you pass a red building on your left.

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How do I get there?

Bus 169 from Oslo Bus Terminal to Lierbyen or bus 71/63 from Drammen to Lierbyen. By car exit E18 and follow the signposted road to Lierbyen from Kjellstad. Lier station is located close to the roundabout at the bus terminal.