The Old Jæren Line
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 km | 3 hours | Gravel road | Easy | Hikes |
The Old Jæren Line is a fabulous rail trail located along the west coast of Norway, which passes through forests and steep areas with spectacular viewpoints. You will pass several idyllic lakes, an abandoned train station and an exciting railway tunnel on your way.
Maurholen Station. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
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When the Jæren Line was upgraded from narrow to standard gauge in 1944, the railway between Egersund and Hellvik was rerouted. The curves on this stretch was too sharp for a narrow-gauged railway. New tunnels were constructed and the old corridor was not longer in use. In 1997 the corridor was replaced by a new cycle path, today known as the Old Jæren Line.
Hellvik station
The rail trail starts about 300 metres south of Hellvik station. Follow Stasjonsveien until you reach the crossroads. From here the Old Jæren Line is signposted. When you have passed the red gate on your left, you are following the railway corridor. After the rail trail goes through deep rock cuts, it follows the current railway line closely until it enters a tunnel. You will walk along the track once again after you have rounded the mountain along the old route.
Railway crossings
The trail follows the Holmavatnet lake closely until it bends sharply to the right uphill. The old corridor used to turn left across the current railway line. After you have crossed the track over a tunnel opening, the cycle path will do a sharp right turn and follow the railway line on the other side. From here the trail follows more or less along the old corridor.
Maurholen station
After you have crossed the track over another tunnel opening, you will soon arrive Maurholen station. You will find benches here if you want to stretch your legs. The station area is well preserved, and you can actually spend the night in the lengthsman's cottage if you contact Eigersund municipality and make a reservation.
Maurholen Tunnel
From Maurholen the rail trail goes through a stunning area. It passes a long and deep rock cut before it enters Maurholen Tunnel. Then it continues through a dense pine forest and long Nordasundet sound in a steep area.
Bridge over Launessundet
The rail trail crosses the railway two times. Just before the last crossing, take the short detour to the left on the old wooden bridge. If you look down, you will see that the old, overgrown railway corridor passes under the bridge. The cycle path will follow both the current railway line and Nordasundet for a while. On this stretch, the current railway route follows the old corridor. The cycle path crosses the railway line two times until it rounds the promontory Lauvsnesodden. Now you must cross the sound on the old and long railway bridge.
Memory plague
The remaining part of the trip follows the asphalted cycle and footpath to Eie, west of Egersund station. On your way you will pass a memorial to George E. Longland og Errol C. Nayda – two Australian pilots who lost their lives here on 24 March 1945. They were killed during the attack on a German ship in Egersund harbour. You can cross the underpass and follow Gamle Eigerøyveien the last hundred metres to the railway station.
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How do I get there?
Go-Ahead on the Jæren Line from Stavanger or Egersund to Hellvik station. There are parking lots at the station if you arrive by car.