Mountain walk to Matmora along the mine railway
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 km | 3 hours | Asphalt, Gravel road, Path | Medium | Hikes |
On Austvågøy in Lofoten you can follow an abandoned railway line and take a detour to the peak Matmora. The line transported iron ore from the mountain to the shipping quay at Vatnfjord.
Mountain railway. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
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Steep detour
1.5 kilometres north of the campsite Sandsletta, just after you have passed a sharp left turn, you will find the rail trail. Park along the road and continue along the corridor. After one kilometre on the gravel road you will arrive Jorden, which is the place where the iron ore was reloaded. If you look right up the steep mountainside you can see the remains of the funicular corridor. It&apos:s too steep to traverse, so you must continue along the rail trail for another kilometre if you want a detour to the mining area. Just before the corridor meets the road you will find the signposted path to Matmora and Rangeldalen. The first part goes steep up the mountainside, but the terrain flattens out after 200 metres. Then follow the funicular corridor through the valley until it ends after one kilometre. The transportation system consisted of three such funiculars. The upper one was the steepest with a gradient of 64 per cent. You can reach the mines by following the zigzag path uphill.
Lastepladsen
Whether you took the detour or not, you must follow the county road for a while to reach the shipping quay. A locomotive shed was standing here at the crossroads, but there are no signs of it today. After one kilometre northwards, turn left onto the gravel road. You are now following the railway again. Turn right after 1.5 kilometres to reach the quay. Here you can still see signs of the railway sleepers on the ground. You will also find a railway wagon and fundament of several buildings at Lastepladsen.
How do I get there?
From Svolvær follow E10 about 16 kilometres northwards to Vestpollen. Take a left towards Laukvik and follow the county road 12 kilometres. You will find the trail to the right about 1.5 kilometres after you have passed Sandsletta campsite.