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You are here: Frontpage / Rjukan Line / Draisine on the Rjukan LineTrails

Draisine on the Rjukan Line

Distance: Duration: Terrain: Level: Type:
9 km 2 hours Railway Easy Draisine
During the summer months you can rent a draisine from Tinnsjø Kro & Camping and cycle nine kilometres up to Dale. On your way you will get a great view of the 1,883-metre Gaustatoppen — Telemark's tallest mountain.
Rjukan Line and Gaustatoppen. Photo: Rjukanbanens Venner
Rjukan Line and Gaustatoppen. Photo: Rjukanbanens Venner
The 16-kilometre Rjukan Line opened between Mæl and Rjukan in 1909 to transport synthetic fertilisers to the global market. It was part of a continuous chain of transportation from Norsk Hydro's plant at Rjukan to Skien. Between Mæl and Tinnoset the freight wagons were transported by train ferry across Lake Tinn and then by the Tinnoset Line to Skien. In 1944 SF Hydro was sunk by Norwegian resistance fighters. At that time the Germans had started to produce heavy water at Vemork, which they transported on the Rjukan Line.

Safety
On weekends bring your own helmet and meet up at the tavern. Read the safety instructions carefully before you set off. Remember that you always must give way to cars when you pass all the level crossings.

Miland Station
First you will cycle along River Måna through an agricultural landscape with sheep and other grazing animals. After three kilometres you will cross the river and pass the remains of Miland Station. There used to be a red station building here, but only a tool shed remains today.

Bridal Veil and Gaustatoppen
You must cycle close to the county road for a while until you continue straight towards Gaustatoppen. The last kilometres are especially stunning. Here you will get a great view of the waterfall Kvitåe, known locally as the Bridal Veil. When you pass the power plant you have arrived your final destination. This is also where Øverland halt was located. The trip back goes much faster as you are cycling downhill.

More attractions
Before you leave the Rjukan area, you should visit the Vemork museum and the Heavy Water Cellar. Also consider the Gaustabanen tramway, which takes you to the top in just fifteen minutes!
► Show itinerary

How do I get there?

Take bus Vy1 from Oslo to Notodden and change to bus 185 (Rjukan) to Mæl bus stop. If you are driving from Oslo, take the first exit to the left after you have crossed the railway line at Mæl.