The Rallar Line to Fagernut
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 km | 2 hours | Railway | Medium | Hikes |
The 17-kilometre stretch between Finse and Lågheller was closed in 1993 when the Finse Tunnel opened. The track and the lengthsman's cottages along the old corridor are preserved as well as Fagernut Tunnel, which was the previous highest point on the Bergen Line.
The old Bergen Line. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
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Hardangerjøkulen and Finsevatnet
It's easy to access the track from the Navvy Road – the old construction road which runs close to the Bergen Line. When you have crossed the bridge from Finse and the first cabin, take a right up to the track. From here it's nine kilometres to Fagernut. You will actually get a greater view of the glacier Hardangerjøkulen and the lake Finsevatnet from the track compared to the Navvy Road. After a kilometre you will round the headland Finsenuten and pass Norenut Lengthsman's Cottage to the left. There were similar cottages along the track for every third kilometre due to the heavy snow conditions.
Sandå Lengthsman's Cottage
The corridor will soon continue straight ahead and you will pass a station sign. "Ulvebu station" was not really an official stop on the Bergen Line, so the sign is probably placed here by the owners of the nearby cabins. From here the Navvy Road will follow you tightly on your right. After a couple of sharp bends and cuttings you will see Sandå Lengthsman's Cottage and the picturesque waterfall. You can reach the cottage after you have passed the bridge, but be aware that this building is now a private mountain cabin.
Highest point
Just before you arrive Slirå Lengthsman's Cottage, you will pass the remains of a passing lane. This area can be challenging to pass when there is snow on the ground, so you can eventually continue along the Navvy Road instead. If you chose to continue along the railway line, you must pass the 69-metre Fagerboth Tunnel. This is actually where the Bergen Line's highest point was located, 1,302 metres above sea level. The next tunnel is longer, and you must not try to pass through if the entrance is covered by snow. This is because the corridor passes the lake Fagervannet over an embankment on the other side. This is also where the last cottage is situated.
Fagernut Lengthsman's Cottage
Fagernut had the highest elevation compared to the other cottages along the Bergen Line, 1,310 metres above sea level. During the summer months it is a cafeteria where you can buy waffles and soup as well as hot and cold beverages. Please take your time to inspect the original interior from the time when the Bergen Line was built. You can follow the Navvy Road on your way back to Finse.
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How do I get there?
The Bergen Line from Oslo Central Station or Bergen to Finse station.