The Voss Line Rødberg—Langhelle
| Distance: | Duration: | Terrain: | Level: | Type: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 km | 2 hours | Gravel road, Path | Easy | Hikes |
The Voss Line is the original route between Bergen and Voss of 1883. After it became a part of the Bergen Line in 1909, the oldest path between Trengereid and Langhelle was abolished. Today you can walk this part along the fjord through several tunnels.
Tunnel. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
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Great Rødberg Tunnel
Just after you have exited the road tunnel on Gamle Vaksdalsvegen from Trengereid, you will see an overgrown path on your right. You can park here and follow the trail until you reach the railway corridor. Do not enter the blocked openings in the mountains, because they lead into a railway tunnel with traffic. Follow the corridor to the right instead and continue into the 1.3-kilometre Great Rødberg Tunnel. This opened in 1924 and replaced the oldest corridor of 1883.
Hana Dwelling House
At midway through you will pass a large opening on your left. Here you can take a detour out to the daylight and traverse the very oldest section of the Voss Line. If you turn left you will discover a small cabin inside another tunnel. There is a rumour that Norway's gold reserves were hidden inside this building during WW2. The oldest corridor isn't traversable behind the cabin, so return back to the long tunnel. When you finally have passed through you must enter another one. This is less dark since it has arched openings facing the fjord. The Voss Line continues as a rail trail until you pass an old dwelling house on your right.
Stavenesli Station
The Voss Line continues as a gravel road and passes through the 334-metre Haga tunnel. It is actually more interesting to follow the oldest section of 1883 instead. Since the oldest part crosses a private garden, take a few steps into the tunnel and exit through the small opening on your left. The oldest corridor passes an area with deep rock cuts until it joins the newer section. After you have passed two short tunnels you will arrive Stavenesli station. The station building is demolished, but the platform is still visible.
The Sandvik Tunnels
The next tunnels are respectively 20 and 29 metres long. Until you reach the last one, you will see two tunnel openings side by side. The one to the right is the newest one and was opened in 1926. Enter the oldest to the left instead. Then you will follow the fjord closely the next kilometres. When you reach Kråkeberget Tunnel, which is the last one, you must be careful. It is blocked halfway through, so exit the tunnel when you reach the arched openings on your left. Follow the path outside the tunnel until it meets E16.
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How do I get there?
Nor-Way Bussekspress (Sognefjordekspressen and Øst–Vestekspressen) to Rødberg bus stop. If you are coming from Bergen by car, follow the signposted road to Trengereid at the roundabout. Continue on the road Vaksdalsvegen to the right and enter the tunnel. You can park to the left along the road when you exit the tunnel.