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You are here: Frontpage / Østfold Line / The Smaalenene Line and the Ljan ViaductTrails

The Smaalenene Line and the Ljan Viaduct

Distance: Duration: Terrain: Level: Type:
5 km 1 hour Asphalt, Gravel road, Path Easy Hikes
Between Rosenholm and Ljan you can follow an old route of the Smaalen Line as a pedestrian road and a forest trail. The trip ends at a viewpoint with remains of the Ljan Viaduct.
Smaalens Line. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
Smaalens Line. Photo: Erlend Garåsen
The Smaalen Line, today known as the Østfold Line, opened in 1879 between Oslo and Kornsjø. It crossed the Liadalen valley over the 235-metre Ljan Viaduct until the corridor was rerouted via Hauketo in 1925. The bridge was demolished in 1929, but several of its piers have been preserved. You can follow the old corridor on a path and walkway between Rosenholm and Liadalen.

The Smaalen Line
Follow Rosenholmveien from Rosenholm Station until it joins Holmliaveien after ten minutes. Continue over the crosswalk and along the railway corridor, which now is a cycle and footpath. You will pass green spaces and deep rock cuts until you reach Hallagerbakken school. The old railway bridge is demolished, so you must turn right and cross the road by using the footbridge.

The Ljan Viaduct
The corridor will cross the cycleway below the footbridge and continue as a forest trail past deep rock cuts until it reaches the top of the viaduct's southern pier. Here you will get a fantastic view of Liadalen. Walk carefully down the steep path down to Liadalen, located a few metres south of the vantage point. Here you will find a tourist information board about the Smaalen Line with an old photograph of the viaduct.

Gunpowder mill and school
Turn right and follow the culture path along the Ljan River until you pass the remains of a gunpowder mill. Black powder was produced here until 1884, when it was destroyed by a large explosion. The mill was never rebuilt due to its close location to the viaduct. Turn left at the bridge and cross the river. You will pass the ruins of an old handicrafts school to the right, which was in use between 1891 and 1910.

Ljan Station
The path will follow the newer railway corridor until it meets the road Herregårdsveien. Turn right and cross the bridge over the railway line. Then turn left and follow the road Ljabruveien until you reach Ljan Station after 450 metres. The original railway station of 1879 is demolished, but the newer building of 1923 is actually preserved.
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How do I get there?

Vy local train L2 (Stabekk–Skøyen–Oslo S–Ski) or L22 (Skøyen–Oslo S–Mysen–Rakkestad) to Rosenholm. There are parking lots at the railway station.