Setesdalsbanen

The Setesdalsbanen is a railroad between Kristiansand and Byglandsfjord in southern Norway. 78 km long. Built with a gauge of 3 1/2 feet (1067 mm). Opened to Hægeland Nov 26 1895, to Byglandsfjord Nov 27 1896. Stations along the line included Mosby, Vennesla, Grovene (Grovane), Iveland and Hægeland.

When Sørlandsbanen was opened to Kristiansand in 1938, Grovane became the new terminal station for Setesdalsbanen, with connection to Sørlandsbanen.

Setesdalsbanen was suspended from September 1, 1962, and the track was demolished between Byglandsfjord and Beihølen. The 6 km line between Beihølen and Grovane was, however, preserved by local enthusiasts. The Setesdalsbanen Hobby Club was established already in 1964.

Today, Setesdalsbanen is a railway museum with steam trains trafficing the 6 km line between Grovane and Beihøldalen. Four steam locomotives from 1894-1902 are preserved, along with a number of passenger and freight cars. An extension of 2 km to Røyknes station is under construction, and will be opened in 2004.

More information about Setesdalsbanen is available from the Setesdalsbanen web site.