Setesdalsbanen

About the museum

The Setesdal Railway (Setesdalsbanen) was approved for construction in 1890 and opened in 1896. It ran 78 kilometres from Kristiansand to Byglandsfjord in Setesdal. It was the last narrow-gauge line of NSB (Norwegian State Railways), with a track gauge of 1067 millimetres, and the only one that was never converted to standard gauge. When the Sørlandsbanen was completed to Kristiansand in 1938, Grovane became a break-of-gauge station, and the costly transshipment was one of the reasons the line was eventually closed.

The Storting (parliament) decided to close the line in 1960, and the last train ran on Sunday 2 September 1962. As early as 1963 the Setesdalsbanens Hobbyklubb (Setesdal Railway Hobby Club) was founded on the Danish model, and NSB made wagons, locomotives and a few kilometres of track available. In this way the Setesdal Railway became the first museum railway in the country.

Today the stretch from Grovane to Røyknes, about eight kilometres, is the last surviving section of a narrow-gauge railway network that was once around a thousand kilometres long. The last 2.75 kilometres to Røyknes were completed in 2004. The railway is run by Vest-Agder-museet, largely by volunteers from the Setesdalsbanens venner (Friends of the Setesdal Railway).

Highlights

• Trains on narrow gauge (1067 mm) from NSB's narrow-gauge lines
• Trip from Grovane to Røyknes station, about 26 minutes each way
• Stop at Røyknes with a café
• Staff in historical uniforms
• The train trip can be combined with Tømmerrenna
• Charter trains for groups

Founded

1963

Operated by

Vest-Agder-museet

Admission & discounts

The prices for 2026 apply to return trips. A one-way ticket costs half price. The Vest-Agder-museet annual pass gives 50% off the return trip.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A mobile ramp makes it possible to take a wheelchair into the conductor's van (konduktørvognen), which is a pure goods wagon; the passenger carriages are not accessible by wheelchair. Grovane station is not adapted for wheelchairs, while the kiosk at Røyknes station can be reached by wheelchair. A new toilet building at the car park at Grovane has an accessible (HC) toilet. From the car park there is a good path for wheelchairs to the station. Dogs are allowed both in the buildings and on board the train.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly: not available

For safety reasons, pushchairs must be placed in the conductor's van, and children who cannot walk on their own are carried into the passenger carriage. There are family tickets and offers for schools and nurseries.

Getting there & parking

Departure from Grovane station, Venneslavegen 350.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café at Grovane and Røyknes stations with coffee, mineral water, waffles, ice cream, lefse, muffins and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The train can be rented as a charter train for groups.

Plan your visit