Few day trips from Kristiansand feel as nostalgic and hands-on as riding the Setesdal Railway (Setesdalsbanen). Based at Grovane station in Vennesla, about 20 minutes north of Kristiansand, this narrow-gauge heritage line brings the age of steam to life on a beautifully preserved stretch of track along the Otra river. It’s a perfect addition to a coastal holiday in Southern Norway (Sørlandet), balancing city culture in Kristiansand with rural landscapes and living industrial history.
The railway opened in 1896 as the original link from Kristiansand to the Setesdal valley, built to the 3 ft 6 in (1067 mm) gauge commonly called Cape gauge. When the modern Southern Railway (Sørlandsbanen) reached the area in standard gauge in the 1930s, the Setesdal line’s role faded, and it was fully closed by 1962. Volunteers and enthusiasts stepped in, saving a short, scenic section from Grovane to Røyknes. Today, the Setesdal Railway operates as a museum railway, with authentic wooden carriages, working steam locomotives, station buildings, and workshops—many of them original to the line.
A ride typically runs between Grovane and Røyknes, taking around 40–50 minutes each way. You’ll pass river meadows, forest, and historic halts, with the evocative scent of coal smoke and the rhythmic chuff of the engine setting the pace. Families love the open platforms and the friendly crew in period uniforms, while photographers get superb vantage points at bridges and level crossings. During special events—summer season weekends, school holidays, and occasional autumn or Christmas runs—the railway adds themed departures and extras like vintage bus connections and picnic stops.
Grovane itself is a compact hub with easy access. If you’re arriving by car, follow E39/E18 from Kristiansand and then local roads to Vennesla; parking is signposted at Grovane station. Public transport is straightforward: regional trains on the Southern Railway and local buses stop in Vennesla, with short connections to Grovane. Tickets for the Setesdal Railway can usually be bought online or at the station on operating days; check the official website or Visit Kristiansand for current timetables, fares, and accessibility details. Arrive early for front-car seats, and bring a light jacket—carriages are vintage and can be cool, even in summer.
History buffs should explore the small museum exhibits at Grovane, where you can see tools, signaling equipment, and interpretive boards about the conversion from narrow to standard gauge and the community effort that preserved the line. Look for the turntable and the locomotive shed, where maintenance work is often underway. The line’s survival is a testament to Norwegian volunteer culture—many restorations were carried out by local enthusiasts, making this one of the country’s most authentic steam experiences.
For visitors based in Kristiansand, pairing a morning steam ride with an afternoon at The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga) or the family-friendly zoo and amusement park, The Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park (Dyreparken i Kristiansand), makes for a varied day. Active travelers can add a riverside walk near Vennesla or visit the nearby industrial heritage site, The Power Plant at Vennesla (Vennesla kraftverk), to round out the theme of energy and rail. Cafés in Vennesla and Kristiansand offer easy lunch options; some travelers pack a picnic for the layover at Røyknes.
Why it matters? The Setesdal Railway connects Southern Norway’s maritime hub with its inland valleys, telling the story of how rail opened remote communities and shaped modern Kristiansand. It’s immersive, family-friendly, and photogenic—a living museum that moves. If you love engineering, Nordic landscapes, or simply the romance of steam, Grovane is a small detour with a big payoff.