Byglandsfjord: Railway Station History by the Fjord

Byglandsfjord lies at the end of the Byglandsfjorden. The village combines an unusual transport history with a trip on the fjord and opportunities for hiking and cycling. The old station site is particularly distinctive: it tells of a time when rail, bus and boat services came together at a transport hub. Visitors who want to combine culture and activity on their holiday will find a range of topics to consider when planning their trip.

A historic railway station site

The station building was constructed in 1895 in the Dragon style. From 1896 to 1962, Byglandsfjord station was the terminus of the Setesdalsbanen. The entire station site has been protected under Section 15 of Norway’s Cultural Heritage Act since 2002 and is protected by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) as a cultural heritage site of national significance. Here, the former connection between rail, bus and boat services becomes tangible.

The station building houses a library, an exhibition and a summer café. The old station buildings are also part of a walking and recreation area. Those interested in the history of the site can arrange guided tours with the Friends of Byglandsfjord Station, who organise tours for small and large groups.

The site also includes Pakkbua. The building will remain closed to public use until the end of 2026. Take this restriction into account when planning the timing of your visit.

On the fjord with D/S Bjoren

D/S Bjoren has been sailing up and down the fjord since 1867 and is one of the few wood-fired steamships in Norway. The vessel is a floating cultural monument and a summer attraction in Setesdal. A trip is therefore not only a way to experience the fjord from the water, but also an encounter with a distinctive part of the region’s transport history.

Trips last about two hours. They begin at the landing stage in Byglandsfjord or Bygland and return to the respective departure point. D/S Bjoren can carry up to 55 passengers per trip. The vessel can also be chartered for company outings, family celebrations and gatherings of friends. This makes a boat trip an activity you can plan as a highlight of your stay or include in a group occasion.

Hiking, cycling and fishing

Another way to explore the area on foot is to hike to Tjovehedderen. From Byglandsfjord, a clear trail leads from the Rv9 or Byglandsfjord to a rock overhang. The rock overhang is the destination of this hike; no specific trail length or walking time is provided.

National Cycle Route 3 also offers an option for trip planning: the section between Byglandsfjord and Kilefjorden runs mostly along minor roads and paths. Parts of the route are particularly suitable for day trips in Evje and Bygland and mostly run away from the RV9 there. This applies to the parts mentioned in Evje and Bygland; it does not describe the entire section equally.

The local, non-migratory salmon species “Bleke” is found in Byglandsfjord and as far as Kilefjord. A fishing licence is required for fishing. Hiking, cycling and fishing offer other themes for a trip than the history of the railway station and boat services; when planning to fish, remember to obtain the required permit.

Choose the right holiday base

When looking for accommodation, consider which of these aspects of the trip interest you most: the protected station site, a trip on D/S Bjoren, or activities such as hiking and cycling. Byglandsfjord offers a distinctive cultural focal point in the history of the railway station and fjord boat services. Other places to compare: Bygland, Grendi.

Return to the main travel overview: Bygland.