The railway features 17 tunnels along its route, the longest of which is approximately 1.2 kilometers.
The line was officially closed to regular passenger train traffic in 1991.
The route passes through the Flekkefjord tunnel, which was famously used for testing the ventilation systems of the Lærdal Tunnel, the world's longest road tunnel.
The track runs across multiple historical stone bridges that maintain their original 20th-century engineering.
The elevation changes significantly throughout the trip, requiring riders to pedal uphill for parts of the journey.
The Flekkefjord Line is a defunct 17-kilometer railway section between Flekkefjord and Sira that now serves as a popular destination for handcar cycling. The track, originally opened in 1904 as part of the Sørland Line, traverses 17 tunnels and several bridges through the rugged Sirdalen valley. Visitors rent draisines (rail bicycles) to travel along the tracks, as motorized rail traffic is no longer permitted on the line. The route remains largely preserved in its original historical state, offering a unique way to experience the transition from lowland coastal terrain to mountain landscapes. It is the only place in Norway where this specific form of rail-cycling is the primary activity on a decommissioned national line.
The entrance to the longest tunnel, where the light contrast creates a dramatic frame.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight for the longer tunnels, as they are unlit and become pitch black.
Pack a windproof jacket, as temperatures drop significantly inside the long mountain tunnels even on warm summer days.
Ensure all passengers are physically capable of pedaling for several kilometers, as the draisines are manually operated.
Attempting to travel the entire route without checking your physical fitness level, as the return trip involves sections of uphill pedaling.
Operates only during the summer season; closed during winter months due to safety hazards in the tunnels.
Maintain safe distance from other rail-cyclists and follow manual braking instructions to avoid collisions.
