Hardanger Line | |
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![]() NSB Class 64 train at Granvin | |
Overview | |
Native name | Hardangerbanen |
Status | Abandoned |
Owner | Norwegian State Railways |
Termini | |
Service | |
Type | Railway |
System | Norwegian railway |
Operator(s) | Norwegian State Railways |
History | |
Opened | 1935 |
Closed | 1989 |
Technical | |
Line length | 27.5 km (17.1 mi) |
Number of tracks | Single |
Character | Passenger and freight |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
Electrification | 15 kV 16.7 Hz AC |
Highest elevation | 248.4 m (815 ft) amsl |
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The Hardanger Line (Norwegian: Hardangerbana or Hardangerbanen) was a 27.45-kilometre (17.06 mi) railway between Voss and Granvin in Hordaland, Norway. The line connected to the Bergen Line in Voss and ran to the Hardangerfjord and the district of Hardanger. Construction started in 1921, but the line did not open until 1 April 1935. Owned and operated by Norwegian State Railways (NSB), passenger transport was provided by three NSB Class 64 electric multiple units. They remained in use until 1985 when passenger transport was terminated. All transport ceased in 1988, and 21 kilometres (13 mi) of the line was demolished in 1991. The 3 kilometres (2 mi) from Voss to Palmafoss is still intact and is owned by the Norwegian National Rail Administration. The line featured six stations, fourteen halts and four tunnels and was one of Norway's steepest railways. It was NSB's first line to be electrified. The line was known as the Granvin Line (Granvinbanen) until February 1936. In 2016, Palmafoss established an emergency freight terminal and the tracks were re-established.