Den Gamle Jærbanen

Geological & cultural bicycle trip, different alternatives

How to get there

Accessibility and parking:

From the center, follow Fv. 44 towards the station where you turn left and follow Fv. 502 in the direction of Eigerøy. Here you can use the pedestrian path and bike path and the screened road all the way to the junction at Gamle Eigerøyveien. There the road crosses and the beautiful hiking trail reveals itself right after you turn right under the Eigerøy road. Here you will find a parking place and information signs. The trip itself is about 8.5 km and can be combined with den Vestlandske Hovedvei further from Hellvik.

Special conditions:

Park at the parking place and show respect for private land.
Show respect to animals along the trail.
Don’t forget to close gates behind you so that animals would not get away.
Dogs have to be on leash.
Leave nothing but footprints!

Enquire to book a guided tour

Download Brochure

What Three Words

limbs.conspired.active

Culture and history

Den Gamle Jærbanen between Hellvik and Maurholen is converted to a hiking / cycling route. The road meanders between and through the rocky outcrops and hills, and impressive stone work was constructed for the old line. Great trip! Parking in Maurholen and at Launes.

Geology and nature

The main rock type in Magma Geopark is the same as the lighter-coloured parts of the surface of the moon – anorthosite. Anorthosite in the geopark crystallised in large magma chambers about 930 million years ago. It developed in the root zone of a mountain range similar to the modern Himalayas. When the ice retreated for the last time, the anorthosite bacame exposed and is now waiting for your footprints.

You can find out more about the nature and geology of each geobike tour in separate brochures available at tourist information sites in the geopark.

If you would like to find out more about the geology in the area, you can book a tour with Magma Geopark’s guides. You can also download Magma Geopark’s app and hear a local guide tell about the exciting geology on the way to the lighthouse. Information about the local birdlife can be found at the local team at the Norwegian Ornithological Society.