Blåfjelldalen - Mining history in scenic surroundings

The road up Blåfjelldalen is a nice walk along the old railway line, passing Ruggesteinen, disused mines, Brambo and Guddalsvannet.

The rocking stone

About 500 metres past the car park at Linepollen is a large, movable boulder called Ruggesteien. This stone weighs 74 tonnes, yet most people are able to move it. It is Northern Europe's largest movable boulder, and in 1923 Ruggesteinen became the first geological preservation in Norway.

Cultural history

Blåfjell Gruver was operated from 1863 to 1876, and there are around 20 small and large mine workings. Titanium-containing iron ore was mined here, and the ore from the mine was shipped out into Rekefjord on a railway line. In total, around 80,000 tonnes of ore were extracted from the mines. Before the railway line was built, the ore was transported by horse and cart.

Geology

Due to the exceptional geology of the area, Magma Geopark has a colourful mining history. In Blåfjell (The Blue Mountain), up to eight mines were active during the 19th century. On the hike up Blåfjelldalen, you'll see the old mines surrounded by picturesque nature and cultural landscapes. Ilmenite was mined in Blåfjell from 1863 to 1876, and a total of 90,000 tonnes of ore were exported during these years.

The mineral ilmenite is an important raw material for the production of titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is used as a white pigment in paint, plastic, and paper, but also as an ingredient in cosmetic products, including sunscreen and makeup, as well as in medicine and even as an additive in some food products – where it is known as E171.

Hiking

The trip up Blåfjelldalen is 3.6 kilometres long with a gravel-covered walking and cycling path. This is a nice, gentle ride up the valley in scenic surroundings. The old railway line passes the famous Ruggesteinen, Blåfjell Gruvene, Brambo and Guddalsvannet. A further trail is marked to the scout hut at Lio.

Accessibility: Easy to moderate hike. Well-signposted and marked trail. A stroller can be used all the way up to the mine.

Duration: 1-3 hours

Photo gallery

Visit Blåfjelldalen

How to get there?
From Hauge in the Valleys follow the signs south to Linepollen.
Parking at the swimming area Linepollen on the Inner Åmodt.
Follow the marked path.