Blåfjelldalen – mining history in scenic surroundings

Blåfjelldalen offers a pleasant walk along the old railway route where you pass by the Ruggesteinen, abandoned mines, Brambo, and Guddalsvannet (Guddals Lake).

The rocking stone

500 meters after the parking lot at Linepollen, you will find a large, movable stone block called Ruggesteinen. This stone weighs 74 tons, yet most people can move it. It is the largest movable stone block in Northern Europe, and in 1923, Ruggesteinen became Norway's first geological conservation site.

Cultural history

Blåfjell Mines was operated in the period from 1863 to 1876. There are around 20 small and large mining features. Iron ore containing titanium was mined here. The ore from the mine was shipped out into Rekefjord. In total, approximately 80,000 tonnes of ore were extracted from the mines. A railway route was built from Blåfjell to Rekefjord. At first the ore was transported by horse and cart, and later the transport was by steam locomotive.

Geology

Due to the exceptional geology of the area, Magma Geopark has a colorful mining history. In Blåfjell, "The Blue Mountain", up to eight mines were active during the 19th century. Here you see the old mines surrounded by picturesque nature and a cultural landscape. Extraction of ilmenite took place in Blåfjell from 1863 to 1876, and a total of 90,000 tonnes of ore was 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

Blåfjelldalen has a nice 3.6 km long, gravel-covered walking and cycling path. This is a nice and gentle walk into the valley in scenic surroundings. The old railway route passes the famous Ruggesteinen, Blåfjell Mines, Brambo and Guddalsvannet. Further hiking trails are marked to the scout cabin 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

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Active, Geopark, Historic places, cultural, Magma Geopark Sites, Sokndal, Top 20, Suggestions