A train ride, then an easy rail-walk. This Old Drammen Line Rail Trail outing gives you a smooth route from Spikkestad toward Lier, with big Drammen fjord views as the path slopes downhill. I like the laid-back pacing and the chance to step into the history of a working railway corridor without dealing with traffic. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour requires good weather, and the tunnels can make the walk feel cooler and darker than you’d expect.

I also like that you’re not stuck guessing your plan. You start at the TigerJernbanetorget meeting point in Oslo, ride to Spikkestad, and then follow a guided walk with a few built-in stops to rest. If you want a shorter effort, you can stick to the basic distance, and if you feel good you can continue to Old Lier Station for free.

Quick take: highlights you will feel fast

• Fjord views on the way downhill toward Lier, not just at the finish
• Tunnels included, with the longest one lit so you are not walking into total darkness
• Flexible distance: the standard route is about 6 km, with a free option to extend
• A real old-station moment at Spikkestad, where the station building has been reused as a bar/restaurant
• Short platform break at Gullaug halt, perfect for stretching and taking photos
• Private group setup means you walk only with your group, not a giant crowd

Old Drammen Line Rail Trail, Oslo to Lier: what this experience really is

This is a guided walk along the Old Drammen Line Rail Trail, built on the path of a former railway route. You first take the train to Spikkestad, then walk through sections that feel like a moving corridor through the hills above the Drammen fjord. It is the kind of activity that works when you want fresh air and views, but you still want an organized flow.

The vibe is simple: gentle effort, frequent chances to pause, and a lot of scenery that opens up as you go. The route is about 6 km in the main version, and it is designed so you can extend it if you want more walking time.

What makes it especially satisfying is that the fjord views are not a one-time payoff. You get sight lines as you head downhill toward Lier, plus the contrast of lit tunnel moments when the path dips underground.

Train to Spikkestad: how the day starts smoothly

Your day begins at the TigerJernbanetorget in Oslo. From there, you ride to Spikkestad station, which is where the rail trail starts. This matters more than it sounds, because you avoid the “backtracking” headache that often comes with independent rail-trail hikes.

Once you arrive, you are not thrown into the deep end right away. The first stop is around the station area, so you can get your bearings, meet your group, and settle into the walking rhythm. Even if you are the type who likes to know the route before you move, this structure helps you feel comfortable early.

Stop 1, Spikkestad: the old station building you can spot fast

At Spikkestad, you pass the old station building. It has recently been used as a bar and restaurant, which gives the area a lived-in feel rather than turning it into a museum-only stop. For a lot of rail-trail walks, the start feels purely functional. Here, you get a hint of everyday life around the historic railway space.

You get a short time at this start point, roughly 5 minutes for your first look and a quick stretch of legs. This is not the sort of stop where you need hours, and that is good news if you want the walk to stay the main event.

Practical tip: if you like photographing old railway architecture, do it early. After the walking starts and you get into the tunnels and downhill stretches, you’ll likely want to keep moving.

Stop 2, Gullaug halt: platform pause plus fjord angles

Next up is Gullaug halt. You arrive after passing through two railway tunnels, including the longest one on the route, which is lit. That lit tunnel detail is a big deal because it keeps the experience from feeling scary or claustrophobic. You still get the dramatic railway-corridor feel, but with enough light to stay comfortable.

At Gullaug halt, you sit on the platform and stretch. This is one of those small pauses that makes the whole hike feel easier, even if the total distance is nothing to brag about. From here you also get a great view of the Drammen fjord, which is a nice payoff after the tunnel sections.

The stop is about 15 minutes, so it is long enough to take photos and reset, but short enough that you do not feel stalled.

What to watch for: fjord views tend to be best when you step slightly away from the tunnel mouth and look for the open sight lines. If it is windy, this is also where you feel the weather the most, so a light jacket can make a difference.

The tunnels and why Lieråsen matters so much

This is not just a walk with a couple of dark stretches. The route includes some real railway engineering history, and it adds meaning to what you are doing.

You pass through two tunnels on the way to Gullaug, with the longest one lit. Then, later in the route, you go through the 11-kilometre Lieråsen Tunnel near Lier. The Lieråsen Tunnel is noted as Norway’s third longest railway tunnel. It was the longest until the Gardermoen Line opened in 1999.

So when you are walking through these tunnels, you are experiencing more than scenery. You are moving along a piece of infrastructure that once powered regional rail travel. In other words, the tunnels act like time capsules. Even if you are not a rail nerd, it helps you understand why the rail trail follows the way it does.

Practical tip: plan for your senses. Tunnel lighting plus downhill air can make temperature swings feel noticeable. Wear layers you can adjust quickly.

Getting to Lier: downhill walking and fjord views you actually earn

From the Gullaug area, the walk keeps working toward Lier, with the path trending downhill. That downhill rhythm is part of the reason the rail trail feels manageable. Your legs do the work, but you are not climbing a steep hill every few minutes.

As you move toward Lier, you get views of the Drammen fjord. This is the kind of scenery that feels best when you slow down for a minute. If you walk too fast, you will miss the moment where the fjord opens up across the water.

You’ll also pass through two railway stations during the overall rail-trail route. Those station areas act like natural waypoints. They break the walk into chapters, so the time feels structured instead of repetitive.

One thing to consider: if the weather is windy or rainy, the fjord outlook sections may feel colder or less comfortable than the tunnel sections. When that happens, keep your pace steady and focus on the next lit stretch rather than forcing long photo stops in exposed spots.

Distance options: 6 km baseline, 10 km extension on request

The standard walk is about 6 kilometres long. That distance is part of why I think the tour works for many people, including those who do not want a full-day hike.

There is also a free extension option to Old Lier Station, reaching about 10 kilometres total. The extension is available upon request, which means you can decide how you feel during the walk rather than committing at the start.

A helpful way to think about it: use the first part to judge your comfort. If you want an easier finish, stick close to the base distance. If you are feeling good, the extension gives you more time with the scenery without forcing extra planning.

Based on the feedback around the experience, the walk is often described as fairly easy at around the 9 km range, with the flexibility to end around the 6 km mark. In practice, that suggests the route is not an all-or-nothing situation. It is built so you can tailor the effort.

Price and value: what you are paying for at $144.39 per person

At $144.39 per person, the price is not “cheap,” but it can be good value depending on how you like to travel.

You are paying for:

• A guided rail-to-rail-trail experience that starts with a train ride to Spikkestad
• A structured route with stops that include rest time and viewpoints
• A private group format, so you are not sharing the experience with strangers

You are also getting a mobile ticket. Plus, the admission ticket at the stops is listed as free, which usually means there is no separate charge for simply being on the rail trail itself. In plain terms, the fee is mainly for having the trip guided and timed for you.

One practical consideration is that the tour is often booked about 11 days in advance. If you have a tight schedule in Oslo or you are traveling during peak season, I suggest you do not wait until the last minute.

Timing, weather, and how to pack for tunnels and fjord air

This activity requires good weather. That matters because the route includes outdoor downhill walking with exposed fjord outlooks, plus tunnels that can feel cooler. Even if the day looks fine at the start, keep an eye on cloud cover and wind later on.

I would pack for a “layered day” rather than a single outfit. A light rain layer and something warm enough for tunnel air will keep you comfortable. If it is bright, sunglasses can help too, since you’ll get daylight transitions between lit tunnel sections and open views.

Bring water, even if you do not expect long exertion. The walk is only a few hours, but fjord weather can dehydrate you faster than you think, especially if you are moving steadily downhill.

Who this rail trail walk suits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A half-day outdoor experience close to Oslo
• Clear route structure, with a short start at Spikkestad and easy waypoints
• Fjord views without a big climbing workout
• Tunnel scenery that is dramatic but not completely dark, thanks to the lit section

It is also a good choice for people who like rail history in an approachable way. You are not asked to read a textbook. You just walk through the places and learn what you are seeing along the route.

If you dislike enclosed spaces, you should at least go in with awareness. Two tunnel segments are part of the walk, and the route includes the long Lieråsen Tunnel. The presence of lighting in the longest tunnel helps, but you will still feel the tunnel environment.

Should you book the Old Drammen Line Rail Trail walk?

I’d book it if you want a guided rail-trail day that feels efficient and scenic. The combination of fjord views, lit tunnel time, and the option to stop at about 6 km or keep going toward Old Lier Station makes it flexible for different energy levels. Add the private group setup, and it tends to feel more relaxed than many group walks.

Skip it or reschedule if weather looks iffy. Since the tour requires good weather, it is not the right plan for days when you want to ignore rain or wind. Also, if you are sensitive to long enclosed stretches, factor in the tunnels, including the long Lieråsen Tunnel.

If you are visiting Oslo and want one activity that feels distinctly Scandinavian and a bit off the typical museum-and-coffee track, this rail trail walk is a very practical pick.

FAQ

How long is the Railway walk along the Old Drammen Line?

It lasts about 4 hours (approx.).

How far will we walk?

The trip is about 6 km, and it can be extended to Old Lier Station (10 km) free of charge upon request.

Where do we meet in Oslo?

You start at the TigerJernbanetorget, 0154 Oslo, Norway, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do we pass through tunnels?

Yes. You pass through two tunnels, and the longest one is lit. Later you also go through the Lieråsen Tunnel near Lier.

Is the tour physically manageable?

Most travelers can participate, and it’s described as a fairly easy hike with an option to end around the 6th km.

What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.