Byglandsfjord: Hotels, Station History and D/S Bjoren

Byglandsfjord lies at the end of Byglandsfjorden. The village combines a historic station site with the departure point for D/S Bjoren trips, as well as hiking and cycling opportunities.

Station and Cultural Heritage

Byglandsfjord station building was constructed in 1895 in the Dragon Style. It houses a library, an exhibition and a summer café. The old station buildings are part of a walking and recreation area, allowing you to view the architecture in the context of the historic site.

The entire station site has been protected under Section 15 of the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act since 2002 and is considered cultural heritage of national importance. From 1896 to 1962, the station was the terminus of the Setesdalsbanen. The site also documents a transport hub where rail, bus and boat services were connected. Its historical significance is therefore evident not only in its architectural style, but also in the station’s former role in transport.

Pakkbua is part of the station site and is closed to public use until the end of 2026. If you are planning a visit after 31 December 2026, check its status again.

D/S Bjoren on the Fjord

The D/S Bjoren route begins in Byglandsfjord. The wood-fired steamship has been sailing up and down the fjord since 1867 and is one of only a few of its kind in Norway. Trips last about two hours, depart from Byglandsfjord or Bygland, and return to the same departure pier. The ship can carry up to 55 passengers per trip. As trips run seasonally, it is a good idea to check the current timetable before making plans.

D/S Bjoren can be chartered for company outings, family celebrations and gatherings of friends; group packages require a booking. The Friends of Byglandsfjord Station also organise guided tours for small and large groups. You can enquire about these in advance.

Hiking, Cycling Route and Fishing

The hike to Tjovehedderen starts from the Rv9 or Byglandsfjord and follows a clear path to a rock overhang. The section of National Cycle Route 3 between Byglandsfjord and Kilefjorden runs mostly along minor roads and paths. These offer two distinct ways to get around: a hike to a specific destination or a cycling route connecting places.

The Byglandsfjord and the area up to Kilefjord are home to “Bleke”, a local, non-migratory salmon species. A fishing licence is required for fishing. If you plan to fish, obtaining one is an essential part of your preparations.

The activities also differ in how much time they take: the steamship trip lasts about two hours and returns to its departure pier; the hike leads to the rock overhang, while the cycling route covers a section between Byglandsfjord and Kilefjorden. You can therefore choose between a trip with a set duration, a hike to a destination and a cycling tour along a route.

Discover more destinations: Grendi, Bygland.

Go to the main travel overview: Bygland.