Nordagutu: Railways, Culture and Trails

Nordagutu brings together rail transport, local history, and trails focused on culture and nature. The station is a transfer station between the Sørlandsbanen and the Bratsbergbanen; the Myllargutstien also starts here, as does the Narekollen Cultural Trail at Nordagutu Torget by the railway station. This gives you specific local themes to consider when choosing your stay: you can get to know the area through its railway history or compare the information about two trails described in different ways. Which details matter most depends on whether you are interested in railway history, a particular trail option, or local stories.

The Station and Local Railway History

Nordagutu station is a transfer station between the Sørlandsbanen and the Bratsbergbanen. It opened in 1917, when the Bratsbergbanen between Skien and Notodden was completed. These details connect the station’s function with its origins: its role in the railway network matters for your journey, while the opening year marks its connection to the completion of the Bratsbergbanen. If you are travelling by train, check the appropriate connection and its departure times before setting off.

A memorial at the railway station commemorates the Hjuksebø accident of November 15, 1950. It consists of railway stone and a railway track; the names of those who died are engraved on it. The materials visibly connect it to the railway, while the engraved names give the memorial’s purpose a tangible form.

Two Trails with Different Details

The Myllargutstien starts at Nordagutu station on county road 553. It provides information about the life of the fiddler Møllarguten, also known as Myllarguten, as well as the natural and cultural history of the area. The trail’s difficulty ratings offer practical guidance when choosing a route: the short loop is rated easy, and the long loop moderately difficult. The trail thus combines a biographical focus with natural and cultural history. Boaters can also take an alternative route from Kolahuset, where the trail follows the Sauarelva.

The Narekollen Cultural Trail starts at Nordagutu Torget by the railway station and runs for about 3.6 kilometres to the plain near Nordvollstulen. It runs mostly along good forest roads; the final section is somewhat hilly. Four information boards with maps help you find your way along the route. This gives you a different basis for comparison than the Myllargutstien: for the Narekollen Cultural Trail, the approximate length, surface and hilly final section are specified, while the information about the Myllargutstien focuses on difficulty ratings and a boating option.

Legends and Viking Life

The place name Guvihaug comes from a legend about two Jotner and the Jotun woman Gygra. One of the Jotun woman’s ribs is said to have been torn out and later buried, giving rise to Guvihaug. Vikinggården Guvihaug offers experiences centred on Viking life, including stories, courses and activity camps; the camps include physical challenges and stunts. If you would like to take part in one of the activities, confirm the arrangements with Vikinggården Guvihaug before travelling.

A Historical Sporting Connection Nearby

The ski jump below Narefjell is located in the area near the destination. It was once among the largest in the world. For travellers interested in sports history, the ski jump provides a distinct historical point of interest nearby.

Discover more destinations: Akkerhaugen, Gvarv.

Return to the main travel overview: Sauherad.