Sira: Railway Station, Pederåsen and Cultural History

If you’re looking for a hotel in Sira, local landmarks can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: the station on the Sørlandsbanen, the trail to Pederåsen, or the area’s construction and railway history. This lets you consider in advance which of these topics is particularly important for your trip.

Getting there and continuing on to Flekkefjord

Sira station is on the Sørlandsbanen. Most trains from Sira have a bus connection to central Flekkefjord. You can therefore plan your journey as two stages: the train journey and the onward trip to Flekkefjord. The bus connection is available for most, but not all, trains. Check current train and bus information before your trip, as timetables and bus connections may change.

Hiking at Pederåsen and the beach at Bakke bru

The trail to Pederåsen starts at the car park by the swimming beach at Bakke bru. It is 2.2 kilometres each way, with an elevation gain of 114 metres. The trail winds through the forest to Pederåsen, at an elevation of 204 metres; along the way, there are views over Sira and Lundevatnet. The one-way distance and elevation gain give you specific points of reference for planning your day. Trail conditions may vary.

The one-way system over Tronåsen also crosses Bakke bru and passes a child-friendly swimming beach. Swimming conditions are seasonal. This area therefore offers two different options for your plans: the trail to Pederåsen and the beach, where swimming depends on the season.

Bakke lensmannsgård and Bakke kirke

The Bakke farm in Sira served as a sheriff’s residence from the 1830s. The main building at Bakke lensmannsgård is protected as a culturally and architecturally significant example of a building erected in the 19th century for the local law enforcement authority. It served several public functions in the local community. Bakke lensmannsgård also retains its historic holding cell and the room on the first floor that was used as a courtroom. These rooms bring the building’s former public and judicial functions to life.

Bakke kirke, dating from 1670, stands at the southern end of Sira. Together with Bakke lensmannsgård, it adds another historic stop in the village to the hiking and railway themes. The buildings differ in age and original function: the church dates from the 17th century, while the protected main building of the sheriff’s residence was erected in the 19th century for the local law enforcement authority.

The Sørlandsbanen and the historic Flekkefjordbanen

Protected sections of the Flekkefjordbanen can also be found at Sira station. Designated as protected in 2015 were the station building, locomotive shed, water tower and associated track connections south of the Sørlandsbanen tracks. The protection therefore covers several buildings and track connections, not just the station building.

The Flekkefjordbanen runs for 17 kilometres between Sira and Flekkefjord and includes 13 tunnels. It was in operation from 1904 to 1990. Sira station is on the Sørlandsbanen; the historic Flekkefjordbanen is a separate railway line. In summer, you can ride a rail bike on the disused branch line from Sira station to Flekkefjord. Check availability for this seasonal activity before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Gyland, Andabeløy, Flekkefjord, Rasvåg, Hidrasund.

Go to the main travel overview: Flekkefjord.