Text and Photos Martin Schönherr

Roller coaster from wilderness

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Tyssedal
Presentation
Location
The funicular (1)
The funicular (2)
Technical infos
 Mågelibanen
Tyssedal, Norway
The funicular (1)
To the north of Skjeggedal rises a steep mountain ridge. From this ridge several pressure pipes lead water from the Hardangervidda to the power stations. Sensible for funiculars you will pick up the two straight lines leading up to uncertain targets in the mountains. While the right (single track) funicular is not open to public, the double track line to Mågelitopp can transport a small amount of visitors.
 
 
The first view of the funiculars.
 
     

You should arrive quite early (that means half an hour before 10 a.m.) to gain a seat in the first ascending car. Although early enough we decided to wait till the second ride to see what would happen on the somehow temporary looking funicular. The whole line is arranged on a timber trestle work rising approximately three metres over ground.

 
Now the top end of the line cannot be seen.....
 
 
     
The line starts at a low gradient, is steeper in the middle part and flattens in the top station. Thus the longitudinal section of this funicular is not ideal for operation. The cars will run on walking speed till they enter the steep grade section. There they are halted for some time to fade away vibrations of the rope when being lifted from the pulleys moving the car from the flat to the steep part of the line. Then the ascent is continued. You might think "Now it is steep enough!"; but you will reach the steepest part of the line just before finish of the steep gradient. Then the car is inclined at 42°.
 
 
While the first car is going up, remainders seem to be quite happy not to be under the first "guinea pigs".
 
     
     
Note the different sizes of rails on the left and right track.
 
 
 
       
The top station and the engine room behind the blue door..
Note the cable which is passing through the door. 





 
 
 
 
     
You reach the top station after a ride of about 20 minutes. After 960 m (inclined length) Mågelitopp, 460m above Skjeggedal emerges. The top station houses the driving motor.
 
Just behind the top station stretches a large rock plateau.
 
 
     
Behind the station a wide, flat rock plateau reaches to the north. Some hiking targets are signposted. Hardly a walk can be done below 4 hours (in one direction). But just in the vicinity of the station a dignified panorama of rugged mountains obstructed by passing damp frames the rock plateau thus marking the start of wilderness. So you need not to walk for a long distance to approach the area of "Friluftsliv" as Norwegians would call it. Of course the spirit of this place and its relatively easy availability led to the building of some holiday homes ("Hytter") scattered around the site.
 
 
Gaining a bit of wilderness Norwegians build their holiday houses on such rugged places
 
     
Oldissue index
 
Tyssedal
Presentation
Location
The funicular (1)
The funicular (2)
Technical infos
 
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