Dellenbanan, Heritage railway in Hudiksvall Municipality, Sweden.
Dellenbanan is a roughly 60 km railway between Ljusdal and Hudiksvall, opened in stages from 1860 and converted from 1217 mm narrow gauge to standard gauge in 1887–1888. The line is closed and de-electrified, but the tracks remain, and the association Dellenbanans Vänner runs a Y8 1132 railbus on the Delsbo–Fredriksfors section on some days.
The railway was built during Sweden's period of railway expansion to link remote communities and support the region's logging and industrial activities. It represents a key chapter in how transportation networks shaped settlement patterns in central Sweden.
Visitors experience traditional Swedish rail travel methods through seasonal excursions that showcase the region's transportation methods from past decades.
The railway operates seasonally when weather permits, with visitors able to choose between guided train journeys and self-pedaled railbike excursions. Booking ahead is recommended, particularly during holiday periods.
The railbikes are pedal-powered, not hand-powered, and run on the preserved trackbed. The line's rails survive almost completely, though parts are heavily overgrown, and the overhead catenary still stands but has carried no current since closure. At both ends the switches to the main lines were removed so railbike tourists cannot stray onto active tracks.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 93,446 contributors worldwide.