Recently recognised for its cultural significance at national level, one of Europe’s most exceptional heritage railway assets is simultaneously confronting a challenge that may jeopardise its continued operation on the national network.
On 30 September 2026, the Norwegian Railway Museum celebrated its 130th anniversary and received the prestigious Olavsrosa quality mark for its historic Karettoget (vintage train) awarded by the Norwegian Heritage Foundation. The distinction recognises outstanding cultural heritage experience.
The train consists of the steam locomotive “Caroline”, built in 1861, together with historic carriages dating from around 1880. The train ranks among the oldest operational heritage trains in the world and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience rail travel as it was more than 150 years ago. Restoration work began in 1990 and was completed in 2011 after more than two decades of dedicated effort.
During the anniversary celebrations, Marie Beate Riise, Director of the Norwegian Railway Museum, emphasised the importance of keeping heritage railway equipment operational rather than preserving it solely as static exhibits. Vasco T. Duarte, Senior Curator and technical responsible for the Karettoget, underlined the same message following the presentation of the Olavsrosa award: “Heritage is preserved through use. When the Karettoget runs on the national network, it keeps both the train and the knowledge behind it alive for future generations.”
The Karettoget, represents not only historic rolling stock but also the specialist skills, craftsmanship and operational knowledge required to maintain and run heritage trains safely in the modern railway environment.
However, concerns were raised about the future operational viability of the train. According to reports, Bane NOR plans to remove the track connection leading to the museum’s current storage and maintenance facility at Hamar station. Without rail access, moving the locomotive and historic coaches onto the national network could become extremely difficult, potentially bringing regular operations to an end.
Speaking to the Norwegian railway press, Marie Beate Riise described the prospect of the train becoming a static exhibit as “tragic” and warned that, in the worst case, the recent anniversary run to Elverum could have been the train’s last.
The situation has attracted attention beyond Norway.
FEDECRAIL has highlighted the issue in its dialogue with the Norwegian Minister of Transport, emphasising that operational heritage railways are an important part of Europe’s industrial and cultural heritage. The continued ability to operate historic trains on the national network is essential not only for preserving vehicles but also for maintaining the expertise, volunteer engagement and public experiences that keep railway history alive.
The case illustrates a challenge faced by heritage railways across Europe: recognition of the value of railway heritage must be matched by practical solutions that allow historic trains to remain operational. The award of the Olavsrosa quality mark demonstrates the national significance of the Karettoget, while the current uncertainty highlights the need for long-term arrangements that safeguard access to the railway network.
The hope is that a solution can be found ensuring that Karettoget continue to steam through the Norwegian landscape for future generations rather than becoming silent exhibits despite its international heritage significance.
By: Vasco T. Duarte, Senior Advisor, Section for Museum Practice and Management, Norwegian Railway Museum
