It connected the rural areas of Land and Valdres by rail to the main railroad network in Norway, including Oslo and international points beyond.

Though there is no regular traffic on the line the 48 kilometres (30 mi) stretch from Eina to Dokka is still permitted for trains and considered part of the national rail network.

In 1985, a bus service was established between Oslo and Fagernes, reducing the number of annual passengers on the train line by 19,000.

In 1988, the Norwegian legislature decided to shut down regular traffic on the Valdres Line while keeping the tracks between Eina and Leira open for purposes of national security.

A private company is formed to arrange chartered trips on the remaining railway.