Sel between the Pilgrimage Route and Cultural History

Sel offers several distinct reasons to stay: the Gudbrandsdalsleden to Nidaros, Nord-Sel Church and cultural history, as well as hiking and water destinations. When looking for a hotel in Sel, you can start by considering the focus of your trip: are you most interested in the pilgrimage route, cultural history or time in nature? The places and topics below offer specific guidance.

The Gudbrandsdalsleden through Sel

The Gudbrandsdalsleden to Nidaros runs through Sel. Along its varied route, it covers about 30 kilometres there, from Dalum in the south to Rosten in the north. The approximate distance and named endpoints make this section easy to picture and give the route through Sel a concrete scale.

Within the municipality of Sel, the Gudbrandsdalsleden follows narrow paths along the Gudbrandsdalslågen towards Dovre, offering beautiful scenery and views across the valley. Its course along the river and towards Dovre adds a sense of direction within the wider municipality to the local distance.

Church and cultural history

Nord-Sel Church in Sel is a timber-framed long church dating from 1932. A sculpture of Kristin Lavransdatter, created by Kari Rolfsen in 1982, stands outside the church gate. The churchyard has a separate burial area for English soldiers who were killed in the region during the Second World War. The architecture, sculpture and burial area offer distinct points of reference for the cultural history of Nord-Sel Church.

Laurgaard is one of the oldest farms in Sel. After Storofsen, Laurgaard developed into a post station. The farm brings together its historical significance and its later role as a post station—another perspective from the building, sculpture and churchyard at Nord-Sel Church. Sagflaten is also associated with cultural history in Sel.

Hiking destinations, a park and water

In Sel, Geitryggen, Geithøynn-hytta and Steinkyrkja are hiking destinations with good views. Sel Aktivitetspark includes a Tufte Park and has a barbecue and fire-pit area. Selsvatnet is a bathing spot, and there are opportunities for fishing around the lake. The activities are distinct: the hiking destinations offer views, the lake is for swimming and its surroundings for fishing; the park provides another option for outdoor activities.

The wider natural setting of the municipality of Sel

Part of Rondane National Park lies within the municipality of Sel. Its mountain areas have an extensive network of hiking trails and cross-country ski trails. At 2,138 metres, Storronden is the highest mountain peak in the municipality of Sel. This information about the municipality adds a broader perspective on protected areas, trail and ski-trail networks, and peak elevation to the individual destinations in Sel.

Rafting on the Sjoa is also part of the wider picture of the municipality of Sel. The river has rapids for participants of all experience levels, from easier stretches for beginners to more demanding challenges. Check the availability of a provider and the conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Høvringen, Mysusæter, Heidal, Otta.

Go to the main travel overview: Sel.