Seljord: Mountains, Sea Serpent and Art

Seljord can be explored through a range of interests: from mountain hikes and cross-country skiing to art and culture, as well as the Sjøormen tradition at Lake Seljord. Local destinations and activities offer different ways to plan a stay around your own interests.

The Sjøormen tradition and Sjøormtårnet

The Sjøormen tradition at Lake Seljord dates back 250 years; its first written mention is from 1750. The story is still associated with sightings today: on average, several sightings of the Sjøormen are reported in the lake each summer. These details reflect different periods in the tradition—from its first written mention to the sightings reported each year.

A dedicated viewpoint is Sjøormtårnet, a 17-metre-high wooden tower with three viewing platforms. An accessible route leads to the tower, with sections of both gravel and wooden decking. The surface is therefore not uniform throughout: gravel sections alternate with wooden decking. If you are interested in the Sjøormen tradition, you can view a visit to the tower and the lake’s history as two related but distinct aspects of Seljord.

Skorve, peaks and trails

Skorve is a mountain massif in Seljord and a popular hiking destination for locals and visitors. The hike reaches the 1,370-metre summit of Gøysen. There is also a roughly one-kilometre round-trip detour to the wreck of the Liberator. The summit and detour can therefore be considered separate points on the route. Conditions in the mountains can vary with the season; take this into account when planning.

Another, smaller peak is Bringsåsnuten in the centre of Seljord. It is suitable for all age groups. Seljord therefore offers different mountain destinations: the Skorve massif, with the summit of Gøysen and the detour to the wreck, and the smaller Bringsåsnuten in the centre.

Sogevegen is an alternative route through Seljord, with cycling detours and stopping points. There is art and cultural landscape along the route. You can travel along or walk the route through Svartdal and Flatdal by bicycle, on foot or by car. These different ways of getting around and the stops along the way shape how you plan a trip on Sogevegen; they are distinct from a hike on Skorve.

Art, church and events

The Seljord Art Tour connects three galleries: Kunstlåven in Seljord, Nutheim Kunstsenter in Flatdal and the Eva Bull Holte Museum in Åmotsdal. The stops are in different locations; the route takes art enthusiasts to three named venues as part of the art tour. The Eva Bull Holte Museum officially opened in 1999.

Seljord Kyrkje is also a historic site: the Romanesque stone church dates from the 12th century and is dedicated to Saint Olav. Alongside its galleries, Seljord’s cultural offerings therefore include a building with its own architectural and religious significance.

Events take place at Dyrskuplassen every year from May to September. These include spring markets, car and motorhome gatherings, and various festivals. As the dates vary, check the event dates for your trip. The seasonal period offers a general guide to timing; for a specific visit, the date of the event is what matters.

Cross-country skiing at Grimås and Lifjell

At Grimås and Lifjell, a 14-kilometre cross-country skiing route leads to Hollane. Another trail is about 7 kilometres long and heads towards Slåka in Grunningsdalen. The destinations and distances distinguish the two options: the longer route leads to Hollane, while the shorter trail heads towards Slåka. Snow and grooming conditions vary by season. If cross-country skiing is a focus of your stay, take current conditions into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Seljord, Flatdal, Drangedal, Bamble, Hjartdal, Fyresdal, Vinje, Bø.

For the main travel overview: Telemark.