Discover Siljan: Culture, Landscapes and Trails

Siljan combines a varied landscape with traces of several centuries of history. In the valley, the Siljanelva forms a chain of waterways; above it, wooded hills stretch up to fields and cultivated landscapes. Siljan is also part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Gea Norvegica. When planning your stay, you can choose between hikes, waterways, winter ski trails and cultural heritage sites.

Church, Cultural Trail and Industrial History

The medieval church in Siljan was built in the late 12th century and has been in continuous use ever since. In 2015, the Siljuhaugen Cultural Trail was established around it, with new information boards. Siljuhaugen is also a monumental Iron Age burial mound of significant national cultural heritage value—another way to explore the area's long history.

Siljan's industrial history is also in evidence: Kølakjeller'n near Moholt is Siljan's millennium site and a large 18th-century coal store associated with the ironworks. The Båthuset has a permanent exhibition featuring finds, student projects and drawings from the Moholt ironworks. Exhibition arrangements may change, so check the current options before visiting.

Other sites offer different perspectives. Finsrudsaga is the only place in Siljan Municipality with visible remains of a 19th-century sawmill. The circular Fiskebekkåsen route passes old burial mounds and follows a historic riding trail that is several hundred years old. Børja, meanwhile, combines a 65-metre-long stone wall with cultural history dating back to the Bronze Age.

A clear path leads to the Børja hillfort from the car park at Damstua. Near the site, a wooden bridge crosses wet ground, and information boards tell its story. The Siljan Historical Society offers guided tours of the hillfort; dates depend on local arrangements. Check the options in advance.

Hiking for Different Levels

The hike from Brånaskottet to Prestegårdseter is an easy 3.8-kilometre route through peaceful forest, with cultural heritage sites and beautiful scenery. It starts at the car park at Brånaskottet. The ascent of Nordkollen offers a different challenge: this moderately difficult route is 2.1 kilometres long and gains 320 metres in elevation. Choose between a longer, easy forest hike and a shorter, moderately difficult ascent with 320 metres of elevation gain.

Melakollen offers another easy forest trail, with views over Siljan and Midtbygda. There are several starting points for the hike to Hovde: Snurråsen, Hogstadtoppen and the Sollia field. For the route from Snurråsen to Prestegårdseter, regional bus P7 to the Snurråsen stop is one way to get there; check the timetable before setting out.

Fishing, Swimming and Paddling

Siljan JF manages around 90 fishing waters, ranging from about 200 to roughly 600 metres above sea level. The route to Galtetjern includes a fishing jetty suitable for wheelchair users. Fishing permits for Siljan can be purchased online through Inatur; check availability before your trip.

Gorningen is a family-friendly swimming spot with sandy beaches and large grassy areas. The lake is also suitable for paddling and can be circumnavigated in a day. Canoes or kayaks can be launched near the municipal car park on the shore of the recreational area at Gorningen. The classic trip on the Siljan watercourse starts at the bridge in Siljan and ends at Farrisvannet in Larvik. Several days are recommended for the long trip.

Ski Trails and Peaks in Winter

Siljan has an extensive cross-country ski trail network, including longer routes in the mountains near Viddaseter. The annual 10-topper'n challenge covers 15 peaks, five of which are classified as child-friendly. The number and classification may vary between editions, so check the information for the relevant edition. This makes it possible to tailor winter plans to your interests, just as you can choose between hiking trails, fishing waters and paddling routes.

Discover more destinations: Siljan, Porsgrunn, Bamble, Fyresdal, Tinn, Notodden, Nome, Kviteseid.

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