Population 2,900 / 59.3 degrees north

Seljord, Norway

Seljord is where Norway’s Loch Ness monster is – the mystical sea snake lives in the Seljord lake. Seljord was also the inspiration for some of Norway’s best known folk legends, including Asbjørnsen and Moe’s The Three Billy Goats Gruff. 

About Seljord

Latitude: 59.3 degrees north

Population: 2,800

Seljord Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Seljord

Uniquely Seljord

Here are some things that you must do and try in Seljord

Folkloric Creature

Selma the Sea Serpent

Seljord is home to Norway’s own Loch Ness monster. Selma has been mentioned in written sources from the 18th century and various expeditions have been made to find her. 

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Seljord

Historic Church

Seljord Church

Seljord Church is a Romanesque church from the 12th century that was built in honour of the Norwegian Saint Olav. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are my recommendations!

Road-Trips

Follow my road-trip guides for scenic trips around Seljord

The E134 from Oslo/Drøbak to Haugesund

The E134 follows one of the historic routes between east and west Norway. It provides a nice alternative to taking the E16 (the main highway) between Bergen and Oslo. On this drive you pass a number of historic churches, most notably Heddal Stave Church, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage region of Notodden-Rjukan. As you approach the mountains, you can see some of the original roads that the earliest travellers used – and even drive on them in the summer! This drive ends at Haugesund, a known Viking settlement located halfway between Bergen and Stavanger.

The E134 from Oslo to Haugesund

Self-Guided Walks

No self-guided walks are currently available for Seljord. 

Seljord on YouTube

Watch my YouTube videos featuring Seljord

Telemark Scenic Drive

Seljord is a stop on our drive through Telemark. 

Watch on youtube

Uniquely Seljord

Here are some things that you must do and try in Seljord

History of Seljord

Seljord has been a place for a long time, and the Seljord church is a historic stone church from 1180. 

Cementing Seljord’s reputation as a hub for fairy tales, it was also the inspiration for some of Norway’s best-known local legends, including Åsbjørnsen and Moe’s The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Seljord Today

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: Seljord is located on the function of the Rv36 and the E134, making it an important traffic hub in southern Norway. 

Train: No train access. 

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

You’ll need a car to get around to all the major sites.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Be sure to check out Aasmundsen Bakeriutsalg, the local bakery in town. 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Seljord Hotel Restaurant is the best kitchen and is known for its perfectly prepared fish and game dishes.

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences. 

Camping

Hegna Camping

Click here to view rates & book

Seljord Camping & Badeplass has a range of campsites and cabins, as well as a telescope for spotting Selma the Serpent.

Cabins & B&Bs

 

Chains & Mid-Range

Seljord Hotel is the main hotel in town. The hotel is located in a Swiss chalet-style building from the mid-19th century.

Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

All Posts About Seljord