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A spectacular and lesser-known lake in Norway, Lake Seljord is an easy drive from Oslo, making it a perfect place to visit for a peaceful day in nature. Discover all you need to know about Lake Seljord, including how to get there, the top things to enjoy at the lake and even the snake-like creature that’s said to dwell in its waters!
All About Lake Seljord
One of over 450,000 lakes in Norway, Lake Seljord, or Seljordsvatnet in Norwegian, is a lake of around 16.5 square kilometers in South Norway. The lake is fed by inflowing water from the River Vallarai and flows out into the River Bøelva.
Set in a stunning natural area of untouched fields, mountains, forests and rivers, Lake Seljord is said to be the home of a sea serpent called Selma, according to Norwegian folklore. Selma the sea serpent is even depicted in the coat of arms of Seljord!
Where is Lake Seljord?
Close to the Norwegian capital of Oslo, Lake Seljord sits in South Norway, specifically within Seljord municipality in Telemark county. At the northwestern edge of Lake Seljord is the village of Seljord and there are two main highways that run by the northern part of the lake (the Norwegian National Road 36 and European Route E134).
How to Get to Lake Seljord
It takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes by car to reach Lake Seljord when traveling from Oslo. The quickest route takes you along the E18 and E134 and requires tolls along the way.
If you’re traveling from the coastal city of Kristiansand in South Norway, it’ll take you around 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach Lake Seljord, with the quickest route being via the E18.
From Bergen, the drive to Lake Seljord will take 5 hours and 45 minutes via the E134 and requires a ferry ride along the way.
Best Things to Do at Lake Seljord
So, what are the best things you can do while at Lake Seljord? Here’s a list of some of our favorite activities and things to see while you’re at the lake.
Enjoy a relaxing walk around the lake – One of the easiest and best ways to enjoy the lake is simply taking a walk around it, giving yourself plenty of time to soak in the incredible views and peaceful surroundings.
Picnic on the lake’s shores – Having a picnic is a guaranteed way to enjoy your time at Lake Seljord. Picture this: a delicious sandwich, some strawberries, a chocolate cake and even a glass of wine (if you’re not driving) all at the edge of a serene Norwegian lake – bliss!
Hike in the mountains surrounding Lake Seljord – There are some popular hiking routes around the Seljord area that you can take if you fancy a more active day out. With over 90 kilometers of well-marked trails, you can experience the epic mountain views at Skrove, visit the beautiful Gunn Creek or even explore further afield.
Glide along the water on a boat – Experience the lake up close by boating on Lake Seljord. This is the perfect way to see the lake for yourself and enjoy a serene afternoon on the water.
Marvel at the amazing view of the lake from the Sea Serpent Tower – This 17 meter-high tower offers stunning panoramas over Lake Seljord and makes for an excellent look-out spot.
Attend the historical events at Seljord – Did you know that there are lots of interesting cultural heritage events that take place at Seljord, including the Seljordspel national music and dance show, Sommerutstillnga art show and the Dyrsku’n Agricultural Fair? Get involved and learn all about Norwegian national heritage and history!
Top Tips For Your Visit to Lake Seljord
We’ve included some of our top travel tips here to help you enjoy your trip to Lake Seljord.
Check the weather and road conditions beforehand – It’s always a good idea to check the local Norwegian weather forecast and the up-to-date road conditions in Norway before heading out on your journey, especially as these can be quite changeable.
Wear your waterproofs – Make sure to wear your waterproof coat, shoes and outer layers if you plan to explore around the lake. There’s nothing worse than having wet feet all day!
Pack some food and drinks – As Lake Seljord is in a fairly remote natural area, it’s a good idea to bring some of your favorite snacks and water for your trip to keep hydrated and energized.
Bring your camera in a waterproof case – We’re sure you’re going to want to capture the incredible sight of Lake Seljord and its surrounding natural environment. Just don’t forget to protect your camera by keeping it in a waterproof case.
Plan Your Own Norway Adventure
Eager to experience the magic of Lake Seljord and explore the rest of Norway for yourself? Take a look at our selection of campervans to rent in Norway, perfect for the adventure of a lifetime, giving you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to live your vacation on your terms. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country very soon!
