Eastern Norway » Møtestad Seljord

Seljord municipality is situated midway between eastern and western Norway. The municipality is 711 square kilometres in area and has fewer than 3000 inhabitants. Throughout art history, many painters and other creative artists have found their subjects and their inspiration in the natural setting of Seljord. The countryside, peasant culture and legends have been and remain a great inspiration to many.

Seljord can draw from one of the country's richest and most lively folk music and folk art traditions. Much of what we now see as national heritage, and not least the benchmark for authentic "Norwegianness", derives from the municipality: building styles, clothing, folk art, legend and song, and more. And some of the stories are still very much alive and kicking....

The sea serpent
Seljord has a long tradition of legends and myths concerning nature. Best known is the sea serpent in the lake. What is actually hiding under the blue, friendly surface? For 250 years, and probably even longer, people have "seen" a large serpent-like creature in the lake. The first written account dates back to 1750. There are still many who see something inexplicable in the lake every summer. You can look for the sea serpent with binoculars at Seljord Camping and Garvikstrondi Camping. "Seljord og sogene", a local arts project, has built three art installations at the lookouts where you can look for the sea serpent.

An eventful town
Seljord hosts a number of large events throughout the summer and autumn months at Dyrskuplassen, a modern venue for markets, festivals, camping and gatherings at the centre of Seljord. Dyrskuplassen has evolved to become the major meeting point in southern Norway, attracting about 200,000 visitors annually. The biggest event is Dyrskun in September. Dyrsku`n has been a focal point since 1860. Originally a market for trade in livestock, over the years it evolved to become the largest agricultural exhibition and trade fair in Norway. More than 80,000 from all over the country flock to this great festival over three days in September where past, present and future go hand in hand.

Seljord Church
Seljord Church is a Romanesque stone church built between 1150 and 1180. The church is located on Vallarhaugen, with a view over the lake and the surrounding mountains: Hattefjell ("Hat Mountain") to the southwest, Skorve in the northwest, Mælefjell and Bjørgefjell in the east. The church is consecrated to St. Olav, and there is a legend that says that it was he who founded the church. The northwest cornerstone is cut into a face: some think that it is the face of St. Olav. The church itself has thick walls of stone with clay/lime mix as binding material.

Accommodation
Seljord has several campsites around the lake where you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches There are two historic wooden hotels in Seljord, Nutheim Gjestgiveri and Seljord Hotel, offering good food and overnight accommodation for travellers. Check out the web site Møtestad Seljord at www.seljordportalen.no for more information.