Seljord Hotel

Visitors to Seljord will find Seljord Hotel right along the main road, providing easy access to travel. Its location makes sense since it was originally a coaching inn back in 1857, serving travelers making their way through the dense Norwegian hinterlands. The building was later used as a school for domestic sciences and economics, though its use reverted back to hospitality later on, first converted into a guesthouse, then into the hotel we know of today.

Design and Architecture

Through those years, the hotel has retained its lovely architecture. It was designed using the same style as Swiss chalets, similar to other historic hotels in the country, such as Kviknes Hotel and Lillesand Hotel Norge. These include hallmarks like façades featuring timber woodwork, gabled roofs with overhanging eaves, and fine details on exterior ornamentations. It even retains traditional wooden signage, hearkening back to its time as a coaching inn.

Another aspect where the hotel proudly emphasizes its heritage is with its guestrooms. Each of its 27 accommodations has its own name and theme, blending history and comfort.

Arguably tied to its roots as a coaching inn, Seljord Hotel's restaurant serves delectable traditional dishes that represent Telemark's culture and are made with locally sourced ingredients. Aside from the cuisine, the dining experience also revolves a communal atmosphere, as the restaurant accommodates up to 80 diners at a time. In a way, this could be considered a callback to when Vikings dined together in feast halls.

Also on offer is “Pizza og middag” which means Pizza and dinner. Guests can avail this delightful dining experience daily, which involves pizzas with a daily special. There are also special deals, such as a beer plus pizza combo for Friday nights, and pizzas with children's favorites for weekends.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The town of Seljord sits right in the heart of Telemark, making it the perfect gateway to explore the rest of the ancient region. Yet before you head out to the hinterlands, Seljord itself has plenty to offer discerning travelers. Lake Seljord is has plenty of picnic spots and opportunities for water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating. It's also home to a legendary lake serpent named Selma, who is considered the de facto mascot of the town. You can also bring the kids to Bjørge Besøksgard, a local children's farm with a petting zoo where they can learn to care for animals. For the outdoor adventures, the forests and mountains are perfect for leisurely hikes or biking trips, and offer varying challenges suitable for children and adults.

For big parties and festivities, Seljord is home to the long-running Dyrsku’n festival, an annual celebration and agricultural fair held every September since 1866. There are also two music festivals in Seljord, the Country Festival and the Seljord Festival, both of which take place every July.