An authentic coaching inn from 1857
The inland Norwegian town of Seljord retains its centuries-old, laid-back, rustic atmosphere brought about by its agricultural heritage. Today, travelers visit to enjoy an easy-going retreat involving hikes or bikes up the mountains, or camping and water activities at Lake Seljord. Even the town's iconic Seljord Hotel encourages guests to relax and take everything at a leisurely pace. The historic hotel is also part of Seljord's heritage - a former coaching inn and school - and still decorated with wonderful curiosities from centuries past. Here, guests can enjoy delicious traditional recipes alongside modern treats like pizza, and sleep in homey rooms with old-world charm. There is plenty to discover around Telmark, making Seljord Hotel a fine base point for adventures.
Brøløsveien 18, 3840 Seljord, Norway
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.
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.
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.
Whether it's for private events or company functions, Seljord Hotel will be glad to host your event. They offer conference packages and day packages that include lunch and dinner, as well as presentation equipment. Smaller meetings can also book a smaller conference package of at least 6 people, which includes the venue, stay, and meals.
Peaceful and scenic lake with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Also the home of a local legendary lake serpent named Selma. (5-minute bike ride)
Historic stone church from the 12th century and still in active use. (4-minute bike ride)
Children's farm with various attractions, such as a petting zoo, a playground, and a snack shop. (8-minute bike ride)
Notodden Airport (NTB) is the nearest airport to Seljord Hotel, 41 minutes away by car.
The nearest major transport terminal is Seljord Bussterminal, just a 2-minute walk from Seljord Hotel.