Seljord is a small town in upper Telemark, at the junction of the E134 and Rv36. It sits at the northern end of the 13-kilometre-long lake Seljordsvatnet, and has been a regional centre since the Middle Ages. The stone church dates from around 1180 and is one of the oldest in Telemark.
Seljord is best known for two things. First, the lake monster. Since at least 1750, people have claimed to see a large snake-like creature in Seljordsvatnet. It was given the name Selma in 1996, and it appears on the municipal coat of arms. Multiple scientific expeditions have searched the lake without finding consistent proof, but the legend is alive and well. There is a serpent sculpture by the lake.
Second, Dyrsku'n. Every September since 1866, Seljord hosts Norway's largest agricultural fair. It started as a livestock market after the government decided that Norwegian cattle breeding was not good enough to feed a growing population. Today Dyrsku'n draws around 90,000 visitors over three days, with over 800 exhibitors. The 40-acre fairground, Dyrskuplassen, was donated to the municipality by farmer Even Høyesen in 1865. For three days in September, this quiet town becomes one of the busiest places in rural Norway.
Outside Dyrsku'n season, Seljord is a pleasant stop with a grocery store, cafes, and the lakeside park.
Seljord is best known for two things. First, the lake monster. Since at least 1750, people have claimed to see a large snake-like creature in Seljordsvatnet. It was given the name Selma in 1996, and it appears on the municipal coat of arms. Multiple scientific expeditions have searched the lake without finding consistent proof, but the legend is alive and well. There is a serpent sculpture by the lake.
Second, Dyrsku'n. Every September since 1866, Seljord hosts Norway's largest agricultural fair. It started as a livestock market after the government decided that Norwegian cattle breeding was not good enough to feed a growing population. Today Dyrsku'n draws around 90,000 visitors over three days, with over 800 exhibitors. The 40-acre fairground, Dyrskuplassen, was donated to the municipality by farmer Even Høyesen in 1865. For three days in September, this quiet town becomes one of the busiest places in rural Norway.
Outside Dyrsku'n season, Seljord is a pleasant stop with a grocery store, cafes, and the lakeside park.