On Bjørgeøyan, an island in Seljordsvatnet near the town, stands a 17-metre observation tower built for one purpose: spotting the lake monster.
Since at least 1750, people have reported seeing a large snake-like creature in the 13-kilometre lake. Descriptions vary: some say it is 3 metres long, others up to 12, with a thick body, possible flippers, and a head resembling a horse or a moose. The creature was named Selma in 1996 by a Swedish cryptozoologist, and it appears on the municipal coat of arms.
Multiple scientific expeditions have searched the lake with sonar and underwater cameras. None have found consistent proof. That has not stopped the legend. The tower gives a good view over the lake and Bjørgefjell behind it. There are walking paths through the cultural landscape on Bjørgefjell with views over Seljordsvatnet.
Whether or not you believe in lake monsters, it is a pleasant short stop.
Since at least 1750, people have reported seeing a large snake-like creature in the 13-kilometre lake. Descriptions vary: some say it is 3 metres long, others up to 12, with a thick body, possible flippers, and a head resembling a horse or a moose. The creature was named Selma in 1996 by a Swedish cryptozoologist, and it appears on the municipal coat of arms.
Multiple scientific expeditions have searched the lake with sonar and underwater cameras. None have found consistent proof. That has not stopped the legend. The tower gives a good view over the lake and Bjørgefjell behind it. There are walking paths through the cultural landscape on Bjørgefjell with views over Seljordsvatnet.
Whether or not you believe in lake monsters, it is a pleasant short stop.
