Seljordsvatnet
Lake Deep Telemark lake famed for alleged sea-serpent sightings
A long lake in Telemark, Seljordsvatnet offers fishing, boating and lakeside walks; local folklore about a lake monster draws curious visitors to the shoreline villages and seasonal boat tours.
Seljordsvatnet is a freshwater lake in Seljord municipality in the Telemark area of southern Norway. It is known locally for the folklore of a lake serpent colloquially called Selma.
Recreational activities on and around the lake include angling and boating, and the shoreline is used by residents for leisure. The small size and proximity to the village of Seljord make it a local, rather than a regional, attraction.
The lake and its legend have been part of local culture for centuries, referenced in regional stories and press accounts. There is no single formal archaeological site on the lake itself, but the area around Seljord has long been settled.
The lake sits within Seljord municipality in Vestfold og Telemark, immediately adjacent to the village of Seljord and accessible by local roads.
- Local legend: The lake is associated with a longstanding local sea‑serpent legend known as Selma.
How to Get to Seljordsvatnet #
Seljordsvatnet sits beside the town of Seljord in Telemark. From Oslo it is roughly a 2.5-3 hour drive via the E134 and regional roads. Local buses run from Seljord town centre to points along the lake; the lake is walkable from the town of Seljord (a few minutes’ walk from Seljord station or the main bus stop).
Tips for Visiting Seljordsvatnet #
- Visit the town of Seljord to see the wooden 'Selma' sculpture and local museum exhibits about the lake's folklore.
- Hire a small rowing boat from one of the slipways rather than a motorboat - quiet gives the best chance to imagine the lake's famous mystery.
- Early morning mist is photogenic; late afternoon light picks out the low hills on the far shore.
Best Time to Visit Seljordsvatnet #
Visit in summer for boating and folklore tours; winter is for solitude and stark scenery.
Weather & Climate near Seljordsvatnet #
Seljordsvatnet's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (844 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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