Siljan between forests, water and cultural history

Forest, water and cultural landscapes

Siljan combines landscapes and travel experiences with a long cultural history. In the valley, the Siljanelva forms a chain of bodies of water; wooded hills give way to farmland and cultural landscapes. There are also hikes with varying levels of difficulty, opportunities for swimming and paddling, and historic sites. This allows you to shape your trip around the experiences that interest you most.

The easy hike from Brånaskottet to Prestegårdseter is 3.8 kilometres long and leads through peaceful forest with cultural heritage sites and beautiful scenery. It starts at the car park by Brånaskottet. Another option is Nordkollen: the moderately difficult ascent is 2.1 kilometres long and climbs 320 metres. If you prefer an easy forest trail, you can choose Melakollen, which offers views across Siljan and Midtbygda. There are starting points for the hike to Hovde in Snurråsen, Hogstadtoppen and the Sollia residential area. The route from Snurråsen to Prestegårdseter can be reached by regional bus P7 to the Snurråsen stop.

Water and active days

Gorningen is a family-friendly swimming area with sandy beaches and large lawns. The lake is also suitable for paddling and can be circumnavigated in a day. Canoes or kayaks can be launched near the municipal car park on the shore, which is part of the recreational area at Gorningen. There is room here both for a day of swimming and a longer paddling trip.

Fishing is also part of life in Siljan: Siljan JF manages around 90 fishing waters, located from about 200 to approximately 600 metres above sea level. Along the route to Galtetjern, there is a fishing pier accessible to wheelchair users. Fishing licences for Siljan can be purchased online through Inatur. If you like to include summits in your trip, there is the annual 10-topper'n challenge: it covers 15 peaks, five of which are classified as child-friendly.

In winter, Siljan offers an extensive network of cross-country ski trails, including longer routes in the mountains near Viddaseter. The mix of hiking, water activities and ski trails offers different ways to plan your days. When choosing a holiday rental, the focus of your trip can therefore help guide you: hiking and traces of cultural history, fishing and paddling, or winter excursions.

Traces of Siljan's cultural history

The medieval church of Siljan was built in the late 12th century and has been in continuous use ever since. The Siljuhaugen cultural trail was established in 2015, with new information boards around the church. Siljuhaugen is also a monumental Iron Age burial mound of great national cultural and historical significance. Different historical periods thus meet in Siljan.

At Fiskebekkåsen, a circular trail passes old burial mounds and follows a historic bridle path that is several hundred years old. Børja has a 65-metre-long stone wall and a cultural history dating back to the Bronze Age. A clear path leads there from the car park at Damstua; near the hillfort, a wooden bridge crosses wet terrain, and information boards tell its story. Siljan Historielag offers guided tours of the hillfort. Finsrudsaga is the only place in the municipality of Siljan with visible remains of a 19th-century sawmill.

Industrial history is also part of the local landscape: Kølakjeller'n near Moholt is Siljan's millennium site and a large 18th-century coal store associated with the ironworks. Båthuset has a permanent exhibition featuring finds, school projects and drawings from the Moholt ironworks. Siljan is also part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Gea Norvegica.

Location-specific information about Siljan complements your search. For more destinations: Hjartdal, Notodden, Kragerø, Bamble, Porsgrunn, Drangedal and Tokke.

For the overarching travel guide: Telemark.