Siljan’s medieval church was built in the late 12th century and has been in continuous use ever since. The Siljuhaugen cultural trail, established in 2015 with information boards around the church, offers another way to explore the area’s history. Siljan is also home to traces of other periods and themes—from Iron Age burial mounds to evidence of the former ironworks.
Cultural heritage from different eras
Siljuhaugen is a monumental Iron Age burial site of great national cultural and historical significance. The circular FiskebekkĂĄsen trail passes ancient burial mounds and follows a historic riding path that is several hundred years old. At Finsrudsaga are the only visible remains of a 19th-century timber fence in Siljan municipality.
Near Moholt, Kølakjeller'n is known as Siljan’s millennium site: the large charcoal store dates from the 18th century and is connected to the ironworks. Båthuset has a permanent exhibition featuring finds, school projects and drawings from the Moholt ironworks. As exhibition arrangements may change, check the current visiting conditions before your visit.
Børja combines a 65-metre-long stone wall with cultural history dating back to the Bronze Age. From the car park at Damstua, a clear path leads to the hillfort. Near the hillfort, a wooden bridge crosses wet ground; information boards tell its story. Siljan Historielag offers guided tours, with dates depending on local arrangements.
Valley, forest and cultural landscape
Siljan is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Gea Norvegica. The landscape ranges from the valley, where the Siljanelva forms a chain of lakes, through wooded hills to farmland and cultural landscapes. These contrasts are also reflected in the municipality’s varied hiking opportunities.
Hikes with different levels of difficulty
The easy hike from BrĂĄnaskottet to PrestegĂĄrdseter is 3.8 kilometres long and passes through quiet forest with cultural heritage sites. It starts at the car park at BrĂĄnaskottet. The moderately challenging climb to Nordkollen is different: the 2.1-kilometre route has a stated elevation gain of 320 metres. At Melakollen, an easy forest path leads to views over Siljan and Midtbygda. Hikers heading to Hovde can start at SnurrĂĄsen, Hogstadtoppen or the Sollia field.
Lakes, fishing and winter trails
Gorningen is a family-friendly bathing spot 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 of the recreational area at Gorningen. The longer route on the Siljan watercourse starts at the bridge in Siljan and ends at Farrisvannet in Larvik; several days are recommended for this route.
Siljan JF manages around 90 fishing lakes, at elevations ranging from about 200 to approximately 600 metres above sea level. Fishing licences for Siljan can be purchased online through Inatur; check availability before your trip. The route to Galtetjern has a fishing platform suitable for wheelchair users.
In winter, Siljan offers an extensive network of ski trails, including longer mountain routes near Viddaseter. The annual 10-topper'n challenge includes 15 peaks, five of which are considered child-friendly. The number of peaks and their classification may vary between editions.
Practical information
The route from SnurrĂĄsen to PrestegĂĄrdseter can be reached by regional bus P7 to the SnurrĂĄsen stop. Check the timetable before travelling, as bus information may change.
Discover more destinations: Siljan, Vinje, Hjartdal, Tokke, Sauherad, Fyresdal, Seljord, Nome.
For the main travel overview: Telemark.
