Selje is beautifully situated at the tip of Seljevika, surrounded by mountains and sea. Here you will find Selja Monastery on the holy island of Selja – Norway’s first pilgrimage site and the country’s first bishop’s seat. People have travelled here for over a thousand years, and the magical atmosphere on the island captivates visitors to this day. Selje offers a unique combination of cultural history, beautiful nature and peaceful coastal life.
Nature and Landscape
Selje is surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery. The long, white beach of Seljesanden lies right next to the village centre and is perfect for swimming and relaxation on warm summer days. From the village you can look out towards the island of Selja, which rises from the sea with steep cliffs and green vegetation. The landscape around Selje offers everything from easy beach walks to more demanding mountain hikes. The open for all cabin Sjøglytt on Risnakken provides a panoramic view over the village, the beach and the island – a half-hour walk from the centre.
Activities
The main attraction in Selje is the trip to Selja Monastery. The monastery boat takes you on a fifteen-minute ride from the harbour in Selje to the holy island. Here you can walk the same corridors as the Benedictine monks did over 900 years ago, climb the narrow stairs to the top of the monastery tower and follow in the footsteps of St. Sunniva up to Sunniva’s Cave. Guided tours tell the exciting legend of the Irish princess who fled to Norway.
Culture and History
Selja Monastery is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Norway. The monastery was built by Benedictine monks in the early 1100s, in memory of St. Sunniva – Norway’s only female saint. According to legend, Sunniva fled Ireland to escape a forced marriage and arrived on Selja without a sail or oars. She suffered martyrdom in a cave on the mountain. In 996 AD Olav Tryggvason found her relics, and Selja became Norway’s first holy site – the year before the Christianisation at Dragseidet.
Every year, in early July, the Seljumannamessa is celebrated in memory of St. Sunniva. Selje Rectory and Pilgrim Centre today serves as a tourist information office, café and pilgrim hostel – a beautifully restored complex between the harbour and Seljesanden beach.
