Ballongfararsteinen at Lifjell – the incredible flight from Paris to Seljord

High above Seljordsvatnet lies a memorial to one of the most extraordinary journeys ever to end in Telemark. Ballongfararsteinen recalls the French balloon La Ville d’Orléans and two men who travelled from besieged Paris to Lifjell in November 1870.

From besieged Paris to Norway

The balloon left Paris on 24 November 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. Its intended journey was short, but powerful winds carried aeronaut Paul Rolier and passenger Léon Bézier northwards for about 15 hours. After crossing more than 1,000 kilometres, they reached the snowy mountains above Seljord on 25 November.

The men jumped from the basket during an attempted landing. The unmanned balloon continued onwards, while the travellers struggled through deep snow before learning that they had arrived in Norway. The original gondola is preserved by the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

Visit Ballongfararsteinen

The memorial stone stands in the hillside on the far side of Seljordsvatnet. The walk combines a remarkable European story with views of the lake and the Lifjell landscape. Conditions can change quickly, so check a current route description, weather forecast and daylight before setting out.

An intriguing local detail is the date carved into the weathered stone: 17 November 1870. Historical museum records place the balloon’s arrival at Lifjell on 25 November 1870.

A historic day trip from Telemark Guesthouse

Telemark Guesthouse in Ulefoss is a comfortable base for exploring Seljord and Lifjell. The historic farmhouse accommodates up to 15 guests, making it suitable for families, walking groups and friends interested in Telemark’s lesser-known stories.

• Read the official museum account in English
• Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
• Musée de La Poste: La Ville d’Orléans
• Visitor information for Seljord

Good to know: Verify access, trail conditions and parking locally before your walk, particularly outside the summer season.