1981 Norwegian First Division

The 1981 1. divisjon was the 37th completed season of top division football in Norway.

Overview

22 games were played with 2 points given for wins and 1 for draws. Number eleven and twelve were relegated. The winners of the two groups of the Second Division were promoted, as well as the winner of a series of play-off matches between number ten in the 1. divisjon and the two second-placed teams in the two groups of the 2. divisjon.
Vålerengen won the championship, their second league title.

Team		Location	Stadium
Brann	28	Bergen	Brann Stadion
Bryne	6	Bryne	Bryne Stadion
Fredrikstad	32	Fredrikstad	Fredrikstad Stadion\|Fredrikstad Stadion]
Hamarkameratene	10	Hamar	Briskeby
Haugar	1	Haugesund	Sakkestadbanen
Lillestrøm	18	Lillestrøm	Åråsen Stadion
Lyn	23	Oslo	Ullevaal Stadion
Moss	8	Moss	Melløs Stadion
Rosenborg	18	Trondheim	Lerkendal Stadion
Start	14	Kristiansand	Kristiansand Stadion
Vålerengen	26	Oslo	Bislett Stadion
Viking	34	Stavanger	Stavanger Stadion

The qualification play-off matches were contested between Brann, Pors, and Molde. Molde won on goal difference and were promoted to the 1. divisjon.
;Results