The 1981 1. divisjon was the 37th completed season of top division football in Norway.
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.
VÃÂ¥lerengen won the championship, their second league title.
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The qualification play-off matches were contested between Brann (10th in the 1. divisjon), Pors (2nd in the Second Division â Group A), and Molde (2nd in the 2. divisjon â Group B). Molde won on goal difference and were promoted to the 1. divisjon.