Data from a reversed seismic crustal profile crossing the Caledonides of southern Norway suggest a continuously increasing P-wave velocity followed by a low-velocity zone extending from a depth of about 14 km downwards. Interpretation of observed travel time and amplitude characteristics leads to a thickness of 4 km and velocity of 6.0 km/s for this layer, the velocity above and below it being about 6.6 km/s. The role of such a velocity inversion is discussed in the tectonic framework of the Caledonian orogeny and other relevant geophysical information, and it is suggested that the low-velocity zone materializes deep-seated sediments under Precambrian crystalline rocks. The structure of the lower crust is more tentatively established, but still in reasonable agreement with other seismic investigations in the general profiling area.