• Hellesylt

Hellesylt is a tiny picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Norwegian Fjords, and is a beautiful spot to get off the ship and explore. It’s known for it’s stunning Hellesylt waterfall right in the middle of town as well as its proximity to beautiful Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO world heritage site. All around there are beautiful fjords and inlets with towering cliffs and mountains and you can also get out onto the water and head to the nearby Geiranger, known as the pearl of the fjords.

For any movie fans, Hellesylt is also where Tom Cruise performed one of his massive stunts in the Mission Impossible films, driving a motorbike off a mountain, and there’s a little exhibit marking this on the pier. The village of Hellesylt itself is lovely but very small so this is a good port to try and venture further afield, for example to Geiranger, or alternatively to take it easy if you fancy a slower day.

Generally the cruise ports in the Norwegian Fjords are relatively small so we found there wasn’t a massive selection of excursions available. Despite this each cruise line will offer a range of excursions you can book, or alternatively you can book independently. We always check Viator (https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00106682&mcid=42383&medium=link) and Get Your Guide (https://gyg.me/YWHfVHma) to compare options and prices before we book.

We’ve shown below a selection of the top sights and excursions you can enjoy during your day in Hellesylt, and we’ve included a link to our vlog covering the destination.

Our Top Things to Do

  • Cruise over to Geiranger

    Hellesylt itself is very small with not a lot going on. Therefore the most popular option is to catch a cruise over to Geiranger, known as the ‘pearl of the fjords’. There were several excursions available but the basic cruise booked up fast so make sure you’re on the ball.

  • Hellesylt waterfall

    One of the few attractions in Hellesylt itself. This amazing waterfall is smack bang in the middle of the village and very easy to spot, even just from the ship. The best spot to take pictures is from the bridge opposite which is quietest first thing in the morning.

  • White water rafting

    The only port where we saw this offered. A great option to get the blood pumping and enjoy a thrill! We had a great time doing this in Canada last year so would highly recommend for families - just be careful how intense the rapids are.

  • Norwegian Fjords Centre

    A brilliant little museum or centre dedicated to the fjords. We didn’t know this was here until we arrived and wished we’d taken a look inside!

  • Geiranger church

    A beautiful little wooden church looking down on the village of Geiranger. It’s a short walk up the hill to get here with amazing views back down over the village and fjord.

  • Geiranger waterfall walk

    Geiranger is a tiny little village but is beautiful. At the far end of the village is a spectacular waterfall and a short walk you can enjoy along the river and up the side of the waterfall. This leads to the Fjords Centre at the top of the falls.

  • Open top bus tour

    Enjoy an open top bus tour to take in the lovely area and head up into the mountains to enjoy some of the views.

  • Mount Dalsnibba and mountain views

    Head up into the mountains to take in the spectacular views. There’s a skywalk up in the mountains you can visit, as well as Eagles bend and Flydalsjuvet viewpoint.

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking is a really popular pastime in the fjords and there were different excursions and tour operators you can book through. This looked a really peaceful and fun way to take in the scenery.