Hellesylt, Norway

Getting To Know Hellesylt – Cruise Port Guide

Hellesylt is overshadowed by its popular neighbour Geiranger, being both located in the Geirangerfjord, albeit at ends of different branches of the fjord. However, it is becoming increasingly popular with cruise ships to allow guests to explore the dramatic scenery that surrounds this small village. Welcome to our Hellesylt cruise port guide.

If you stick to Hellesylt itself you will be immediately presented with the roaring cascade that is the Hellesyltfossen, formed by the River Dalaelva which cuts the village in two. It drops over 20 metres down a rocky escarpment and has two bridges that cross it allowing different vantage points for stunning photographs of the waterfall, and from the High Bridge a great view of the village and the port.

Aside from the waterfall the other notable points of interest are the Sunnylven Church, located where a church has stood dating back to the 12th century (the current church is from 1859), and the Peer Gynt Gallery. This exhibition space displays 11 wooden reliefs depicting the drama Peer Gynt by Norway’s most famous playwrite, Henrik Ibsen. Recent years have seen exhibitions focusing on World Heritage and how the UNESCO status afforded to the Geirangerfjord has influenced the development of tourism in the region, showcasing its natural wonder.

If the opportunity is afforded to you though, take some time to venture out of Hellesylt to experience the dramatic landscape that is the Norang Valley (Norangsdalen). This valley is one of the narrowest in Norway and the mountains either side of you tower up so high it’s as if they envelope you and block out the sky. Within the valley are the lakes Jelskred and Lygnstøylvatnet, the latter which was formed by a rockslide in 1908 and below the surface you can still see the remains of farmhouses and the old road through the valley that were destroyed. The Norang Valley is also famous for bearing the moniker, The Queen’s Route, after the King and Queen of Norway passed through the area on their Silver Jubliee cruise in 1993.

Hellesylt may be small in size, but it has huge touristic appeal, so make the most of your time here and enjoy the scenery.

Travel Tips

The currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. Norway has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Europe and the average price of a standard cup of coffee is around £3/$4. Budget accordingly if you plan to dine out each day, as meals are roughly around 110kr per person (£11/$13 per person).

Hellesylt has a few conveniences such as two supermarkets, a large souvenir shop, a takeaway restaurant, cafés and bars and a petrol station. It is easy to navigate your way around the village on foot, just be aware that to reach the High Bridge over the waterfall you will either have to navigate the inclines of the roads and paths, or if you are able to take the steps that lead up alongside the waterfall. Be careful as they can become slippery when wet.

Key highlights of Hellesylt

• Hellesyltfossen
• Peer Gynt Gallery
• Sunnylven Church
• Norang Valley (Norangsdalen)

Regular cruise line visitors

• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• Silversea
• P&O Cruises
• SAGA Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Celebrity Cruises
• Viking Ocean 

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