Make the most of your day in Hellesylt Cruise Port with my guide of things to do in this enchanting village.
If you’re cruising the Norwegian Fjords, you might find Hellesylt quietly tucked away on your itinerary. Sitting between fjords and mountains, it is perhaps one of the hidden gems of the Norwegian Fjords. It might not be as well-known as its famous neighbour, Geiranger, however, this charming village is a beautiful port stop in its own right.
On my own visit, I’ll admit I didn’t expect much. But between the roaring waterfall in the middle of the village, the fairytale-like views, and its perfect location for exploring Geirangerfjord, I was pleasantly surprised. Whether you’re planning an excursion or just fancy a slow, scenic wander, Hellesylt has a little something for everyone.
My cruise port guides are designed to help you make the most of your time in port, whether that is a few hours, a day or an overnight stay. I share some of the highlights and must-see attractions along with practical information so you can easily plan your visit.
At a glance
Not got time to read the whole post? Here’s all you need to know for your day in Hellesylt.
- Location: Hellesylt is in Western Norway, at the entrance to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Surrounded by steep mountains and lush valleys, it’s one of the most scenic little villages in the fjords.
- Population: Around 250 residents
- Cruise Port: Ships dock right in the centre of the village. There’s no cruise terminal here.
- Main Attraction: The Hellesyltfossen Waterfall, which cascades dramatically through the heart of the village. You can hear the rush of the water from almost anywhere in town.
- Shore Excursions: Popular options include scenic cruises along the Geirangerfjord, RIB boat tours, kayaking, and trips to Stryn Village, Mount Dalsnibba, and the Briksdal Glacier.
- Cruise Season: May to October. Some ships stop briefly before continuing to Geiranger, while others spend a full day in port
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK). Most cafés and shops accept cards and contactless payments.
- Good to Know: Everything in Hellesylt is within easy walking distance, and the sail in and out are some of the most beautiful in Norway.
First impressions
Hellesylt might not be bursting with attractions, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in scenery, all centred around a powerful waterfall that crashes through the middle of the village. It’s a peaceful, picturesque, and surprisingly memorable port of call.
Exploring Hellesylt – highlights you shouldn’t miss
Hellesyltfossen Waterfall
The Hellesyltfossen waterfall (or Hellesylt waterfall) is a small, but mighty, waterfall right in the heart of the village. The water thunders down through the granite rocks, dividing the town in two.
If you’re visiting in late spring or early summer, the waterfall will likely be in full force thanks to the snowmelt. I was there at the beginning of June and it was pretty powerful even then. The water cascades down with such a force you can feel the spray if you get close. For the best view, head to the lower bridge of the two the waterfall is between – it is a fantastic view.
Geirangerfjord
One of the main attractions of Hellesylt is its proximity to Geirangerfjord. The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the must-see sight of the Norwegian Fjords.
Most cruise lines offer excursions that explore the beauty of Geirangerfjord, either by boat, by coach, or a combination of both. You might find yourself gliding past waterfalls on a scenic fjord cruise or winding your way up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the village. The excursion I took included the best of both worlds, starting with a peaceful cruise along the fjord, followed by a land tour to some of the area’s most iconic viewpoints.
Related post | A scenic tour of Geirangerfjord viewpoints
It’s best to check with your cruise line for the different options. However, if you prefer to do it yourself there is a public car ferry to Geiranger.
- The ferry takes around an hour each way
- Highlights included the Seven Sisters and The Suitor waterfalls
- You don’t need a car, the ferry also carries foot passenger.
Want to explore more once you’re in Geiranger? From June to September, a hop-on-hop-off bus runs between the village and scenic viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and the Fjord Centre. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a little Renault Twizy and zip around on your own.
Just remember: if you’re doing this independently, it’s on you to get back in time for sail away. The ship won’t wait!
Sunnylven Church
Overlooking the fjord, Sunnylven Church is a parish church that was built in 1858. Made out of timber from local woods, it seats around 270 people, enough for the entire village! If it is open when you are in port, it’s well worth popping in for a quick look.
Other highlights
Hellesylt is a small, peaceful village, and the main activity here is simply admiring the scenery. There aren’t lots of attractions, but that’s part of the charm.
- Stroll along the waterfront and take in the mountain views
- Take a closer look at the fjord from a RIB or kayak tour
- Visit nearby viewpoints on a local tour — some companies offer private half-day trips to places like Hornindalsvatn Lake, Stryn Village, Mount Dalsnibb and Flydalgorge.
How to visit Hellesylt – shore excursions or DIY?
You can explore Hellesylt — and even Geirangerfjord — either on a cruise excursion or independently.
Cruise line excursions:
Most ships offer trips to Geirangerfjord, Mount Dalsnibba, or Briksdal Glacier. Booking through your cruise line is the easiest option if you don’t want to worry about timing, as the ship will wait if an organised tour runs late..
Independent options:
If you’re staying in port for the day, Hellesylt is easy to explore independently. The village is small, and the main sights — including the waterfall, waterfront, and church — are all within a short walk of the pier.
For those feeling a bit more adventurous, activities such as fjord cruises, kayaking, or RIB rides are sometimes available but it’s best to book these in advance with a reputable local operator.
Tips for visiting Hellesylt
- Plan ahead – do some research before you travel and either book an excursion or have a plan of what you might to do in your day in port
- Don’t miss the sail in or sail out – it is well worth spending some time on deck and gazing at the incredible scenery
- Bring layers – check the weather forecast before leaving the ship, sunshine, wind, and rain can all happen within 20 minutes
- Be considerate to the locals – this little village is people’s home and we are guests for the day.
Port facilites
Cruise ships dock right in the heart of Hellesylt. If you are lucky enough to have a balcony and are on the right side of the ship, you’ll wake up to a spectacular view of the Hellesyltfossen waterfall thundering through the village.
There is no cruise terminal here and the centre of the village is only 200 metres from the dock, so it’s an easy stroll. Here you will find a tourist information office, a supermarket, cafes and souvenir shops
Some cruise ships stop here for a few hours in the morning to drop off passengers that are taking an overland excursion before continuing to Geiranger. While others spend a full day in port. Check with your cruise line to see how long you will have docked here.
Weather
The Norwegian Fjords like to keep you guessing. It’s best described as changeable. Even in summer, don’t be surprised to get a mix of sun, wind and the occasional dramatic downpour – sometimes all in the same day.
It really is luck of the draw. On my first visit to the Norwegian Fjords, we had sunshine and T-shirt weather. The next time? Cold, grey, and a hailstorm thrown in for good measure. Pack layers, and keep your fingers crossed!
The Last Word
Hellesylt may not be the busiest or most talked-about port in the Norwegian Fjords, but don’t overlook it. This charming little village is full of the natural beauty the fjords are known for – think towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, and peaceful views that are hard to beat. Whether you’re using it as a starting point for an adventure through Geirangerfjord, heading off to explore a glacier, or simply enjoying a quiet morning beside the waterfall, Hellesylt is a port with charm, character, and scenery you won’t forget in a hurry.
You may also like
- Exploring Geirangerfjord on a shore excursion
- Geiranger port guide
- Cruising the Norwegian Fjords with P&O Cruises
- What to pack for an Norwegian Fjords Cruise