Hellesylt: A Charming Fjord Norway Village

Tucked away at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord, Hellesylt is a quieter alternative to its famous neighbour, offering dramatic scenery, hiking trails, and a glimpse of authentic fjord life.

Hellesylt is a small fjordside village that often gets overlooked in favor of its world-famous neighbor, Geiranger. Yet for those who pause here, Hellesylt offers a more peaceful atmosphere and an authentic glimpse of life along Norway’s dramatic fjords.

Cruise ships do call at Hellesylt, but the village rarely feels overwhelmed by visitors.

Instead of jostling with crowds, you can wander at your own pace, listen to the roar of the waterfall that splits the village in two, and explore trails leading up into the surrounding hills.

From above, the views of the Sunnylvsfjord and the entrance to the Geirangerfjord are every bit as striking as those from Geiranger itself, only without the bustle.

Whether you’re stopping on a road trip, joining a fjord cruise, or simply looking for a quieter base in Fjord Norway, Hellesylt rewards travellers who take the time to linger.

Watch a Video Tour of Hellesylt

Last summer, I spent some time in Hellesylt and filmed this short walk. As international tourism was difficult at the time, it's a quiet day!

I hope you enjoyed the video. Now, read on for more details about what you just saw.

Where is Hellesylt?

The small village is part of Stranda municipality in Møre og Romsdal. It lies at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord, close to the entrance of the Geirangerfjord. The Sunnylvsfjord is a southern branch of the much bigger Storfjord.

Hellesylt is on route 60, a fjord and mountain road that connects with the E39 route at Hornindal near the Nordfjord and at Vegsund near Ålesund. From route 60, ferries are available to connect with route 63 at Geiranger and route 650 / route 63 at Libabygda.

Finally, Hellesylt is just 23km from the historic Hotel Union Øye and the Hjørundfjord along the mountain road 655.

All this makes Hellesylt a popular stop on any fjord road trip that includes the Geirangerfjord and Nordfjord. At the very least, it's a good place to stop to refuel both your car and yourselves!

Hellesylt waterfall

No visit to Hellesylt is complete without pausing at the village’s most dramatic landmark: Hellesyltfossen.

The waterfall cascades right through the centre of the settlement, effectively dividing it in two, and its thunderous roar can be heard long before you see it.

Unlike many of Norway’s fjord waterfalls, which tumble in long, slender ribbons from mountain ledges, Hellesyltfossen is all about raw power. Though it measures only about 20 metres in height, the sheer volume of water rushing over the granite rocks makes it an unforgettable sight.

The waterfall is at its most impressive in late spring and early summer, when snowmelt from the surrounding Sunnmøre mountains swells the Sunnylvs River.

During this time, foaming torrents barrel beneath the stone bridge, sending spray high into the air and creating a dramatic contrast with the calm waters of the fjord just a few metres away.

Visitors can admire the cascade from several viewpoints. A steep footpath leads up the northern side of the river to a historic stone bridge, where you’ll have one of the best perspectives on the falls and the village rooftops beyond.

Benches dotted along the path make it a pleasant place to pause, especially when the sun shines through the mist. Because the waterfall is located right in the middle of Hellesylt, you don’t need to go out of your way to see it.

Get Out Onto the Fjords

One of the real joys of staying in Hellesylt is its easy access to the fjords themselves. While there are fine viewpoints just a short drive from the village, nothing compares to being out on the water.

From the deck of a boat you can properly appreciate the towering cliffs, abandoned mountain farms, and narrow waterfalls that make this part of Fjord Norway so memorable.

Several options are available depending on how adventurous you feel. Local company Bonseye runs daily RIB (rigid inflatable boat) trips through the Geirangerfjord. Travelling at speed with only a handful of passengers, you’ll feel close to the elements as you pass some of the fjord’s most iconic sights.

One highlight is the optional stop at Skagehola, the starting point for the steep but rewarding hike up to the mountain farm of Skageflå. From there, the trail continues across the mountainside to Geiranger, where you can rejoin the return boat later in the day.

For a more relaxed experience, Fjord1 operates a car ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger during the summer season.

While the ferry provides a vital transport link for locals, it also doubles as a sightseeing cruise. Many travellers choose to take the ferry one way by car or on foot, then return later by road, enjoying the scenic loop through the Sunnmøre Alps.

Whichever option you choose, setting sail from Hellesylt is one of the best ways to experience the scale and beauty of Norway’s fjord landscape. The views change constantly with the shifting light and weather, ensuring no two journeys are ever quite the same.

Oher Things to See and Do in Hellesylt

Although many visitors only pass through Hellesylt on their way to Geiranger, the village itself has several worthwhile attractions that make it more than just a ferry stop. From cultural curiosities to quiet hiking trails, here are a few highlights to look out for.

Sunnylven Church: Perched on a rise above the village, Sunnylven Church is a simple yet elegant 19th-century parish church built in wood.

A walk up the steep residential lanes brings you not only to the church itself but also to a fine view across the rooftops and out to the fjord. The church is usually open to visitors when a cruise ship is in port, but otherwise hours can be sporadic.

Peer Gynt Gallery: A quirky local attraction, the Peer Gynt Gallery houses an unusual collection of large wooden carvings depicting scenes from Henrik Ibsen’s famous play.

While the story itself is set in the Gudbrandsdalen valley far to the east, the artwork was created by a local craftsman and is now maintained by a cooperative of villagers. It is a niche attraction, but lovers of Norwegian culture, especially literature and folklore, may find it worth a short visit.

Hiking Trails: The hills surrounding Hellesylt are laced with marked footpaths ranging from short strolls to longer hikes.

These trails offer opportunities to experience the quiet beauty of the Sunnmøre Alps without the heavy crowds often found in Geiranger. Look for information boards near the ferry dock or stop by the tourist office for trail maps and advice.

Devold Outlet: By the ferry port you’ll also find a small seasonal outlet of Devold, one of Norway’s oldest outdoor clothing brands with a history stretching back more than 150 years. It’s a good place to pick up quality knitwear and outdoor clothing at discounted prices while supporting a piece of Norwegian textile heritage.

Where to stay in and around Hellesylt

Hellesylt is a small community, so accommodation options are limited compared to Geiranger. That said, there are a few places to stay that suit different budgets and travel styles.

Hellesylt Hostel and Motel: Located above the village, this no-frills guesthouse offers both hostel-style rooms and simple motel accommodation. It’s among the cheapest options in the area, making it popular with hikers and budget-conscious travellers.

Do be aware that the walk back up from the centre of the village is steep, so it’s better suited to those with a car.

Hellesylt Camping: For campers, Hellesylt Camping sits right on the waterfront in a peaceful corner of the village. Facilities are basic but well kept, and there are pitches for tents, caravans and campervans.

Waking up to fjord views makes it a memorable spot to spend the night, and it’s within easy walking distance of the ferry dock and village centre.

Private Cabins and Holiday Homes: Several privately owned cabins and holiday homes in the area are available to rent through platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. These can be a good choice if you’re travelling as a family or group, or if you prefer self-catering facilities.

Many cabins are located in the surrounding hills, offering fine views of the fjord and access to nearby hiking trails.

Nearby Alternatives: If you don’t mind a short drive, you’ll find more upmarket options a little further afield. The historic Hotel Union Øye, about 23 km away, is one of Norway’s most famous hotels, known for hosting royalty and adventurers over the decades.

For those exploring the wider Sunnmøre region, accommodation is also available in Stranda and Hornindal, both within about a 30–40 minute drive.

While Hellesylt itself has only a handful of places to stay, the village makes a quiet and convenient base if you want to avoid the crowds of Geiranger while still being within striking distance of the famous fjord.