Hellesylt, Norway: The Ultimate Cruise Port Guide
- George and Dan
- 45 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Hellesylt is a tiny stunner of a cruise port tucked into the Sunnmøre region, right at the mouth of the Geirangerfjord. It’s all waterfalls, quiet village charm, and mountains that look like someone turned the contrast up a bit too high. Most ships stop here briefly before heading deeper into the fjord, so it’s one of those grab-a-coffee-and-gasp sort of ports. Keep reading to learn the ins and outs of this cruise port, what to do in a day, and how to make the most of your stop.
Hellesylt and Its History
Hellesylt has long been a natural meeting point thanks to its location between fjords and valleys. Tourism here kicked off in the late 1800s when brave travellers via steamship began exploring western Norway’s dramatic scenery. The village grew around timber, farming, and trade, and the arrival of cruise port calls later cemented its status as a gateway into the famous Geirangerfjord. The centrepiece is the mighty Hellesylt Waterfall roaring straight through the village, shaping both the geography and the story of this cruise port.
What Cruise Lines Visit Hellesylt?
You’ll spot plenty of big names stopping at this cruise port. Hellesylt is a popular call for P&O Cruises, Cunard, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and a few more during peak season. Because the stop is often shorter than neighbouring fjord ports, it works brilliantly as a quick scenic call before a slow sail through the fjord. Even a brief visit here still counts as one of the most photogenic cruise port moments you’ll have.
Hellesylt Weather: What to Expect Throughout the Year
Spring (March to May)
Cool mornings, snow still clinging to peaks, and waterfalls in full voice. Temps sit around 3 to 9°C. It can be a bit drizzly, but the colours start popping by May.
Summer (June to August)
Prime cruise port weather. Mild to warm-ish at 10 to 18°C. Long daylight hours, calmer rain spells, and lush green views everywhere.
Autumn (September to November)
A touch moody. 6 to 14°C, frequent showers, but fog can add real drama for photos. Great if you like cosy jumpers and big scenery.
Winter (December to February)
Very cold for cruise port calls. -3 to 4°C. Snowy, dark earlier, and most cruise lines don’t visit in winter. Beautiful but better for land trips than ship stops.
Things to Do in Hellesylt
Hellesylt Excursions That Cost Extra
Swap the gentle ferry for something a bit more thrilling with a high-speed RIB safari from Hellesylt. You’ll skim across the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, get right up close to the Seven Sisters and Friaren waterfalls, and see mountain farms clinging to the cliffs from sea level. It’s a small-group trip, so you still get that “out in nature” feeling, just with a bit more adrenaline in the mix. 
If you’d rather slow things down, this guided kayaking trip is a lovely way to soak up the scenery at water level. It’s designed for total beginners and families, with stable kayaks, clear instructions and relaxed guiding. You paddle along the calm fjord, surrounded by steep mountains, waterfalls and lush hillsides, with a good chance of spotting local wildlife as you go. 
Embark on a journey to the Ljøen viewpoint from Hellesylt in a Renault Twizy. This autonomous adventure spans approximately an hour, offering breathtaking vistas of Geirangerfjorden, Sunnylvsfjorden, and Storfjorden.
This self-guided minibus tour links Hellesylt with Geiranger and focuses on big, classic viewpoints. You’ll travel via Stranda and Eidsdal, stop at Eagle Bend for sweeping views over the fjord, have free time in Geiranger village, then continue up to Flydalsjuvet for those postcard-perfect cliff-edge photos. It’s a good pick if you want maximum scenery with minimal effort and guaranteed back-to-ship timings. 
For a mix of fjord and mountain, this trip takes you from Hellesylt by minibus to Stranda, then up the Stranda Gondola to over 1,000 metres above sea level. At the top you’ll get huge panoramic views across the Sunnmøre Alps and Storfjord, plus time to wander the viewing platforms or grab a drink at the mountain-top restaurant. It’s all about big, wide-open vistas without needing to hike. 
Hellesylt Free or Low-Cost Activities
Hellesylt Walk to Hellesylt Waterfall
This is the heart of the cruise port and impossible to miss. The short riverside path takes you right alongside roaring water cutting through the village. There are a few small bridges for cracking photos, and it costs nothing but wet mist on your lenses and a renewed appreciation for nature. Stop a minute, breathe it in, and you’ve basically ‘done’ Hellesylt cruise port in the purest way.
Hellesylt Village Stroll
The village is small enough to walk end to end in 10 minutes at this cruise port. Pop into a local shop, admire wooden houses, and say hi to the fjord view at the end. It’s flat, relaxed, and easy going. Perfect if you want gentle pacing and no big itinerary at this cruise port.
Hellesylt Picnic by the Fjord
Grab snacks before or from a local shop and plonk yourself near the water. Benches sit close to the cruise port edge with calm views across the fjord. It’s quiet, it’s pretty, and it’s the most British thing you can do while abroad, even at this cruise port in Norway. A flask and some sandwiches turns it into a core memory.
Hellesylt The Perfect One-Day Plan
Morning
Watch Hellesylt Waterfall (5 mins from dock)
Brew up a coffee from the ship and take photos around the bridges
Optional: ferry or coach trip from the cruise port (pick 1)
Lunch
If you’re inland, eat from stops or take ship snacks
If staying local, picnic by the cruise port fjord’s edge
Afternoon
Cable lift, kayak, or chocolate tasting from this cruise port (pick 1)
Gentle village wander before all aboard
Hellesylt Practical Information
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock at This Cruise Port?
P&O Iona & Britannia will both dock at the cruise port.
Ships don’t always moor and often they anchor briefly and tender guests ashore due to limited depth at the village quay. The tender point deposits you right by the Hellesylt cruise port centre.
Facilities at This Cruise Port
There’s a small café by the falls, public loos nearby, and local shops within a 2–3 minute wander from the cruise port area. It’s minimal but includes the essentials for a quick stop.
Getting Around Hellesylt Cruise Port
On foot is best. Hellesylt cruise port is flat and very small. Ferries and coaches cover onward travel if booked.
Hellesylt FAQ
What time zone is Hellesylt cruise port in?
CET (Central European Time), one hour ahead of UK time in winter, two hours ahead during British Summer Time.
What is the currency in this cruise port?
Norwegian Krone (NOK), but card is widely accepted at this cruise port.
Is it best to take cash, use card or a bit of both at this cruise port?
Card for nearly everything, a bit of cash is handy for tiny stalls or farm stops if you head out from the cruise port.
Best time to visit Hellesylt cruise port?
Summer is peak, but late spring and early autumn can be gorgeous, just pack layers for this cruise port.
How to get around Hellesylt?
Mainly by foot at this cruise port. Ferries, coaches, and lifts get you further afield from this cruise port.
Is Hellesylt cruise port suitable for those with an accessibility issue?
The village is small and flat, so the tender drop is manageable for many. Big excursions may vary depending on terrain. The falls viewpoint has steps in places, so take it slow around this cruise port and choose equipment-friendly tours if needed.
This blog may contain affiliate links, this means that if you book a cruise or purchase an item via one of the links we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Prices correct at time of publishing.
Comments