Hellesylt: Beginner-Friendly Fjord Kayaking Experience - The Itinerary in Detail

The 7 Best Tours In Hellesylt

Hellesylt is a true treasure for travelers eager to experience Norway’s stunning landscapes. It’s not just a pretty picture — the area offers a variety of tours that let you explore fjords, mountains, waterfalls, and local culture in an intimate way. We especially love the guided Geirangerfjord boat tour for its up-close waterfalls and exhilarating rides, offering a vivid taste of Norway’s fjord culture. If kayaking is more your speed, the beginner-friendly fjord kayaking experience combines natural beauty with easy access for newcomers. For those wanting a full day of sightseeing, the Geiranger shore excursion covers breathtaking viewpoints and glacier info, perfect if you’re short on time but want the highlights. Other options include scenic gondola rides, biking adventures, and boat-bus combo tours. Whatever your style, Hellesylt has a tour that will make your trip unforgettable.

Quick Overview

Our list includes boat trips, kayaking, bus and boat guided tours, scenic gondola rides, and even biking experiences. Each offers a different way to see and feel Norway’s spectacular scenery — from the dramatic waterfalls of Geirangerfjord to panoramic mountain views and peaceful fjord cruises. Check out the details below to find your perfect match.

1. Hellesylt: Guided Geirangerfjord Boat Tour

Hellesylt: Guided Geirangerfjord Boat Tour

At number 1, the Guided Geirangerfjord Boat Tour offers a lively 75-minute ride through one of Norway’s most famous fjords. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an immersive experience with spectacular waterfalls like the De Syv Søre, Friaren, and Brudeslør. The boat is a fast, open rib, which means you’ll get to zoom past waterfalls and hidden coves, feeling the spray and wind in your hair. It’s a dynamic way to see the fjord’s natural wonders up close, with commentary from a knowledgeable guide who shares stories about the area’s geology, history, and culture. Reviewers rave about the exhilarating ride and the stunning scenery — calling it a “must-do” when visiting Hellesylt. The tour lasts 75 minutes, and prices are around $83 per person, making it a reasonably priced adventure for the spectacle you get.

Bottom Line: If you want a fun, adrenaline-filled boat ride that gets you right into the heart of Geirangerfjord’s waterfalls and scenery, this guided boat tour is a top choice. It’s especially suitable for those who want a quick but memorable nature fix.

2. Hellesylt: Beginner-Friendly Fjord Kayaking Experience

Hellesylt: Beginner-Friendly Fjord Kayaking Experience

Number 2 on our list is the Beginner-Friendly Fjord Kayaking Experience, perfect for those who want to explore Norway’s fjords from the water without prior paddling experience. This 2-hour tour is designed to be accessible, with stable and easy-to-handle kayaks. It starts in Hellesylt, a village famous for a stunts from “Mission Impossible 7,” but don’t worry — the focus here is on enjoying the natural beauty. As you paddle, you’ll take in views of towering mountains, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Guides with extensive local knowledge point out wildlife and natural features, making the experience educational as well as scenic. Reviewers describe it as “relaxed and fun,” emphasizing the calm waters and spectacular surroundings. At $117, it offers good value for the chance to glide quietly past waterfalls and mountains in a way that’s accessible to most.

Bottom Line: This kayak tour is ideal if you want a peaceful, intimate encounter with the fjord, especially if you’re new to paddling but eager to get close to Norway’s natural scenery.

3. From Hellesylt: The Best of Geiranger Shore Excursion

From Hellesylt: The Best of Geiranger Shore Excursion

Number 3 is the Full-Day Geiranger Shore Excursion, a comprehensive 7.5-hour tour ideal for travelers who want to pack the most into a single day. Starting with a scenic bus ride, you’ll pass through majestic mountain landscapes and waterfalls, with stops at iconic viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend. The guide shares stories about glaciers at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center and points out the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall from different angles. The highlight is crossing the Geiranger Skywalk, which offers a panoramic view of the fjord below. This tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth overview of the area’s geology, culture, and natural beauty without worrying about logistics. The reviews speak to the passionate guide and impressive road skills, with some noting the narrow, winding roads add an element of adventure.

Priced at $176, this tour balances value with a full day of sightseeing, making it suitable for active visitors eager to see the best of Geiranger in one go.

Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a guided, in-depth experience of Geiranger, especially if you’re interested in glaciers, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints — and don’t mind a full day.

4. Hellesylt: Fjord to Sky. Scenic Escape to Stranda Gondola

Hellesylt: Fjord to Sky. Scenic Escape to Stranda Gondola

Number 4 is the Fjord to Sky, a scenic drive and gondola ride that takes you over 1,000 meters above sea level. The tour starts in Hellesylt and includes a bus trip to Stranda, where you’ll hop on the Stranda Gondola. The panoramic ride offers breathtaking views of the Sunnmøre Alps and Storfjord — perfect for photography and just soaking in Norway’s vast landscapes. The gondola ride lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you ample time to enjoy the scenery, with options to visit the Fjord Panorama Restaurant for coffee and cake while seated by floor-to-ceiling windows. Reviewers often mention the “stunning views” and the “thrilling gondola ride,” which really feels like stepping into a postcard. The tour is suitable for all ages, though some might find the drive a bit lengthy if short on time.

Bottom Line: If elevation and views are your priority, this gondola experience offers one of the most visually striking outings in Hellesylt.

5. E-bike tour of Hellesylt to Norangsdalen

E-bike tour of Hellesylt to Norangsdalen

Number 5 is the E-bike tour of Hellesylt to Norangsdalen, a 4-hour ride that explores waterfalls, fjord scenery, and the scenic Norangsdalen valley. This tour appeals to travelers who want active exploration but with manageable physical demand. The route is famous for the Waterfall Route, which showcases Norway’s lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls. The tour includes a snack break amid stunning surroundings, making it a perfect mix of exercise, scenery, and local flavor. Reviewers mention the “spectacular landscape” and that the route is suitable for most fitness levels, though it is best for those with some biking experience. The price of $127 includes bike rental and guide support, making it an accessible way to see beyond the common paths.

Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want to combine scenic beauty with a bit of physical challenge — and enjoy a snack in the mountains.

6. All About the Fjords, in one tour by boat & bus from Ålesund

All About the Fjords, in one tour by boat & bus from Ålesund

Number 6 offers a comprehensive fjord experience combining boat cruises and scenic bus rides over 6.25 hours. It starts in Ålesund and takes you through Hjørundfjord, the Nordangsdal Valley, and across the Storfjord, giving a broad perspective on the region’s diverse landscapes. The ferry crossing of the Grand Fjord adds a classic maritime touch. The tour’s strength lies in its ability to blend serene fjord cruising with mountain vistas and cultural insights — all with the convenience of a day in one ticket. Reviewers note it’s a “beautiful way to see Norway’s fjords with minimal hassle,” and the mix of boat and bus means you get both water and land perspectives.

Priced at $157, this tour is an excellent choice for those who want a well-rounded experience without multiple bookings.

Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a comprehensive, relaxed way to see Norway’s fjords without sacrificing variety or convenience.

7. Hellesylt: Breathtaking Views from Mount Stranda

Hellesylt: Breathtaking Views from Mount Stranda

Rounding out our list is the Views from Mount Stranda, a 3.5-hour guided tour that combines a gondola ride with scenic drives. The tour begins at the Geiranger Cruise Terminal and takes you up to Mount Stranda, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Geirangerfjord. You’ll also visit the colorful farms and waterfalls in Strandadalen Valley, and stop at Ljøen Viewpoint for a perfect photo opportunity. The experience includes a warm coffee or tea and a waffle at the gondola’s base, adding a cozy touch. Reviewers mention the “stunning views” and the “scenic drive” as highlights. This tour suits those wanting a mix of active sightseeing and a relaxing break.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to combine a gondola experience with scenic drives and photo stops, all within a manageable timeframe.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Hellesylt

Picking the right tour depends on what you’re after. For sheer adrenaline and up-close waterfalls, the Guided Geirangerfjord Boat Tour delivers a lively ride. Want a gentle introduction to fjord landscapes? The beginner kayaking is perfect, especially if you prefer water-based exploration without much experience. If you’re pressed for time but want to see the highlights, the Geiranger shore excursion packs in viewpoints, waterfalls, and glacier info in one full day.

On the other hand, if panoramic views from above call to you, the Fjord to Sky gondola offers breathtaking mountain vistas, while the e-bike tour provides a more active way to enjoy Norway’s natural beauty. For those seeking a comprehensive experience, the all-in-one fjord tour from Ålesund combines boat rides and scenic drives for a full perspective.

Consider your fitness level, time constraints, and whether you prefer water, land, or aerial views. Booking early is wise, especially in high season, to ensure your preferred experience.

Final Thoughts

Hellesylt offers a wide spectrum of tours that showcase Norway’s stunning landscape from all angles — water, mountain, and land. For a quick thrill, the rib boat tour hits the mark, while the scenic gondola rides and biking tours give you a more relaxed, yet equally breathtaking, perspective. If you want to see as much as possible in a day, the full-day Geiranger experience is hard to beat.

For different types of travelers — whether you seek adventure, scenic tranquility, or cultural insights — Hellesylt’s diverse options won’t disappoint. Just remember to book ahead, especially during peak season, to secure your perfect trip to Norway’s fjords.