From Hellesylt: The Best of Geiranger Shore Excursion

Exploring Norway’s iconic fjords and mountain scenery is a bucket-list dream for many travelers, and this guided tour from Hellesylt to Geiranger offers just that—without the hassle of planning. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions show it’s a great way to see some of Norway’s most famous sights in one day.

What stands out? The spectacular viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, the chance to learn about glaciers at Jostedalsbreen National Park, and the thrill of crossing the Dalsnibba mountain at 1500 meters above sea level. Plus, the expert guides and small-group minibus make it a more intimate and flexible experience than traditional bus tours.

One possible drawback is that the itinerary can feel rushed, with only short stops at key sights, and the size of the bus might limit your view at certain points. Still, if you love nature, mountains, and fjord vistas, this tour is tailored for those who want a comprehensive day trip with plenty of photo opportunities.

This experience suits travelers with a cruise schedule, those wanting a structured but scenic overview of Geiranger, and people eager to avoid the hassle of driving or organizing their own transport. If you’re craving a blend of natural beauty and informative commentary, this trip could be just what you need.

Good To Know

Stunning viewpoints: The tour includes Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, two of Norway’s most photographed and breathtaking sights.
Expert guiding: Guides like Havi and Lars are praised for their knowledge and passion, adding value beyond just scenery.
Flexible stops: The stops are brief but packed with photo opportunities, capturing the essence of Norway’s rugged landscape.
Glacier insights: Visiting Jostedalsbreen National Park Center provides educational moments about glaciers and the region’s natural history.
Scenic drives: The winding roads, including Eagle Road, offer unforgettable views of the fjord and mountains.
Limited lunch options: The tour does not include food or drinks, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Starting from Hellesylt cruise port, the journey kicks off early, with most trips running around 7.5 hours. Your guide—often wearing a light blue jacket with “EXCURSIONS.NO”—will meet you at the designated meeting point, just a short walk from the pier, and lead you through a carefully curated route.

Passing Oppstryn Lake and Jostedalsbreen National Park

The drive begins with a scenic ride along the beautiful Oppstryn Lake, renowned for its mirror-like water and mountain backdrop. Then, you’ll make a short stop at the Jostedalsbreen National Park Center, where the guide will share insights about glaciers. Reviewers like Lisa-Jayne appreciated the knowledge of guides like Havi, a young Spanish guide who kept everyone informed and engaged with stories and facts, making the experience more meaningful.

Viewing Øvstefossen Waterfall

A quick photo stop at Øvstefossen Waterfall gives you a chance to admire one of Norway’s iconic cascades. The brief 15-minute stop is appreciated, though some reviews suggest longer in certain spots might be nice. Still, this waterfall’s powerful flow is worth the quick pause.

Flydalsjuvet and Djupvatnet Lake

Next, your first major photo stop is Flydalsjuvet, arguably Norway’s most photographed viewpoint. We loved the way this spot offers panoramic views of the fjord and mountains, perfect for snapping keepsakes. Then, you’ll visit Djupvatnet Lake, a stunning mirror of the surrounding peaks.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Dalsnibba Mountain and Eagle Bend

Driving up to Dalsnibba (at 1500 meters), the views are nothing short of breathtaking—weather permitting. Be aware that Dalsnibba’s access depends on seasonal opening, usually from May, and could be skipped if closed due to weather. The iconic Eagle Bend offers spectacular vistas of Geiranger village, the fjord, and the Seven Sisters Waterfall. Reviewers highlighted the thrill of riding the serpentine Eagle Road, with its numerous photo spots, although some noted the smaller bus windows hindered clear viewing and commentary.

Crossing the Geiranger Skywalk

The final highlight is the Geiranger Skywalk, a glass platform that juts out over the fjord, giving a vertiginous but incredible perspective of the landscape. It’s a fitting finale for a day of jaw-dropping scenery.

End of Tour and Return

After experiencing the panoramas, your guide will return you to Hellesylt in time for your cruise departure, with a “Back-in-time guarantee” ensuring you won’t miss your ship. Depending on weather and road conditions, the sequence of sights might vary slightly, but the core experiences remain.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a minibus means more access to narrow roads and fewer crowds, which many reviewers found preferable over larger coach tours. Lars, the guide, and Hal, the driver, received praise for their skill navigating tight corners and ensuring everyone’s safety. However, some felt the bus’s small windows and tinted glass made it harder to follow explanations and take clear photos.

Price and Value

At $176 per person, the tour offers a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and expert guidance. While no meals are included, the value lies in the convenience of a structured trip packed with iconic sights and insider commentary. Reviewers like Helen appreciated the stops at locations inaccessible to larger vehicles, enhancing the experience’s authenticity.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Be at the meeting point 15 minutes early at the Coop Marked in Hellesylt. The guide wears a light blue jacket.
• Bring snacks, water, and a camera—small windows can make photography tricky.
• Dress in layers; mountain weather can change quickly, especially if Dalsnibba is closed due to weather.
• The tour does not include lunch, so plan accordingly.
• Confirm your cruise schedule to ensure the tour ends on time; the “Back-in-time guarantee” helps avoid missing your ship.
• Note that the Dalsnibba stop depends on seasonal opening; if closed, expect an alternative scenic drive.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day trip is ideal if you’re keen on breathtaking vistas, photo opportunities, and learning about the region’s natural features. It’s especially suitable for cruise passengers wanting a rundown of Geiranger’s highlights without the hassle of self-driving.

Those who enjoy small-group settings and personalized commentary will particularly appreciate the intimate minibus experience. If you’re okay with brief stops and a bit of a speedy schedule, you’ll find this tour delivers a memorable taste of Norway’s natural beauty.

The Sum Up

This guided excursion from Hellesylt to Geiranger offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Norway’s most famous sights. With expert guides, spectacular viewpoints, and the opportunity to learn about glaciers and fjords, it packs a lot into a manageable day. Although it may feel a little rushed for some, the photos and views make up for it, especially if you’re traveling on a cruise with limited time ashore.

The combination of scenic drives, iconic viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet and Eagle Bend, and the educational stops at Jostedalsbreen make this a worthwhile choice for lovers of mountains and fjords. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided, worry-free experience with plenty of photo ops and insightful commentary.

If you’re after an authentic taste of Norway’s stunning landscapes without the stress of planning, this tour delivers on many counts. Keep in mind the weather-dependent stops, and you’ll leave with memories—and photos—that will last a lifetime.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is included in the form of a sightseeing minibus, which allows access to narrow roads and scenic viewpoints.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, starting from the Hellesylt cruise port.

Are meals included?
No, food and beverages are not included, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks or plan to eat beforehand.

What if Dalsnibba is closed?
If the mountain road to Dalsnibba is closed due to weather or season, the itinerary will be adjusted, and an alternative scenic drive will be offered.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for pets or non-folding wheelchairs. The walking involved is minimal during stops, but some scenic viewpoints involve short walks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothes, camera, snacks, and a sense of adventure—small windows may make photography challenging, so prepare accordingly.

You can check if your dates are available here: