If your itinerary says "Hellesylt and Geiranger", you're not getting two full ports. Usually the ship stops briefly in Hellesylt to let passengers on excursions off, sails on through the Geirangerfjord, and anchors at Geiranger, where the excursions meet the ship again. Everyone else stays on board for the cruise and goes ashore in Geiranger. Knowing that before you book saves you a lot of confusion on the day.
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The day in 4 numbers
or so through the Geirangerfjord from Hellesylt to Geiranger
stops, but most people only go ashore once
tall, the waterfall in the middle of Hellesylt village
up at Dalsnibba, a classic excursion stop on the way
The short answer
No excursion? You go ashore in Geiranger.
Some cruise lines only let you off in Hellesylt if you've booked one of their excursions. Check your cruise line's rules before you plan anything. If you haven't booked one, enjoy the fjord from deck and go ashore in Geiranger.
If you do book an excursion from Hellesylt, you see the mountains and viewpoints by road and rejoin the ship in Geiranger. You miss the cruise through the fjord itself, so it's a trade-off.
How the day usually goes
Times and order vary by ship and cruise line. This is the common pattern.
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The ship stops in Hellesylt
Short stopMorningHellesylt is a small village at the head of the Sunnylvsfjord, with a waterfall running right through the middle of it. Passengers on excursions go ashore here and board their coaches.
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Through the Geirangerfjord
On boardAbout 1 hourPhoto: Hendrik Cornelissen on Unsplash The ship turns into the Geirangerfjord, past steep walls, waterfalls and little abandoned mountain farms. This is the scenic cruising part, and for many people the best hour of the whole trip.
Local tip
Get out on deck early and pick a spot on the side facing the cliffs. Bring a jacket. It's windy at the bow.
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Excursions take the road
Coach, for excursion passengersMost of the dayFrom Hellesylt the coaches head into the mountains. Common routes go up to Dalsnibba at around 1,500 metres, or over to Briksdal glacier, and end in Geiranger where the ship is waiting.
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Ashore in Geiranger
Tender or floating pierThe rest of the stayEveryone else goes ashore in Geiranger, usually by tender boat. Our Geiranger page has the plans for four, six and eight hours, and what's worth doing in the village.
Hellesylt excursion or Geiranger on your own?
| Excursion from Hellesylt | Ashore in Geiranger | |
|---|---|---|
| The fjord cruise | You miss most of it | You see it all from deck |
| What you see | Mountain viewpoints by road | The village and boat trips on the fjord |
| Cost | A ship excursion | Free unless you book something |
| Rules | Book with your cruise line | Open to everyone |
Take the Hellesylt excursion if
- You want the mountain viewpoints and don't mind missing the fjord cruise
- You've seen fjords from a ship before
- You'd rather have a guide and a fixed plan
Stay on board if
- It's your first time in a Norwegian fjord
- You want the cruise through the Geirangerfjord, which is half the point
- You'd rather pick your own trip in Geiranger
Things to book for Geiranger
Boat trips from Geiranger
If you go ashore in Geiranger, a small boat gets you closer to the waterfalls than your ship did. Pick a time that leaves room for the tender queue.
Find a fjord boatViewpoints and tours from Geiranger
Bus trips up to the Eagle Road and Dalsnibba. Check how long they take against your all aboard time.
See what's on in GeirangerIf you do get off in Hellesylt
There isn't much time, but the waterfall is right by the quay, and a steep path takes you up to an old stone bridge with a good view. The Peer Gynt gallery has big wooden carvings from Ibsen's play, and the church is usually open when a cruise ship is in.
The Geiranger page
Tender times, the plans for four, six and eight hours, and the viewpoints worth paying for.
Read the Geiranger port guidePractical tips
- Read your cruise line's port information. The rules for going ashore in Hellesylt differ.
- Be on deck before the ship enters the Geirangerfjord. Your cabin window only faces one way.
- The weather up at the viewpoints can be very different from down by the fjord. Bring a warm layer.
Last checked November 2026. Sources: MSC Cruises, Hellesylt and Geiranger, Life in Norway, Hellesylt, Fjord Tours, ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt.