Shared Tour of Geiranger from Hellesylt

If you’re considering a day trip from Hellesylt to the famous Geiranger Fjord, this shared bus tour might catch your eye. It promises a full day of stunning scenery—mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints—and is a popular choice among travelers looking to tick off some of Norway’s most iconic sights. While it’s not a private or super-exclusive experience, it could be a great way to see many highlights in one go, especially if you’re short on time or prefer guided transportation.

What we really like about this tour is its well-rounded itinerary, visiting key spots like Norway’s deepest lake, Hornindalsvatn, and the breathtaking Dalsnibba mountain top. Plus, the transportation is air-conditioned, which makes long drives more comfortable, and the stops are timed to maximize sightseeing. Another plus is the back-in-time guarantee for cruise passengers—so you shouldn’t worry about missing your ship if the tour runs smoothly.

That said, there are some considerations. The overall rating is just an average of 3 out of 5, and reviews suggest that some travelers found the experience a bit rushed or disorganized, especially regarding the guides and timing at sightseeings. If you’re someone who values a relaxed pace or detailed commentary, this might not be the perfect fit. Still, if you’re after a straightforward, scenic bus ride with some iconic photo stops, it’s worth exploring.

This tour best suits travelers who appreciate guided excursions, want to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating themselves, and don’t mind a group setting. It’s also practical if you’re on a cruise schedule, as it’s designed to fit into tight timelines.

Key Points

• Highlights include the deepest lake in Europe, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints.
• The tour is about 7.5 hours long, covering a lot of ground in a day.
• Price per person is approximately $186, which reflects a full-day guided experience.
• Timing and organization have mixed reviews, so flexibility and patience help.
• It’s suitable for travelers who prefer guided transportation over independent exploration.
• Weather can influence the itinerary, especially the Dalsnibba summit.

The Experience in Detail

We’ll start with what makes this tour appealing, then talk about some of the quirks and less-than-stellar parts noted by past travelers. Understanding what to expect can help you decide whether it’s right for your trip.

The Itinerary and Stops

The adventure kicks off at the meeting point at Coop Market in Hellesylt. From there, your guide will navigate you through a landscape punctuated by waterfalls, lakes, and rugged mountains. The first major stop is at Hornindalsvatn Lake, Norway’s, and Europe’s, deepest lake at over 500 meters deep. This is a fantastic photo opportunity, especially if you’re into dramatic natural features; just be prepared for a quick 15-minute stop, so don’t forget your camera.

Next, you’ll have a rest stop in Stryn, a charming town where you can stretch your legs and maybe grab a quick snack. The stops here are brief—about 20 minutes—so it’s more about a quick breather than a deep dive into the town’s attractions.

As you continue towards Geiranger, you’ll pass the Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre, which is more for learning about glaciers than sightseeing, unless you’re particularly interested in ice formations. It’s worth noting that admission tickets are not included if you want to explore beyond just looking around. This is a quick stop to get some context about the glaciers that shaped this landscape.

The Øvstefossen Waterfall makes for a pretty photo stop—its cascading waters are a classic shot along this route. It’s just a short pause, but if you love waterfalls, it’s a highlight.

The real showstopper comes at Dalsnibba, where you’ll ascend to 1500 meters (around 4920 feet) above sea level. Here, you’ll get what many describe as some of the most incredible views over the fjord, the Eagle Bend, and the surrounding waterfalls. The mountain top is included in your ticket, which is a big plus, but keep in mind that weather can sometimes block the view or lead to substitutions, as noted in some reviews. If the weather isn’t cooperative, the tour might replace this stop with an alternative sight.

Finally, the Djupvatn Lake offers a spectacular mountain scenery, often covered with ice depending on the season. The deep blue waters and mountain backdrop make it a favorite photo spot, and the 20-minute stop here is a good chance to snap some memorable images.

The Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned bus, which is crucial for comfort during the approximately 7.5-hour journey. The maximum group size is around 48 travelers, so it’s not too small, but not overly large either. This can impact the experience—more people mean more chance of timing issues or less space for personal comfort.

While most travelers find the transportation reliable, a couple of reviews mention difficulty in locating the bus or confusion at the start, so arriving early and paying attention to the instructions is important. It’s also worth noting that the tour is guided in English, with the possibility of a second language depending on the mix of passengers.

The Guide and Overall Organization

One recurring theme from reviews is mixed feelings about the guides. Some travelers praised the knowledgeable guides and beautiful viewpoints, while others felt the guide’s enthusiasm was lacking or that the commentary was rushed. There’s also mention of timing issues; some only had ten minutes at each sight, which can be frustrating if you love to linger or take photos.

Organization seems to be an area where this tour can vary. The “back in time guarantee” for cruise passengers is helpful, ensuring you won’t miss your ship, but this relies on proper coordination and punctuality on your part. Reviewers have reported some hiccups, including being dropped off unexpectedly because they weren’t on the list—so double-check your registration details.

The Price and Overall Value

At around $186 per person, the cost includes transportation, a guide, and the Dalsnibba toll fee, which is a fair deal when you consider how much ground you cover and the scenic stops involved. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but for a full day of sightseeing with transportation included, it’s reasonable.

However, keep in mind that lunch isn’t included—so budget for that separately. Also, with some reviews mentioning time limitations and guide enthusiasm, you’ll want to temper expectations about a deeply personalized or leisurely experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who wants to see the main highlights of Geiranger without the hassle of self-driving or organizing multiple stops, this could be a good fit. It’s ideal for travelers who value guided insights and prefer to relax while someone else handles the navigation. The panoramic viewpoints, impressive lakes, and waterfalls are perfect for photography lovers or anyone craving iconic scenery.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace or want to spend additional time exploring each stop in detail, you might find this tour a little rushed. It’s also worth considering the weather, as the summit views depend heavily on clear skies.

Good for cruise passengers

The “back in time guarantee” makes this especially appealing for cruise travelers worried about timing. As long as you register your cruise details, this tour aims to get you back in time for your ship’s departure.

Not ideal for those wanting in-depth exploration

Since the stops are relatively brief and the guide’s commentary can be quick, this isn’t the best choice if you love detailed explanations or leisurely visits. It’s more about ticking off the spectacular sights in a single day.

Final Thoughts

This shared tour of Geiranger from Hellesylt offers an accessible way to experience some of Norway’s most famous scenery. Its strengths lie in the stunning vistas from Dalsnibba, the variety of highlights like waterfalls and lakes, and the convenience of guided transportation. The price is reasonable considering the distance traveled and the sights covered, though the experience can be a bit hit or miss depending on the guide, weather, and timing.

If you’re after a well-organized, scenic day with the convenience of a guided group, this tour can be quite fulfilling. Just keep expectations in check regarding pace and commentary—some travelers have found it a little rushed or disorganized. Still, for many, it hits the sweet spot of seeing iconic sights without the stress of planning every detail.

This tour best suits those who value convenience and scenery over in-depth exploration or a relaxed, unhurried visit. It’s ideal for cruise passengers, first-timers to Geiranger, or anyone wanting a taste of Norway’s grandeur with minimal fuss.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch isn’t included, so you should plan to bring snacks or buy something during the stops.

What’s the total duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish, including stops.

Are the stops at the viewpoints long enough for good photos?
Most stops are around 15 to 20 minutes, which usually allows enough time to take photos but not explore deeply.

Can I expect good views from Dalsnibba?
Yes, Dalsnibba offers some of the best panoramic views of the fjord and waterfalls, weather permitting.

Is this tour suitable for cruise travelers?
Absolutely. There’s a “back in time guarantee” to ensure you return for your cruise, provided you register your ship info when booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions aren’t favorable, Dalsnibba might be substituted with another highlight of Geiranger.

Is the tour guided in multiple languages?
It’s guided in English, but if availability allows, a second language might be added depending on the passenger mix.

How many people are on this tour?
The maximum group size is 48 travelers, which allows for a shared experience but might feel crowded at some stops.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your camera, some snacks, and layered clothing suitable for mountain weather. No additional tickets are necessary unless you plan to explore attractions beyond the stops.

What’s the overall value of this tour?
Considering the scenery, transportation, and guided aspect, it offers good value for those wanting a hassle-free way to see key sights.

If you’re after a straightforward way to check off Norway’s must-see sights with some fantastic photo opportunities, this tour offers a decent, if somewhat quick, glimpse of Geiranger’s grandeur. Just be prepared for a busy day and some weather-dependent surprises.