HELLESYLT, NORWAY

We start our tour in Hellesylt and almost immediately we will see the mighty Hellesylt Waterfall which cascades into the aqua fjord. It is easy to understand why this is the place where Henrik Ibsen was inspired to write his immortal drama Brand.

We start our tour in Hellesylt and almost immediately we will see the mighty Hellesylt Waterfall which cascades into the aqua fjord. This is the place that inspired Henrik Ibsen to write his immortal drama Brand. From Hellesylt our coach climbs, passing the boundaries between the counties of Møre & Romsdal and Sogn & Fjordane, driving through a lovely mountain valley dotted with holiday homes. We now descend to the shores of Europe’s deepest lake with an amazing depth of 514 metres (1,686 feet), Hornindalsvatnet, with its crystal clear water. Further on the lovely Nordfjord appears in front of us, and we drive along it to the village of Stryn and the Stryn River, known for its salmon fishing. Along the shores of the beautiful, turquoise Stryn Lake, we head towards Hjelle. Continuing uphill, around 19 hairpin bends and an ascent of 1 in 11, the Strynefjell Road brings us across Jolbrua Bridge, spanning an almost 100 metre (328 feet) deep gorge, to the thundering Buldrefossen Waterfall. We proceed uphill through the mountains, passing Tystig Glacier with its summer ski school. Shortly afterwards we reach Grotli, a well-known tourist centre and training area for cross-country skiers. Here we shall stop for lunch. The road continues through Fjellheimen, past several lakes to Djupvasshytta, where we drive up the steep toll road to the top of Mount Dalsnibba. What a view! Snow-covered mountains, glaciers, lakes and, far below, the Geirangerfjord, where we may even be able to see our ship. From here it is all downhill, via the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint and around sharp bends, which make us wonder how on earth such roads were constructed, before arriving in Geiranger to rejoin our ship.

This tour involves limited walking, although a few steps may be encountered. Please note this tour includes journeys with hairpin bends, therefore it may not be suitable for passengers who suffer from vertigo.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 NORWAY CRUISES