Hellesylt

The small village of Hellesylt was the movie location of choice when Tom Cruise did his unbelievable motorcycle stunt in 2020’s movie Mission Impossible. For the rest of us, a good old hike is probably a better choice when exploring this fjord gem.

Hellesylt is situated at the end of Sunnylvsfjorden, not far from the more famous Geirangerfjorden. The village is home to around 600 residents and boasts a beautiful fjord landscape surrounded by towering mountains. It was down one of these cliffs that Tom Cruise performed an unusually daring stunt, garnering much attention at the time.

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It's not entirely certain that the residents of Hellesylt were too starstruck by the visitors from Hollywood. Because in this village, they are accustomed to all kinds of people stopping by. Positioned as the gateway to the World Heritage Site, Hellesylt has been welcoming tourists since the 1800s. Royalty and other famous figures have been visiting here for a long time.

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And when one desires it, they can also find moments of tranquility and zen. Isn't that what they like to do in Hollywood too?

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Karl Kristian Langeland, the Organizational Advisor in the Centre Party (Senterpartiet), said goodbye to the big city and went back to his roots.

-Why did you choose to move back to Hellesylt after many years in Oslo?

-There are countless reasons, but the longing for my family and the landscape with fjords and mountains, was the most important for me. Hellesylt might be a small village, but it has a big heart - rich in nature and experiences. I find a unique peace and state of mind when I'm here. Hellesylt is home. It’s where I belong.

-What is the absolute best thing about living in this village?

-The people! Hellesylt is a village with incredibly kind and wonderful people. The community spirit is strong here. The villagers support each other and make things happen. And I must mention the amazing local products from Ole Ringdal. The cured meats, sausages, and much more are of the absolute highest quality! (see link in Comments)

-Can you describe a dream day in Hellesylt a la Karl Kristian?

-It starts when I wake up to the sun shining through the window. I hear birds outside and sheep bells in the distance.

I pack my backpack and head to one of the many mountains that offer fantastic views in every direction. I take a dip in a mountain lake, dry off in the sun, and then start my descent.

Back in the village, I go for a swim at our lovely beach with its own bathhouse and diving tower, before heading to the world’s coziest café, Hellesylt Boutique & Bar, for some champagne and homemade cake with good friends. At home, the sun is setting behind the majestic mountains, and I sit in the yard feeling grateful for being able to live in this paradise.

-Does it make sense to you that Hellesylt attracts Hollywood stars?

-Absolutely! The stunning nature, fjords, and mountains make it a perfect location for the big screen, but I hope more than just Hollywood stars will discover Hellesylt. So, I have to ask the readers: Isn’t it time to make Hellesylt the main location in your life too? I don't think you'll regret it.

-Do you have any tips for hidden gems in Hellesylt?

-Yes! Bjørnstigfjellet is a mountain that barely gets a single visit a year. It's partly because the access is tough, but the view and the summit are incredible. Kjellstaddalen is also a great, but a much easier hike. If you go a bit further, you'll reach "Kokartjønna," a spring that makes it look like the small pool of water is "boiling."

Also, we have an upcoming gem to look forward to - soon, we will have our own sauna at our already fantastic beach with its historic and beautiful bathhouse!

Sources

Main photo on top by Sergey Ashmarin, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Hellesylt – Wikipedia

Om Hellesylt - www.hellesylt.info