Hellesylt and Sunnylven
Hellesylt is the village centre of Sunnylven, at the head of Storfjorden, at the gateway to the Geirangerfjord, and on the road between Stranda and Stryn.
A small village with a big business community
Farming is strong in Sunnylven, with active farms and food production in the village and the valleys around it. At the same time, Hellesylt has several solid companies and jobs in industry, construction, retail and services.
One of the largest is Ole Ringdal AS, which has long traditions in Hellesylt and works with meat processing. You will also find companies such as Formvac and HT Bygg here, along with several smaller businesses.
Hellesylt has also become a place for new technology and green energy. In 2024, Hellesylt Hydrogen Hub opened, producing renewable hydrogen from local hydropower.
Everyday life
In Hellesylt you will find Sunnylven skule, with pupils from years 1 to 10, and Sunnylven barnehage (kindergarten). The centre has grocery shops along with other shops and services.
There are also sports facilities and an active scene for football, skiing and athletics, among other things. Clubs and organisations play a big part here, and much of what happens in the village comes about through voluntary work, such as several local races, Hellesyltdagane and events run by Sunnylven Bygdekvinnelag.
Tourism and outdoor life
Hellesylt has long traditions as a destination and is one of the gateways to the Geirangerfjord and the World Heritage area. The ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger runs straight into the fjord, and cruise ships dock at the quay in the middle of the centre.
From the centre you can join a RIB trip, paddle a kayak or explore the fjord on your own.
And right through the centre runs Hellesyltfossen. The waterfall is a natural part of the village scene and one of the best known sights in Hellesylt.
One of the finest stretches of Den Trondhjemske postveg, the old royal mail road, crosses Ljøfjellet. Today the road over Ljøbrekka has been restored and is used as a walking route. Ljøbrekkas venner have put in a great deal of work and many volunteer hours to look after the road and the history it carries.
From Ljøsætra, 645 metres above sea level, you look towards the entrance to the Geirangerfjord, and pictures from the mountain farm and the old road with the fjord far below have become some of the iconic images from the area.
