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EXPLORE FURTHER: Unveiled: Unexpected locale crowned as top spot globally for retirement
A charming village that attracts thousands of visitors daily and serves as a favored setting for filmmakers might one day vanish from existence.
Surrounded by stunning mountains and a picturesque fjord, it comes as no surprise that Hellesylt has turned into a favored stop for cruise liners.
It has also made an appearance in the Mission Impossible series during a heart-pounding scene depicting
Tom Cruise
driving a motorcycle from the peak of a mountain and plummeting through the air.
However, if visitors wish to catch a view of the picturesque village, it would be wise to arrange their travels sooner rather than delay.
According to
National Geographic
, Hellesylt faces the threat of flooding from one of the highest tsunamis in recorded history.
The mountain near Åkerneset features a 230-foot fissure running across its face, earning it the distinction as ‘one of the most dangerous rock fractures globally.’
Expanding up to three and a half inches annually because of erosion, this rocky structure faces the danger of plunging into the fjord beneath it, potentially causing what could be recorded as one of the ‘highest tsunamis ever witnessed.’
Standing at approximately 338 feet tall, this enormous wave could engulf schools, hospitals, and roughly 10,000 houses in adjacent fjord communities such as Hellesylt.
The timing of the tsunami caused by a rockslide remains uncertain, yet an early warning system has been established.
Laser systems aimed at Åkernes will identify even minute movements, alerting up to 10,000 inhabitants in adjacent fjord communities like Hellesylt about when they need to leave their houses.
A newly installed drainage system that extracts water from inside the mountain has been put in place as part of efforts to stabilize the cliffside.
Researchers think that climate change will exacerbate erosion rates at Åkernes, as the rocky cliffs become saturated with rainwater and meltwater from thawing permafrost.
Currently, Hellesylt remains accessible to visitors who can admire its UNESCO-listed fjord scenery.
A reviewer from TripAdvisor referred to it as the ‘top highlight of my journey in Norway’.
Common pastimes in and near the charming village consist of exploring the nearby fjords either by boat or kayak.
Many people also flock to photograph Hellesyltfossen waterfall, which stands out as one of the most iconic natural attractions in the region.
A reviewer on TripAdvisor mentioned: “During our cruise stop at Hellesylt, we found ourselves in a remarkably picturesque village featuring a breathtaking waterfall running right through its heart. Honestly speaking, aside from these striking features, there isn’t much else to report.”
‘Trails let you observe it from both above and below, and you can even explore the church.’
‘The perspectives explain themselves, and I would surely visit once more!’
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, Hellesylt’s rugged terrain offers an ideal setting for intense activities such as mountain e-biking and whitewater kayaking.
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