Hella between fjord and ferry history
Accommodation in Hella
Hella lies on the northern shore of the Sognefjord, in the far west of Leikanger municipality. Here, a ferry connection, two different hiking trailheads, and traces of historic farming and salmon fishing come together. The fjord is therefore not just a geographical backdrop, but part of a history of transport and work. When choosing a holiday apartment for your stay, you can consider whether you want your days to focus more on hiking, the ferry connection, or both.
Ferry history and fjord connections
The Dragsvik–Hella–Vangsnes ferry triangle opened on 17 October 1956. Its later classification also illustrates the importance of this crossing: in 2011, the Vangsnes–Hella–Dragsvik connection, counting from the east, was the second of four ferry connections across the Sognefjord.
Ferries between Dragsvik and Vangsnes travel via Hella without a change. Cars may have to turn around in Hella. As operational details can change, it is worth checking the current timetable before travelling.
Hiking and traces of salmon fishing
The hike to Vassvarden, at 1,024 metres, starts directly beside the ferry quay. The cultural-history hiking route “Kulturhistorisk løype i Leikanger – Eitorn” also starts at the same quay. The two trailheads lead to different focal points: Vassvarden as a named summit destination, or a route with a cultural-history focus. Check trail conditions, signage and terrain locally before setting out.
The Hella farm, also known as Hellen, is first mentioned in 1667. Farming and salmon fishing were carried out at Hella until around 1960. A land-based salmon fishing facility can also be seen at Hella: “Laksegilja ved Hella”. The farm’s history and fishing add further dimensions to the village beyond its role as a ferry quay.
The history of the ferry terminal
Around 1987, the ferry terminal was significantly expanded, with larger waiting areas and improved quayside facilities. Another change followed in 1992: the area west of the kiosk and toilet facilities at the quay was landscaped with natural stone, lush shrubs and trees, as well as a very large play ferry for children. The two dates mark different chapters in the history of the site—first the expansion of transport infrastructure, then the landscaping of the quay area.
For getting around Leikanger, Hella is the nearest ferry quay. The drive takes about twelve minutes; road conditions may affect the journey time. When choosing where to stay, you can take this connection into account, as well as the fact that the hikes start right here. This makes it especially easy to compare Hella based on the specific themes you want to shape your trip: ferry traffic, hiking or local history.
A different focus within the broader Sogndal destination
Within the broader Sogndal destination, the Sogn Fjord Museum in Kaupanger presents the region’s historic boat and fjord culture. Exhibits include boats, boatbuilding tools and fishing equipment. ViteMeir, an interactive science centre in the heart of Kaupanger, offers a different thematic focus. It welcomes children, young people and adults, and features exhibitions, experiments, activities and learning programmes across three floors, covering subjects including energy, the human body, mathematics, weather and space. The broader Sogndal destination thus offers themes ranging from historic fjord culture to interactive science.
Discover more destinations
Back to the broader travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.
