5 days ago
The European village visited by thousands of tourists a day and loved by filmmakers – but could one day cease to exist
THERE'S a village in Norway that could one day be completely destroyed - although thousands of people still visit every day.
Hellesylt is surrounded by valleys and mountains - one of which, called Åkerneset.
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However, it is already eroding and if it collapses, could destroy the village.
Hellesylt, in the northernmost part of Western Norway, isvisited by thousands of tourists during the summer months and has even been used as a backdrop in a a Mission Impossible movie.
But for anyone wanting to get a glimpse of the village that has been called "stunningly beautiful", it's best to go sooner rather than later.
According to National Geographic, there's a big crack down Åkerneset which has been called one of the most 'hazardous rock fractures in the world'.
Due to erosion, part of the mountain will eventually slide into the fjord below possibly triggering one of the "tallest tsunamis in history."
Nearby villages are prepared with early warning systems and other measures to evacuate - there's also new drainage technology that may potentially stabilise the cliffside.
Thankfully, the village is still deemed safe for tourism.
As for what to see in and around Hellesylt, the village is very near the famous Geirangerfjorden - a UNESCO-listed fjord.
Thousands of tourists go to see Geirangerfjorden every day during the summertime - and tend to go through Hellesylt to do so.
Hellesylt itself has been described as a 'charming village' with most holidaymakers going there to explore Norway's natural beauty.
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Popular activities in and around Hellesylt include boat tours or kayaking on the fjords or as well as visiting the Hellesyltfossen waterfall.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "An absolute highlight of my trip to Norway. Such a beautiful village, the waterfall is glorious.
"If you want to walk to the top bridge, do take the left hand path (by the church) for a gentle climb."
Hellesylt was also used as a film set for Mission Impossible when it replicated the Austrian Alps.
In Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, the snowy Hellesylt in Norway transformed into Austria for a very dramatic scene on a train.
It takes place on the Rauma Railway, with lead actor Tom Cruise parachuting on to the roof of the speeding train and then fighting with the villain of the film, Gabriel.
You can travel the route used for filming which goes from Andalsnes on the Norwegian coast to the village of Dombås in the mountains.
The journey takes an hour and 40 minutes, and costs around £20.
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