The purpose of UNESCO’s World Heritage List is to draw attention to parts of humanity’s heritage that are so important, and have such outstanding universal value, that they must be preserved for future generations.
Amazingly, this is Norway’s first natural attraction on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. In addition, five cultural attractions have been found worthy: Bryggen (the old Hanseatic wharf in Bergen), the 12th century Urnes stave church, the petroglyphs at Alta and the old mining town of Røros – and last year the Vegan Archipelago was added. The first two are located in Fjord Norway, the western part of the country.
Masterfully carved by ice
Now included are not just the two famous fjords, but also two large, virtually unspoiled areas, each of more than 500 square kilometers. It is worth noting that between them lies Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier on the European mainland. The fjords of Norway were carved out during a succession of ice ages, by the massive forces of the vast ice sheet that once covered most of Northern Europe. Hard bedrock was sculpted at the rate of half a meter every thousand years.
Honored by travelers each year
UNESCO is hardly alone in viewing the Norwegian fjords as exceptional. In 2004 National Geographic Traveler Magazine named these fjords “the best unspoiled travel destination in the world,” and that same year, the Chicago Tribune included Norway’s fjords on its list “Seven Wonders of Nature”.
“More importantly, UNESCO confirms the choice so many travelers make each year, coming to Norway with “the fjords” at the top of their list of things to experience. The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord have held a magnetic attraction ever since the first tourists came to Norway early in the 19th century,” says Elin Bolann, Director of Fjord Norway, which markets Western Norway.
The Nærøyfjord is perhaps the most spectacular arm of the Sognefjord and the narrowest fjord in the world, at one point only 250 metres with mountains towering 1800 m above its tranquil waters. The Geirangerfjord, farther north, is known for its pristine beauty and magnificent waterfalls. Fittingly, UNESCO finds not just these bodies of seawater, but the entire landscapes, worthy of preservation. Peering down onto the fjords from fertile mountain ledges there are farms, some of them still in use.
A proud travel business
“This is great! Norwegian hosts have proudly received travelers for generations. This will inspire everyone here in the magnificent region of Geirangerfjord to cooperate even more closely, in order to offer travelers the best experience possible,” says Geir Gjærde, tourist board manager for the area.
“A place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List is the greatest honor we can receive. We are prepared to receive an increasing number of tourists in the years ahead, while continuing to do our utmost to preserve this magical landscape and environment,” says Noralv Distad, head of the tourist board responsible for the Nærøyfjord area.