Fjords are among the most dramatic and spectacular landscapes on the planet. The World Heritage Area, the West Norwergian Fjords, embraces some of the longest, deepest, narrowest and most beautiful fjords in the world. Their scenery and cultural heritage have spellbound visitors down the ages. Many people consider the fjords the very symbol of Norway, the foremost nation of fjords in the world. It is through no mere chance that the Norwegian word “fjord” has entered the international vocabulary. The World Heritage Area comprises two sub-areas, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. Together with their surroundings, the entire area covers 1227 km2 of which are sea.
Scientists have regarded these areas as classic examples of fjord landscape. Great differences in attitude and short distances between sea and mountaintop create a great diversity of scenery and natural history. Both sub-areas lack major, man-made infrastructures. Natural geological processes linked with the formation and evolution of the fjords are not affected by the works of man. Together, these areas have qualities that resulted in them being inscribed on the Unesco list of world’s cultural and natural heritage after fulfilling two of the scientific criteria in the convention. When justifying the inscription, the committee stated that:
The West Norwegian Fjords are classic, superbly developed fjords, considered as typically for fjord landscapes in the world. They are comparable in scale and quality to other existing fjords on the World Heritage List and are distinguished by the climate and geological setting. The property displays a full range of the inner segments of two of the world’s longest and deepest fjords.
The Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord areas are considered to be among the most scenically outstanding fjord areas on the planet. Their outstanding natural beauty is derived from their narrow and steep-sided crystalline rock walls that rise up to 1400 m direct from the Norwegian Sea and extend 500 m below sea level. Along the sheer walls of the fjords are numerous waterfalls while free-flowing rivers rise up through deciduous and coniferous forest to glacial lakes, glaciers and rugged mountains. There is a great range of supporting natural phenomena, both terrestrial and marine such as submarine moraines and marine mammals. Remnants of old and now mostly abandoned transhumant farms add a cultural aspect to the dramatic natural landscape that complements and adds human interest to the area.
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