The Geirangerfjord – at the very heart of Fjord Norway – is one of the world's truly unique destinations.
“The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord area is considered one of the most beautiful fjord landscapes in the world.” (Source: UNESCO World Heritage Committee, Durban 2005.)
The wonderful views and experiences offered by this stunningly beautiful area of breathtaking scenery are truly unique on a global scale. Follow a network of trails of varying difficulty through authentic and unspoiled countryside. The area is also unique for the expertise, experience, cooperation and harmonious interaction of the people committed to its preservation and protection, who thrive on discussing and finding new solutions for developing the area positively. The Geirangerfjord is one of very few World Heritage Sites where people actually live!
The Geiranger Fjord Centre is proud to present information on the UNESCO West Norwegian Fjords World Heritage Site. The World Heritage area represented by the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord is the only natural heritage site in Norway listed as one of the world's sites of cultural and natural heritage. UNESCO included the area on its list on 14 July 2005, and the site covers some of the longest, deepest, narrowest and most beautiful fjords in the world.
The Information Centre provides dramatic and memorable displays of the landscape via a multimedia presentation of the World Heritage Site, which comprises two separate areas: the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord. In total, the site covers an area of 1,227 km2, of which 107 km2 is water. The presentation provides in-depth insight into subjects such as geology and landforms, flora and fauna, and the cultural landscape –subjects that are among the criteria for inclusion on the World Heritage List. These fjords are considered by many to be the true symbol of Norway, the foremost fjord nation in the world. The word "fjord" is used internationally, despite being a Norwegian word.
We let you walk in the footsteps of the people who lived on the shores of these fjords over the centuries, using stunning effects to provide such a vivid presentation that you will soon feel you have stepped back more than 100 years in time. There is also an avalanche simulation, displays on road building and clearing, the fjord boat, everyday life in the fjords, and nature – in other words, a complete experience of all aspects of the fjords. Our multimedia presentation "From mountain to fjord" showcases the World Heritage Site through the year.
Explore the natural and cultural pearls of these fjord landscapes, and you’ll understand our enthusiasm! If you’re still hungry for more, take a journey 100 years back in time with our interactive landscape showing the area's fjord culture and fjord farms.
We are a mine of knowledge on the World Heritage Site, so feel free to ask any questions you may have. Geiranger Fjord Centre can also provide/organise experienced and knowledgeable guides guaranteed to provide a unique experience of the World Heritage Site. There is also an art gallery displaying works by well-known Norwegian contemporary artists, plus a shop and café.
For more detailed information on the World Heritage Site:
- www.fjordsenter.com: Find out more about the world’s most beautiful, untamed and impressive fjord landscape on the website for the West Norwegian Fjords UNESCO site.
- http://whc.unesco.org: UNESCO's website features a global presentation of our shared cultural and natural heritage.
- www.ra.no: The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage has a website presenting the Norwegian sites included on the World Heritage list.
- www.fylkesmannen.no: Here you can find detailed information on Møre og Romsdal County, the county governor of Sogn og Fjordane, and the county governor of Hordaland.
- www.nwhf.no: Information on the Nordic World Heritage Foundation, an international centre for implementation of the World Heritage Convention.