National Geographic rates Norwegian fjords on top
In its 2006 survey, National Geographic Traveller rates the fjords of Western Norway as the best cared-for among 94 Unesco World Heritage Sites.
The NGT panel's comments:
Norway: "West Fjords" (Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord) and Alesund
Score: 87
"Since this part of Norway was just chosen as a World Heritage site, a visitor management plan is completely lacking, but the scenery is beautiful and the roads to Geiranger are improving."
"To float into the Geirangerfjord is an astonishingly complete natural experience - steep, lush and rocky canyon walls, endless waterfalls, a snow-capped backdrop and inconceivably deep, emerald green water. There are a wealth of farms, now largely abandoned (Skagefla, Knivsfla and Blomberg) along Geirangerfjord's banks, one of which is only accessed by climbing a flimsy rope ladder which spans hundreds of meters from the water, along the cliff face, to the farm plateau. Some information on its history is available, but there's not yet an emphasis on touring there."
"The West Fjords have sensational scenery, are well-preserved and are clean. The people there are willing and helpful. There are great outdoor activities, and good hotel options and restaurants, but they close rather early! In May-June there's no feeling of mass tourism, visitors can just take ferries like normal Norwegians going about their business."
"The presence of the 'shelf farms' and human population scattered along this dramatic coastline is unique and wondrous. But is this farming sustainable, and can it continue? Or will the settlements become subject to the pressures of camping and cruise tourism, as some signs (and obtrusive) signage begin to indicate?"
"The Norwegians know they have a good thing going, and they want to preserve it. They're doing all the right things and there's little doubt they'll succeed in maintaining a destination that meets all the criteria for sustainability."
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