UNESCO World Heritage Status

The Natural Heritage area is made up of two separate sections, the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord and districts. The total area is some 1,227 km2, of which 107 km2 is water. These fjords are considered by many to be the prime symbol of Norway, and the most spectacular fjord landscapes anywhere in the world. It’s more than likely that the Norwegian word fjord has become part of international languages because of these pearls of nature. 

The fjords rank amongst the most dramatic and spectacular landscapes anywhere around the globe. In the field of natural science, the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are considered to be the classic definer of this type of landscape. The area is typified by a diversity of rich natural beauty, with great variations in altitudes and close proximity between soaring mountains and the sea. The natural geological processes that formed the great mountains ands deep fjords remain untouched by human machinations and technical works. You are a guest of Mother Nature herself while in the Heritage site, so please treat her and her works with the care and respect both deserve.

What is the World Heritage List?

The World Heritage List was established in 1972 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The purpose of the List is to protect the world`s cultural and natural heritage. Of all international environmental protection treaties, the World Heritage Convention has greatest coverage throughout the world.  

The World Heritage List is an overview of world heritage properties (including both cultural and natural properties) in the member states. The list is supplemented annualy as new areas are nominated.

Criteria

To be included on the UNESCO liste of world cultural and natural heritage sites, the nominations from the respective countries must satisfy particularly stringent requirements and be of universal value.  

Link: 

UNESCO- World Heritage list