Geirangerfjord UNESCO

The first tourists arrived in Geiranger by boat in 1869. Reportedly, they were Quakers who distributed religious pamphlets when coming ashore. Since then, many cruise ships have come to Geiranger, while further visitors arrive in their thousands by bus, car, motorbike and camper van. Although small-scale farming continues, tourism is the dominant local industry. We are glad to welcome visitors and show them this unique landscape. Eight hundred thousand visitors come here over a few hectic summer months, which undeniably is a lot of people in a very small place. The rest of the year, when the sun hides behind the peaks and the road eastwards across the mountains is closed by snow, we relax and pursue other activities. Quite simply, it’s a different place then. Only about 250 people stay here permanently in winter. As a result, our life is full of contrasts. We have a great responsibility for preserving the landscape that surrounds us and the resources we manage. The area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005. This was a pat on the back as well as a reminder that the area offers unique natural and cultural qualities that UNESCO finds worthy of protection. We also have other invaluable resources: fresh air, clean water and the freedom to roam. We realise that none of this can be taken for granted. Perhaps we should live more in the spirit of our forebears: not to take more than we need, choose a green approach to life, and never leave unsightly evidence of our activities behind.