Some look to resorts and crowded beaches when they go on vacation. For others, a spot of untouched natural habitat might be more appealing. Norway can offer a plethora of unspoiled natural attractions for those seeking to escape the hustle of everyday life.
Geotourism: Tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical charter of a place- its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents.
- National Geographic Geotourism Charter
"Geography dealt the Norwegian coastline a good hand when it comes to remaining unspoiled. Rugged terrain, cool, wet climate, difficult access and a short tourist season keep development pressures comparatively low. It helps too, to be in a sparsely populated country with one of the world's best environmental track records," said Jonathan Tourtellot, the director for National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, when the Norwegian fjords were rated best out of the 115 unspoiled travel destinations worldwide.
As part of an effort to promote sustainable tourism-- preserving the environment, heritage and local culture-- Norway became the second nation (following Honduras) to sign the National Geographic Geotourism Charter in the fall of 2005.
"The signing of the charter demonstrates that Norway is committed to being a leading geotourism travel destination," said Tourtellot.
Among several examples of geotourism programmes undertaken in Norway are an officially designated national scenic road and Norway's initiative to promote traditional farm foods, local products and raw materials.
And for the outdoor enthusiast, there is no need to merely observe the scenery— hiking, river rafting and skiing are only some of the adventurous activities offered throughout the country, and the following list represent a few of the popular destinations to explore:
- Two Norwegian fjords, Geirangerfjorden and Nærøyfjorden, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005.
- National Geographic Traveler Magazine ranks the Norwegian fjords as the number one greatest unspoiled travel spots in the world.
- The Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway have been listed among the world's top 20 paradise islands by British newspaper The Observer, which wrote "The main tourist islands, Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstad and Moskenes, appeal to writers and artists as well as outdoor enthusiasts (…)."
- In 2006, the Lonely Planet travel guide named the Norwegian Coastal Voyage, known as Hurtigruten, as the most beautiful voyage by ship in the world.
Arild Strømmen/ The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs