Go to content Go to navigation
Geiranger, Møre and Romsdal, Norway - Photo: Terje Rakke, Nordic Life, Innovation Norway
  |  
Geiranger, Møre and Romsdal, Norway Photo: Terje Rakke, Nordic Life, Innovation Norway

Norway's fjords rated the best place in the world

Once again the Norwegian fjords have been rated the best destination in the world by National Geographic Traveler.
Quote start Look out, Chamonix. Norway is Europe's new home for all things action. Quote end
Steve Casimiro, National Geographic

The Norwegian Fjords, which topped the charts in National Geographic Magazine’s 2004 ranking, get even higher marks this year.“About as good as can be done” says one panelist. The gorgeous scenery and the “ well-preserved Norwegian rural life” are vigorously protected, plus “the local people seem to benefit.”

The Survey

National Geographic Traveler has assembled a panel of 437 well-traveled experts in a variety of fields – historic preservation, site management, geography, sustainable tourism, ecology, indigenous cultures, travel wrting and photograpy, and archaeology.

The panelist were asked to evaluate only the place with which they were familiar, using customary six criteria, weighted according to importance: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural intergrity; condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future.

The Comments


Here is a representative sampling of anonymous comments from the panelists (not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society):

Environmental quality is at the highest level. Landscape is amazing and aesthetically one of the most beautiful. The icons of Norway are so unique that it is difficult to imagine anything else. The local culture can be seen on the shores and mountains. It gives an ideal overview of well-preserved rural life.”

“The short tourist season, rugged terrain, limited population, and inherent sensitivity of the locals to the environment bode well for for the fjord region.”

The rating comes on the heels of National Geographic Adventure Magazine calling Norway and its fjords “Europe’s Next Adrenaline Capital.”  Steve Casimiro: “Look out, Chamonix. Norway is Europe’s new home for all things action.”

Book your stay and transportation now

Best prices guaranteed by BookNorway. 

  • Cottages and cabins 
    Search among more than 2,500 cottages and cabins.
  • Hotels 
    Search for hotels at 600 Norwegian destinations.
  • Flights 
    Search all flight options to and within Norway.
  • Ferries 
    Search the widest selection of ferry lines and routes.
  • Car rental 
    Search for car rental and compare prices at more than 100 destinations.
 
Last updated:  2012-07-11
Geiranger, Ørnevegen - Photo: CH/Innovation Norway
Geiranger, Ørnevegen
"Norway Takes Off" on the cover of National Geographic Adventure Magazine, November 2009

Topic:  Fjord

Close
Embed this article

Copy and paste this code into your blog/website

Preview

Geiranger, Møre and Romsdal, Norway - Photo: Terje Rakke, Nordic Life, Innovation Norway

Norway's fjords rated the best place in the world

Once again the Norwegian fjords have been rated the best destination in the world by National Geographic Traveler.

Norway's fjords rated the best place in the world

Source: Visitnorway

Explore Fjord Norway

Fun activities in fjords and mountains

Watch films and read articles from our summer tour in Fjord Norway. River rafting and glacier walking are two of many holiday activities.

Fjord Norway

Western Norway is famous for easily accessible fjords and mountains. The area offers activities such as hiking, glacier walking, fishing and cycling.

What is a fjord?

The fjords of Norway were dug out by ice, stone and rock during successive ice ages.

Attractions along FjordKysten

You cannot go further west in Norway. Travel off the beaten track and explore FjordKysten's exciting destinations - a taste of authentic coastal life.

About Fjord Norway

Key facts about Ålesund and Sunnmøre

Ålesund has around 40,000 inhabitants. It is the largest town in Sunnmøre, a region known for fishing, maritime technology and furniture production.

Tourist information in Ålesund and Sunnmøre

The Tourist Information Office in Ålesund is situated at Skateflukaia in the city centre. Other offices are located in key areas throughout Sunnmøre.

Campaigns and Sponsored

Ski Fjord Norway

Head to Fjord Norway and have the winter holiday of your lifetime. The main ski resorts are located at Voss, Røldal and by the Sognefjord.

Fishing in FjordKysten

Go deep-sea fishing in one of the famous fjords along FjordKysten (the Fjord Coast) or out on the open sea, far west in Norway.
SPONSOR

Join Fjord1 for an adventure along the Coast of Fjords

Choose from a selection of exciting round trips by express boat from Bergen to the Coast of Fjords and the famous Sognefjord.

Fjord Tours - popular round trips

Discover Norway's highlights with Fjord Tours' spectacular and popular round trips.
SPONSOR
View pictures

See the fjords with Fjord1

Cruise on two of the world's most beautiful fjords - the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord, both on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

ADS

Related videos

Related

Fjord Norway

Fjord

ADS

TEXT ADS