Nature land

In the mountains snow remains on the ground well into summer and unique mountain habitats develop. These areas, known as snowbeds, are home to species adapted to short growing seasons, persistent snow cover, and moist soils. As ice and snow melt, snowbeds are also becoming increasingly important as indicators of how climate change is affecting the natural environment of the West Norwegian Fjords.
For over 1,000 years, fjord farmers have driven their herds to the summer pastures above the fjords. But traditional grazing is far more than history: it protects slopes from erosion and avalanches, preserves rare biodiversity, and buffers against climate change.
Between waterfalls, steep mountain slopes and cruise ships, students and researchers are investigating something invisible: particulate matter. Their measurements raise intriguing questions about air quality, tourism, and the complex environmental conditions of the Geirangerfjord.
Waterfalls are among the main attractions of the fjord landscape. Every year, millions of people take photos of the huge amounts of water rushing down the mountain sides. Few people realize that within the constant mist of these giant waterfalls, a unique and highly sensitive world thrives.
Contacts for the Geirangerfjord area

www.fjordsenter.com

Geirangerfjord World Heritage Foundation
General Manager/World Heritage Co-ordinator
Katrin Blomvik Bakken
 
Contacts for the Nærøyfjord area
 
Nærøyfjorden World Heritage Park
General Manager/World Heritage Co-ordinator
Gry Beate Mørk
+47 951 41 438