At Norway’s westernmost point lie five vibrant municipalities—Solund, Fjaler, Askvoll, Hyllestad, and Sunnfjord—working together to preserve and develop their unique natural and cultural resources.
The Best Place in the World to Witness the Rise and Fall of a Mountain Range
Where fjords now flow into a maze of islets and islands once stood one of the world’s greatest mountain ranges: the Caledonian Mountains. These peaks were at least as high as the Himalayas in both elevation and extent. Although the range has long since eroded away, leaving behind a landscape shaped by time, it offers a fascinating geological story. Within Fjordkysten Regional and Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark – also known as the Fjord Coast Park – the relatively short geographical distances make it possible to observe both how this mountain range was formed and how it was later eroded. It is said to be the best place in the world to study the rise and fall of a mountain range.
The Fjord Coast Regional- and Geopark is Norway’s first combined Regional and Geopark, and is also now a Unesco Global Geopark.
What Is a Regional Park?
A Regional Park fosters collaboration between actors across different levels and interests—both non-profit and commercial. It is built on the principles of preserving the region’s landscape, cultural heritage, and identity. Local engagement and committed partnerships create value and drive development. Through long-term collaboration, voluntary contributions, and community-driven initiatives, sustainable products and experiences are created based on the local population’s own terms.
What Is a Geopark?
A Geopark focuses on geology as its main theme, linking storytelling and value creation to the area’s geological heritage.
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
A UNESCO Global Geopark is defined as:
A single, unified geographical area where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.
In a UNESCO Global Geopark, geological heritage is highlighted as part of the Earth's natural and cultural heritage. The aim is to raise awareness and understanding of key issues such as the sustainable use of Earth’s resources, climate change adaptation, and reducing the risk of natural disasters.
This is the most prestigious quality label a tourism destination can achieve.
