12-06-2025
This Remote Coastal Region Is Norway's Newest UNESCO Treasure
The islands of Værlandet and Bulandet appear like a string of pearls, linked together by six new bridges.
On Norway's far western coast, a dramatic stretch of fjords, islands and mountains has been recognised as one of the world's most important natural landscapes.
The 'Fjord Coast Regional- and Geopark' is now a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its rare geology and also the strong connection between nature and community, shaped over centuries by wind and wave.
Unlike the more widely known World Heritage Sites that recognize cultural or natural importance, UNESCO Geoparks focus on telling the story of the Earth itself, highlighting landscapes of geological significance while promoting education, conservation and sustainable development led by local communities.
Stretching across five municipalities—Solund, Fjaler, Askvoll, Hyllestad, and Sunnfjord—this remote area of western Norway at the mouth of the Sognefjord is rugged, remote, and packed with dramatic scenery.
From folded cliffs shaped by ancient mountain ranges to centuries-old fishing and farming traditions, the region offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore both the story of the Earth and the people who live on it.
Hundreds of millions of years ago, the land that is now western Norway was the site of a colossal tectonic clash. Ancient Europe and North America collided, forcing up the vast Caledonian Mountains, which once rivaled the Himalayas in scale.
Over time, the mountains wore down. You'll see the remains in the folds of Brurastakken, the polished mineral beds at Hyllestad's stone park, and the conglomerate formations of Solund and Storehesten. The latter are massive cliffs made from long-buried boulders and sediment, now hardened into stone.
But this isn't just a park for geologists. For centuries, people here have followed a unique fisher-farmer rhythm of growing crops and tending animals through the summer, then heading to sea in winter. The land shaped their lives, and in return, they shaped the land.
That legacy lives on in Hyllestad's historic quarries, which once exported millstones across Europe, and in the poetry of Jakob Sande, who captured the dialect and soul of life along the fjords.
Solund, in particular, is home to a striking example of how local knowledge is breathing life into the landscape. At the far western edge of Norway, this remote archipelago of 1,700 islands and islets is home to an unusual project: a community-run wild sheep cooperative.
In recent years, locals noticed that parts of the coastal landscape were becoming overgrown. What many didn't realise was that the open horizon they cherished was disappearing because those traditional practices of free-grazing sheep and controlled heather burning had nearly vanished.
To restore the balance, residents, farmers and the local school joined forces to bring back a hardy native breed: the Old Norwegian Sheep.
Known for their resilience, these animals thrive in the harsh, windswept landscape and graze on everything from mountain grasses to seaweed. Crucially, they help maintain the open heathland that defines the landscape.
The 'Fjord Coast Regional- and Geopark' isn't a single site, but a sprawling, varied landscape stretching across five municipalities. Each offers its own geological and cultural highlights, ideal for travellers looking to explore deeper.
Solund: This outermost archipelago offers dramatic scenery, unique cultural experiences, and a true sense of isolation. In addition to the wild sheep, you can travel by postal boat between tiny inhabited islands, or head out to Utvær, Norway's westernmost point, where a historic lighthouse stands watch.
Hyllestad: Inland from the coast, Hyllestad tells a story of stone. Its historic millstone quarries once produced grinding stones exported across Northern Europe. Today, you can visit the Millstone Park and see how geology shaped both the landscape and livelihoods here. The fjord views are a bonus.
Askvoll: Known for its varied natural landscapes, Askvoll gives easy access to everything from fjords and waterfalls to open sea and rugged peaks. Hike up Lihesten, a mountain that once lay deep in a Caledonian valley, or explore the quiet beauty of the Dalsfjord region.
Fjaler: Home to quiet villages and rich literary heritage, Fjaler is where you can follow in the footsteps of poet Jakob Sande. It's also a great place for hiking, with well-marked trails that weave through forests and into the heart of the coastal landscape.
Sunnfjord: Nestled among steep mountains and glittering fjords, Sunnfjord's highlights include the spectacular Storehesten, a peak formed during the final collapse of the Caledonian mountain range. There's also countless opportunities to kayak, fish, hike or simply soak up the scenery.
UNESCO's recognition of the area is a reminder that some of the world's most remarkable natural treasures don't always shout for attention. Sometimes they're tucked away on a windswept coastline, quietly telling stories through stone and sheep.
