Protected Landscape Area

The primary purpose of protection in terms of the NatureDjupvatnet in autumn colours, Geirangerfjord area. Photo: Finn Loftesnes Conservation Act is to ensure a national selection of natural areas in the foreseeable future. It is a basic principle that the natural qualities of a protected area should be kept alive and preferably enhanced.

The West Norwegian Fjords includes a total of three protected landscape areas, one in the Geirangerfjord area, and two in Nærøyfjord. An area designated as “protected landscape” is under a less severe form of protection and has a greater degree of opportunity for both conservation and use. After the Nature Conservation Act § 5, land can be designated as a conservation area "to preserve a distinctive or beautiful natural or cultural landscape." In a protected landscape area Nærøyfjorden. Photo: Finn Loftesnesthe cultural landscape is often a
characteristic part of the area. Management of a conservation area will therefore
be increasingly directed towards protection of cultural landscapes and facilitation of their usage.

Landscapes in Geirangerfjord:
Geiranger-Herdalen protected landscape area, 498 km², established October 8th, 2004.

Landscapes in Nærøyfjord:
Nærøyfjord protected landscape area, 576 km², established November 8th, 2002.
Bleia - Storebotnen protected landscape area, 66 km², established October 8th, 2004.