Norwegian Fjords rated highest

The Norwegian Fjords Geirangerfjord and Naeroeyfjord have been rated highest on the National Geographic Traveller's Index of Destination Stewardship, covering 115 World Heritage destinations around the world.

The magazine wanted to find out which national heritage destinations have been able to protect themselves against the pressures of development, environmental problems, civil strife, cultural erosion, and, yes, mass tourism.

It's no surprise that Norway's fjords, rated at 82, lead the top-scoring destinations, thanks to a combination of luck and wise stewardship. Geography dealt the Norwegian coastline a good hand when it comes to remaining unspoiled. Rugged terrain, cool, wet climate, difficult access, and a short tourist season keep development pressures comparatively low.

The Geiranger Fjord (Geirangerfjorden)

The Geiranger Fjord is considered one of the most scenic spots in the world.

Foreign visitors are discovering the scenic fjord of western Norway in record numbers.

Tourists to Norway's western fjord counties continue to increase. In the first quarter of 2007 985,000 overnight stays were recorded at hotels, camping sites and rental cabins in the area.

The Sognefjord (Norway)

The Sognefjord (Sognefjorden) is the second largest fjord in the world after Scoresby Sund on Greenland, and the largest in Norway. Situated in Sogn og Fjordane in Western Norway, its mouth is about 72km (45mi) north of Bergen, and it stretches 203km (126mi) inland to the town of Skjolden.