Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Destinations to Visit in Norway in 2019 – Our Top Picks
Vegaøyan archipelago is known for its spectacular views and unspoilt nature. Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen
Vegaøyan — the World Heritage archipelago The cluster of more than 6,500 islands in northern Norway that make up Vegaøyan (the Vega islands) has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Beyond its famous Stone Age settlements, this Arctic Circle archipelago is known for its historic practice of eider down harvesting, a sweeping, untouched landscape, and a growing milieu of thriving businesses. By Julie Linden
“For an area of slightly more than 1,200 inhabitants, we’re both productive and innovative,” says Hilde Wika from Visit Vega. “Though the majority of our visitors and tourism can be traced back to our history and World Heritage status, it’s motivating to see new shops, artisan producers and small businesses pop up. Each year, there is something new to be discovered. It’s clear to us that the island mentality is one of hard work, that fosters long-standing, sustainable businesses.”
A unique cultural landscape With a long history of supplying down – by the ninth century, the islands were 72 | Issue 122 | March 2019
an important centre for down supply and trade – it is perhaps not surprising that Vegaøyan’s business tradition is still thriving. The prestigious placement on the UNESCO World Heritage list is due to the unique cultural landscape, resulting from centuries of symbiosis between human and nature, where the tradition of eider down harvesting has held immense importance. While men supplied fish, women collected and cleaned the down of eiders, making for an exclusive export at the time. As life was mainly based on fishing and the harvesting of down, there are many fishing villages, quays, eider nesting houses and lighthouses left on
the islands, providing a particular experience of Norwegian ancient history weaved in with culture and tradition. “The World Heritage Site status is certainly an immense source of pride,” says Wika. “It lays the foundation for the maintenance of the cultural landscape and propels tourism, which in turn lets us share this historic gem with a wider range of visitors.” The area in Vega mu-
A wide range of nature experiences and activities are available at Vegaøyan. Photo: Hanne Pernille Andersen