Some places have such an exciting geological history that they represent a tourist destination in themselves. UNESCO awards so-called `geopark¿ status to areas with a unique geology that is worth protecting and presenting to those who are interested.
From the proposed Magma geopark in Rogaland. Picture by Gurli Meyer, NGUA total of 25 geoparks have been created in Europe, with a further 12 in China in areas where tourists can experience exciting and unique geology. Work is now under way to establish such geoparks worldwide.
First geopark
UNESCO approved Scandinavia's first geopark in 2007. The Gea Norvegica geopark covers eight municipalities in the counties of Telemark and Vestfold, which have a geological diversity that is unique in Europe.
The purpose of geoparks is to contribute to the sustainable development of natural heritage by making the population aware of the role of geology in society. Similar parks are being planned in the counties of Rogaland, Hedmark and Nordland. More information on geoparks are available on the web page for European Geoparks Network or UNESCO. NGU provides quality control of some of the geological information in these projects.
A rock park is established in an abandoned quarry at Bud, near the town of Molde. Picture by Rolv Dahl, NGU
Rock parks
Throughout Norway, local enthusiasts have created large exhibitions of rocks, called rock parks or mineral parks. Here, tourists can wander between blocks of rock of local or international origin, some of them polished and sculptured, others raw and unaltered, seen in relation to the surrounding landscape.
Examples of such parks can be found in Rosendal, Stryn and Bud in Western Norway and at Berger, close to Oslo.
Published: 21. January 2008