But the high mountains on the south side of Vega and the wetland areas in the north of the island have also been awarded World Heritage status. These areas provide insight into other parts of the rich natural and cultural history of the island world, including the settlement here in the Stone Age.

The area in Vega municipality that is not defined as a World Heritage Site is called the buffer zone. The area borders the World Heritage Site and most construction, business activity and facilitation of tourism will take place in this zone.

In this way, the municipality can achieve sound and controlled development in the World Heritage area itself. The Ministry of Climate and Environment followed this up by supporting the establishment of the World Heritage Center on Gardsøya.

The County Governor has a map showing the boundaries of the World Heritage Site and the protected areas. You can find the map here. You can also view the World Heritage Site in PDF format by clicking on the image below.