Vega World Heritage Centre

The Vega World Heritage Centre, which is beautifully located at Gardsøy, documents the history and culture of the Vega islanders. Here you can gain fascinating insights into the lives of these fishermen-farmers, and about their centuries-old local tradition of protecting the eider ducks who come to nest here – a tradition that led to Vega being granted UNESCO’s World Heritage status.

A tribute to a unique cultural landscape and to the contribution of women
The Vega archipelago was inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 2004. UNESCO’s justification states: “The Vega Archipelago reflects the way generations of fishermen-farmers have, over the past 1500 years, maintained a sustainable living in an inhospitable seascape near the Arctic Circle, based on the now-unique practice of harvesting eider down. This status is also a tribute to the contribution women make to the down-harvesting process.”

Natural and cultural values in the world heritage
Vega’s unique cultural landscape is the result of humankind’s interaction with nature over a great length of time. Particular emphasis is placed on the unique tradition of guarding the migrating eider ducks that nest here, and harvesting and processing their down.

The exhibitions
The visitors centre documents the natural landscape and the cultural heritage of the Vega World Heritage Site. As a visitor, you can follow the audio guide or opt for a personal guided tour of the exhibitions.

Activities
The centre offers a wide range of activities. Children and youth will find lots to do in the Workshop, or they can join an underwater safari along the Snorkelling Trail at Eidemstranda. On Facebook you can check out more of the activities offered.

The World Heritage Café
The World Heritage Café is beautifully situated in the middle of the visitors centre. Here you can enjoy coffee, cakes and sandwiches with world heritage literature, and the best view of the sea and the islands outside.