Vega World Heritage Center

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

Vega Archipelago was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of world natural and cultural heritage sites in 2004. The rationale states: “Vega Archipelago demonstrates how generations of fishermen and farmers over the past 1,500 years have maintained a sustainable way of life in a harsh environment near the Arctic Circle, based on the now unique tradition of eider farming. The status is also a tribute to women’s contributions to the eiderdown process.”

Natural and cultural values in the world heritage

The rationale for Vega Archipelago’s place on the prestigious list is the unique cultural landscape in the area, which is a result of the interaction between humans and nature over a long period. Particularly emphasized is the unique tradition of eider farming and eiderdown processing.

The exhibitions

Guri Dahl

The center is a visitor center for the natural and cultural values of the Vega Archipelago World Heritage Site. Here, you can experience the permanent exhibitions “Wild Beautiful Vega” and “Our World Heritage,” as well as 3 guest exhibitions for 2024, including “Vega Archipelago then and now” by Oscar Puschmann.

The center offers a wide range of activities. Children and young people can participate in activities in the creative workshop or go on a sensory hunt in the Children’s World Heritage Center. Perhaps you’ll get to help build eiderdown houses? Keep an eye on the center’s activities on Facebook.

The World Heritage Café

The World Heritage Café is beautifully located in the center. Here, you can enjoy local food and drinks with the best view of the sea and the islands lying to the northwest. For questions and booking, please contact Vega World Heritage Center at the telephone number below.