Neue Magma Geopark Broschüre

Neue Magma Geopark broschüre
Diese sind verteilt in Beeing Dalane und Flekkefjord.
Magma Geopark (3,14 MB)
CREATED BY THE PAST
EXPERIENCED TODAY
A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE

Magma Geopark

Created by the past.

Experienced today.

A promise for the future.

Supported by UNESCO

In March, 2010 Magma Geopark became a member of the European Geopark Network (EGN), which is supported by UNESCO - the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This means that we are now regarded as an official Global Geopark - one of the total 37 Geoparks in Europe - that presents a unique geo-biological and cultural heritage.

 

A glimpse inside the earth

Magma Geopark extends over 2329 km², and covers municipalities of Bjerkreim, Egersund, Lund, Sokndal and Flekkefjord.

This is a place of unique geology and cultural history. The story began as early as 1.5 billion years ago, when the red-hot magma and sky high mountains characterized the terrain of the region. Through millions of years, glaciers formed the characteristic landscape we have today.

Although the massifs are now washed away and magma has cooled down, the area offers a glimpse into what is called the Earth’s surface. Here are rocks you will hardly find anywhere else in the world, including Anorthosite - in order to search more of it you would need to travel to the moon! This unique area provides high-value heritage in local, national and international contexts.

Experiences that set the course - also for the businesses

A Geopark must be managed in such a way that the future generation can enjoy it. At the same time we want to contribute to the well-being of the region by creating partnerships, developing and sustaining the region, and thus assisting new business start-ups and generating more jobs.

Sustainable tourism. We aim to promote sustainable tourism principles by providing visitors with experiences that leave nothing else but footprints. Focusing on Geotourism we contribute to protecting and enhancing the region’s character.

Local economy. We encourage visitors to contribute to increased sales of local food produce, accommodation in cabins, local hotels or campsites. By selling experiences - products that never go out of date - we can make our offer last forever. Therefore, we hope that more innovative ideas are generated and developed in the region.

Geopark locations. A Geopark location is a particularly exciting place in the Geopark in terms of geology, nature, landscape and / or culture. We are working in collaboration with our partners and landowners in order to arrange for all 46 Geopark locations to be open to public. Here are some examples of our locations:

Eigersund: St. Olavsormen, Eigerøy lighthouse. Sokndal: Blåfjell, Hellersheia and Helleren. Bjerkreim: Solbjørgnipa, Åsen and Ørsdalen. Lund: Gursli and Tronåsen. Flekkefjord: Brufjell and Flekkefjordbanen.

See the full list on our website www.magmageopark.com or at the nearest tourist information centre.

“Geoparks are not only about rocks - they are about people.”

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Geopark Manager, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, UK.

Tor with the hammer - on the way over Midtbrødøya

In the old days it was believed that it was the wheel tracks to Tor with the hammer which had created the distinctive stripes seen in the mountains on the way to Eigerøy lighthouse. The geological truth is that these are representations of norite dykes.

Laying stone on stone - the way forward

We want the Geopark to be committed to creating value in the region and are excited about the positive results that have already taken place.

A newly started company Spoor offers adventure packages to businesses and tourists. Magma Geopark is one of four players who have initiated the establishment of Spoor AS.

We work with the newly established company ViaFjord, which offers climbing tours along various routes in the Geopark.

Guided tours organized by the Geopark held regularly for businesses and tourist groups.

National and international partners contribute both to the development and and promotion of the Geopark. Development and innovation are our key focus, and we have contributed to the establishment of:

* Visit Mine Project: facilitation of visiting the old mines (these are also emerging Geopark locations).

* Jøssingfjord Center: an experience and activity center that presents the region’s geology, mining and cultural history.

* Establishment of the Nordic Geo Guide School.

Do you have an idea how we can further develop Magma Geopark? Take contact with us! We're always open to suggestions.