National Geographic Traveler magazine has rated the spectacular Norwegian fjords the top travel destination in the world.

For the cover story in its March 2004 issue, National Geographic Traveler surveyed more than 200 tourism experts to evaluate 115 of the world’s best-known destinations according to criteria that pertain to cultural, environmental and aesthetic integrity. Norway’s fjords earned the top ranking based on what the magazine called a combination of geographic good luck—the fjords’ rugged terrain, attractive climate, difficult access and short tourist season—and Norway’s excellent environmental track record