World Natural Heritage of UNESCO

As a result of its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, this unique area shares in a worldwide and exclusive appreciation and reputation. The World Heritage Committee based its decision on the following information:
"The alpine region of Hallstatt - Dachstein / Salzkammergut is an unusual example of a natural landscape with unique beauty and exceptional scientific significance. [ . . .] This cultural landscape combines aspects of nature and culture in a manner which is both harmonious and mutually complimentary."
With this distinction, the region of Hallstatt - Dachstein / Salzkammergut joins the ranks of other prestigious UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the pyramids of Giza, the ruins of Pompei, the Great Wall of China, and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

The unusual and universal significance as the inheritance of mankind is an honor shared by all of the current 522 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Located in 112 countries around the world, these natural and cultural treasures are maintained and safeguarded by UNESCO's exceptional and successful protection policy, a policy which is supported by over 150 countries worldwide including Austria.

The Hallstatt region is comprised of a multifaceted natural landscape which includes both historic and cultural dimensions. With its unique network of caves and variety of flora and fauna, the region is considered a complex phenomenon. It is not only a cultural heritage site but also has the distinction of being a natural heritage location as well. With this international honor the Hallstatt region finds itself in an exclusive circle among UNESCO World Heritage sites. Ayers Rock in Australia and the Philippine Islands are the only other UNESCO sites in addition to the Hallstatt Region in which the aspects of both nature and culture so are uniquely combined.

In general the qualities, which justify the distinction of the Hallstatt region as a UNESCO World Heritage site, can be categorized into four essential components:

Architectural Heritage

After the Middle Ages the salt industry under national control and management enjoyed a period of unparralled success. During this time, many leaders in an effort to demonstrate their political power sponsored the construction of a wide variety of architectural masterpieces. Architecture from the Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Renaissance periods is prevelant throughout the Salzkammergut area.

Archaeological Heritage

The Salzberg, a local mountain of Hallstatt, contains salt mines which hold the distinction of being the oldest operational mines in the entire world. Due to the many archaeological discoveries from the early Iron Age which were found in the area, an entire cultural era came to be known as the Hallstatt Period (800-400 B.C.E). Since salt mining activities continue at present in the Salzkammergut, the area can also be considered the oldest industrial community in the world.

Cultural-historic Heritage

The cultural-historic heritage of the region can in the broadest sense include such specifics as the cultivation of forests and other landscape developments which were influenced by the salt mining industry. Countless examples from literature, art, scientific history, tourism, and traditions also have connections with the Hallstatt - Dachstein / Salzkammergut region and are to date considered a part of the region's multifaceted history.The UNESCO Convention for the

The World Heritage Convention was created during the 1972 UNESCO general conference

The purpose and aim of this convention is to consider and select examples of "natural and world heritage." These selections should be of extraordinary interest and worth for the whole of humanity. Chosen sites are to be recorded in a "list of world heritage" which is published by UNESCO in Paris. The goal of the convention is to work along side all nations toward the effective protection of world heritage sites.

152 different countries belong to the World Heritage Convention and a total of 522 sites have been included in the world heritage list. Of the total heritage sites, 418 are considered cultural heritage, 114 are natural heritage, and only 20 sites have the distinction of being both cultural and natural heritage sites. Since 1998, the latter distinction has been one enjoyed by the Hallstatt - Dachstein / Salzkammergut region.
Austria joined the World Convention in 1992. Objections over regulations concerning environmental protection and conservation prevented earlier acceptance.

The Hallstatt - Dachstein region is a part of the Salzkammergut area and distinguished by rare examples of flora and fauna and valuable archaeological and geological discoveries, as well as a culture and history that extends beyond four thousand years. The core of the region around Hallstatt is bordered by the Dachstein in the south, the Gosaukamm (Gosau ridge) and the Gosau lakes in the west, the Gosauzwang (salt pipeline bridge in Gosau) in the north and the Hallstatt lake in the east. The region is surrounded by and extends into both the provinces of Salzburg and Styria.

The glacial region of Dachstein along with an internationally acclaimed cave system prompts special geological interest and attention. The rich and varied examples of flora and fauna are unusual in such a mountainous landscape with its fjord-like lakes and are an essential part of the region's importance.

The Presentation of the UNESCO Certificate

To celebrate the acceptance of the "Hallstatt - Dachstein/ Salzkammergut" as a World Heritage site, the city of Hallstatt held numerous festivities lasting from the 11th until the 14th of June, 1998. Following a special ceremony, the presentation of the certificate took place in the festival tent located on the salt works grounds at 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 13th of June. The certificate was presented by Dr. Bernd von Droste zu Hülshoff, the UNESCO director of the World Heritage Centre in Paris.

The "World Heritage Suite"the UNESCO hymn and its Composer

To mark the occasion of the certificate presentation, the "World Heritage Suite" was composed by Hallstatt native and composer, Peter Wesenauer. The work is comprised of five different movements which represent the five world continents. After hearing Wesenauer's remarkable piece, UNESCO director, Dr. Bernd von Droste zur Hülshoff adopted the "World Heritage Suite" as the official World Heritage Hymn.