20 years of the Wachau World Heritage Site

Unique cultural landscape between Melk and Krems

Dry stone walls, terraced vineyards, apricot orchards, dry grasslands, the free-flowing Danube, ...

The special features of the Wachau Valley have always been highly appreciated and valued by its population. In the year 2000, the region also received major international importance and recognition: the Wachau was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

(ii) The Wachau is an outstanding example of a riverine landscape bordered by mountains in which material evidence of its long historical evolution has survived to a remarkable degree.

(iv) The architecture, the human settlements, and the agricultural use of the land in the Wachau vividly illustrate a basically medieval landscape which has evolved organically and harmoniously over time.

With these two criteria, the region was inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Although they might be formulated a little differently today, they describe the special attributes that define the unique nature of the Wachau. How is the World Heritage Site viewed today?

To mark the 20th anniversary, a World Heritage tour through all the communities of the region is being launched. We would be pleased to inform you about the latest goings on in and around the World Heritage Site. To make sure that the fun factor is ever present, our photo box always comes along for the ride. So come on down, take a photo and let us know what makes the Wachau so special for you.

Brochure 20 years of the Wachau World Heritage Site
World Heritage tour
The 15 World Heritage Municipalities
Significance of World Heritage