Wachau celebrates 25 years of world heritage: nature, culture and tourism in focus!

Wachau celebrates 25 years of world heritage: nature, culture and tourism in focus!

Wachau, Österreich - On November 30, 2000, the Wachau cultural landscape was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which is an important milestone in the history of the region. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary, Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Andreas Nunzer, Chairman of the Welterbgeinde Wachau association, and Bernhard Schröder, Managing Director of Donau Niederösterreich Tourismus GmbH, informed the outstanding importance of this award. Mikl-Leitner emphasized the responsibility associated with the world heritage status and the need to dynamically develop this valuable heir.

The Wachau that stretches along the Danube between Melk and Krems is a region that impresses with its harmonious connection between nature, culture and human creative power. With her winding river courses, rugged rocks, wine terraces and historical sites, she tells a story that goes back to the early settlement. According to calculations, there were a total of 615,000 overnight stays in the Wachau in the previous year, with about half of which were lost to international guests. This underlines the role of Wachau as one of the hotspots for tourism in Lower Austria.

sustainable developments and project initiatives

The world sites in Austria, a total of twelve in number, are not only cultural jewels, but also important engines for the regional economy that create jobs. As part of various projects for infrastructure improvement and sustainable development, two hotel projects were initiated: the Hotel in Förthof (Erber Group) and the Mautern Castle (Mamma Group). In addition, the Wachau World Heritage Department shows with 50 World Heritage Sets, which through QR-Codes provides information on how important the mediation of the world heritage is.

The Danube Cycle Path is very popular, with around 237,000 cyclists between Spitz and Dürnstein annually, which underlines the importance of the region as a recreation room. The culinary figureheads include the traditional Heurigen and 25 “Best of Wachau” companies that enrich the gastronomic offer.

Environmental and nature conservation projects

Another important concern in Wachau are the nature conservation projects, which include the re -connection of alarms, the creation of amphibian beads and planting Auwald trees. These measures are crucial for the preservation of the biodiverses environment in the region. Mikl-Leitner emphasized that the Wachau should not be seen as a rigid label, but it was necessary to actively shape the world heritage.

An innovative educational project "World Heritage Goes School" aims to convey knowledge about the world heritage. In addition, Volunteers are committed to maintaining dry lawns that would otherwise be lost, which illustrates the connection of the community with the region.

Bernhard Schröder underlined the importance of the world heritage for tourism and pointed out the need for car -free mobility in Wachau. By promoting a sustainable journey and tourist infrastructure, the Wachau is positioned worldwide as a top destination. The uniqueness and authenticity of the region is further strengthened by the UNESCO award and thus remains a central component of the Austrian cultural and natural heritage strategy.

Austria has committed to maintaining and protecting its world sites since the ratification of the UNESCO Convention to protect the world's cultural and natural heritage in 1992. The Wachau is not only one of four world sites in Lower Austria, but also a lively memory of the history and development of the region, which has grown for two millennia.