--- title: The world heritage region Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut url: "https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage/artikel/detail/3348/world-heritage-region-hallstatt-dachstein-salzkammergut.html" description: The World Heritage area around Bad Goisern, Gosau, Hallstatt and obertraun offers a variety of attractions. date: 2012-10-18 modified: 2024-09-17 --- # The world heritage region Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut UNESCO World Heritage Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut ======================================================= Welcome to a holiday experience of an extraordinary kind. Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage Region in the Dachstein Salzkammergut! **Take some time out and marvel at the many different facets of the World Heritage of the Dachstein Salzkammergut! Immerse yourself in its natural heritage, in its architecture, cultural attractions and sites of cultural, historic and archaeological interest. Just as important are the people with their authentic and time-honoured traditions and customs. You will soon discover that they are all inextricably linked.....** **World Heritage and its many aspects** --------------------------------------- World heritage in the Inner Salzkammergut is no museum piece. It is a living space which arose geologically from the **primeval seas** and is culturally significant due to more than **7500 years in the history of salt.** As nature has evolved, salt, ammonites and [**gigantic caves**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/austria/poi/400756/dachstein-giant-ice-cave.html "Dachstein Giant Ice Cave") in the mountains have been left behind. The cultural history of the region is reflected in the numerous historical sites of interest and archaeological finds. The local people are the preservers of their World Heritage. They have carried it with them into modern times and preserved it. **Historical Ground in the Dachstein Salzkammergut** ---------------------------------------------------- As early as prehistoric times, the people of Hallstatt used simple “hatchets” made from deer antlers to extract salt which, far away from the sea, was extremely valuable and considered to be “white gold”. During the Bronze Age, tools from the **“Hallstatt Age”** were used to construct an impressive network of mining galleries in the mountainside. After the Celts came the Romans who were followed by the”Salzfürsten” or “Salt Princes”. The [**thousands of years in the history**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage.html) of salt and the people who worked hard to develop the salt mining industry and were responsible for shaping the region, establishing its customs and traditions and developing its architecture and ways of life. **Getting up close with the World Heritage** -------------------------------------------- For those who wish to explore the numerous sites of historical interest and local finds, we recommend tours of the [**oldest salt mine in the world**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/austria/poi/401006/hallstatt-salt-mine.html "Salt Mine Hallstatt"), a stroll along the salt pipeline and visits to excavations, museums and many other sites of interest which are scattered across the region. Other aspects of local World Heritage can be discovered by visiting our many “magical places” such as the [**Dachstein Krippenstein**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/105011/freesports-arena-dachstein-krippenstein.html "Dachstein Krippenstein"), the **Gosaukamm**, the area around [**Lake Hallstatt**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-lakes/lake-hallstatt.html) and the [**Lakes in Gosau**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-lakes/lake-gosau.html). The World Heritage communities **Bad Goisern at Lake Hallstatt, Hallstatt, Obertraun and Gosau at Dachstein** each have their own special charms as well as time-honoured traditions and customs. The following photo gallery can be navigated with the arrow keys (left, right). [ ![](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/5/0/csm_Strandbad-in-Untersee-am-Hallst%C3%A4ttersee-Foto-STMG-Fotowettbewerb_1ff7600cb6.jpg) ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/Welterbe-Aktiv-Schulprojekt/Strandbad-in-Untersee-am-Hallstättersee-Foto-STMG-Fotowettbewerb.jpg) View copyright © UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt in summer (photo: Viroel Munteanu) Close copyright [ ![The UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt is known for its unique architecture and landscape (photo: Stefanie Wallner)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/3/5/csm_Hallstatt-Dachstein_Salzkammergut-Foto-Viorel-Munteanu_bac4610aaf.jpg "UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt in summer (photo: Viroel Munteanu)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Hallstatt/Hallstatt-Dachstein_Salzkammergut-Foto-Viorel-Munteanu.jpg "UNESCO World Heritage Site Hallstatt in summer (photo: Viroel Munteanu)") View copyright © Aerial view of the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com) Close copyright [ ![Aerial view of the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/f/csm_Luftaufnahme-Dachstein-Foto-360perspektiven_15764bf9f6.jpg "Aerial view of the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Krippenstein/Luftaufnahme-Dachstein-Foto-360perspektiven.jpg "Aerial view of the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)") View copyright © "Fuhr" at Lake Hallstatt (photo: Christopher Unterberger) Close copyright [ ![In the foreground the Lake Hallstatt with a "Fuhr" and behind it an electric boat. On the left side you can see a section of Hallstatt (photo: Christopher Unterberger)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/2/2/csm_Fuhr-Hallstaettersee-Hallstatt-Foto-Christopher-Unterberger_78202b9afc.jpg ""Fuhr" at Lake Hallstatt (photo: Christopher Unterberger)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/HandwerkBrauchtum/Fuhr-Hallstaettersee-Hallstatt-Foto-Christopher-Unterberger.jpg ""Fuhr" at Lake Hallstatt (photo: Christopher Unterberger)") View copyright © The "Fassdauben" race is a traditional event on the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Stefanie Wallner) Close copyright [ ![At the "Fassdauben" race, competitors go down a fun slope with "Fassdauben" (boards, who keep the barrels in shape) (photo: Stefanie Wallner)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/7/csm_Fassdaubenrennen-Dachstein-2019-Foto-Stefanie-Wallner_75f6f689cc.jpg "The "Fassdauben" race is a traditional event on the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Stefanie Wallner)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Veranstaltungen/Fassdaubenrennen/Fassdaubenrennen-Dachstein-2019-Foto-Stefanie-Wallner.jpg "The "Fassdauben" race is a traditional event on the Dachstein Krippenstein (photo: Stefanie Wallner)") View copyright © "Radlpirsch" (old-style cycle tour on decorated bikes) at the Goiserer chamois hunting days (photo: Stefanie Wallner) Close copyright [ ![Customs and tradition are lived in Bad Goisern. Just as with the "Radlpirsch" at the "Goiserer Gamsjagatagen". (photo: Stefanie Wallner)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/e/4/csm_Radlpirsch-Goiserer-Gamsjagatage-Foto-Stefanie-Wallner_6ab0176160.jpg ""Radlpirsch" (old-style cycle tour on decorated bikes) at the Goiserer chamois hunting days (photo: Stefanie Wallner)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Veranstaltungen/Gamsjagatage/Radlpirsch-Goiserer-Gamsjagatage-Foto-Stefanie-Wallner.jpg ""Radlpirsch" (old-style cycle tour on decorated bikes) at the Goiserer chamois hunting days (photo: Stefanie Wallner)") View copyright © Lake Gosau in summer (Photo: OÖ Tourismus) Close copyright [ ![Lake Gosau in summer (Photo: OÖ Tourismus)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/4/7/csm_Gosausee-Foto-OOE-Tourismus_8c4400eef7.jpg "Lake Gosau in summer (Photo: OÖ Tourismus)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Gosausee/Gosausee-Foto-OOE-Tourismus.jpg "Lake Gosau in summer (Photo: OÖ Tourismus)") View copyright © The Gosau valley in front of the Gosaukamm (photo: Elisabeth Grill) Close copyright [ ![In Gosau the ski region Dachstein West is situated with an unique view on the Gosaukamm (photo: Elisabeth Grill)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/a/d/csm_Gosautal-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth_884f681c60.jpg "The Gosau valley in front of the Gosaukamm (photo: Elisabeth Grill)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Gosau_am_Dachstein/Gosautal-Foto-Grill-Elisabeth.jpg "The Gosau valley in front of the Gosaukamm (photo: Elisabeth Grill)") View copyright © Salzkammergut Trophy 2018 at Bad Goisern (Photo: Chris Gütl) Close copyright [ ![Salzkammergut Trophy 2018 at Bad Goisern (Photo: Chris Gütl)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/3/3/csm_Salzkammergut-Trophy-2018-Foto-Chris-Guetl-11_25825ca565.jpg "Salzkammergut Trophy 2018 at Bad Goisern (Photo: Chris Gütl)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Veranstaltungen/Trophy/Salzkammergut-Trophy-2018-Foto-Chris-Guetl-11.jpg "Salzkammergut Trophy 2018 at Bad Goisern (Photo: Chris Gütl)") View copyright © Archery on the Halleralm (Photo: Bogensport Robbow) Close copyright [ ![Archery on the Halleralm in Bad Goisern at Lake Hallstatt (Photo: Bogensport Robbow)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/7/3/csm_Bogenschiessen-Halleralm-Foto-Bogensport-Robbow_9f030a2338.jpg "Archery on the Halleralm (Photo: Bogensport Robbow)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Bogenschiessen/Bogenschiessen-Halleralm-Foto-Bogensport-Robbow.jpg "Archery on the Halleralm (Photo: Bogensport Robbow)") View copyright © Aerial view of Lake Hallstatt in summer (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com) Close copyright [ ![Aerial view of Lake Hallstatt in summer (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin/_processed_/a/4/csm_Panorama-Hallstaettersee-Sommer-Foto-Sven-Posch-360perspektiven_a5c50eca12.jpg "Aerial view of Lake Hallstatt in summer (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)") ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/fileadmin//user_upload/dachstein-salzkammergut/ra/Hallstättersee/Panorama-Hallstaettersee-Sommer-Foto-Sven-Posch-360perspektiven.jpg "Aerial view of Lake Hallstatt in summer (photo: Sven Posch / www.viewnect.com)") [ previous slide ](#ttgDetailSiteCarousel "back") [ next slide ](#ttgDetailSiteCarousel "forward") **Customs and traditions** -------------------------- How have customs and traditions retained their authenticity? Warum das Brauchtum so unverfälscht ist? The somewhat isolated valley developed throughout the centuries relatively independently and consequently, unique customs and traditions were developed. Local people are devoted to these practices which have been handed down from generation to generation, and traditional **handicrafts** are still being carried out today. **Traditional folk events** have a fixed place on the [**social calendar**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/things-to-do/events.html) each year. The world Heritage Region is also home to **authentic, Austrian folk music.** For local people, there is nothing more natural in the world than coming together to sing, to make music and to dance. The Fuhr at Lake Hallstatt - intangible cultural heritage --------------------------------------------------------- The traditional wooden ferries, called **"Fuhr", "Zille" or "Plaette"**, have a history that dates back to the 13th century. Because in this time it was necessary to transport goods and also people over the waters of the Inner Salzkammergut, the **Lake Hallstatt and the Traun**. During this time the **salt mine in Hallstatt** was put back into operation. The **"Fuhr" is made only by hand** and mainly **from the wood** of spruce, fir and also larch. It is an elongated boat with little draught, so that the goods could be transported both downstream and upstream. Today the ferries are mostly used only for private use. Especially at events such as the [**Corpus Christi procession in Hallstatt**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/sommerveranstaltungen/artikel/detail/969/hallstatt-corpus-christi-lake-procession.html "More information of the Corpus Christi Procession"), [**the Weisenblasen on Lake Hallstatt**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/sommerurlaub/hiking/obertrauner-bergerlebnis/artikel/detail/1400/music-obertraun-mountain-experience.html "More information about the Waisenblaeser in Obertraun") or for [**lake tours**](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/oesterreich-poi/detail/430014979/navia-flatboating-on-lake-hallstatt.html "All about the round trip with a Fuhr at Lake Hallstatt"). **Traditional dress: Dirndl & Leather Trousers** ---------------------------------------------------- The typical national costume - **Dirndl for women** and **leather trousers for men** is, of course, still worn nowadays in our World Heritage Region, especially on feast days. The communities of the **Region Salzkammergut Dachstein** are proud of their “costume” which has not been influenced by tourism. This has also become a major part of the region over the last 100 years ### **Post Script: Show your appreciation** Local people are eager to share the beauty of their World Heritage region, and are renowned for their outstanding hospitality. The preservation of nature and the local environment have, of course, always been of upmost importance. \* Enjoy the surrounding World Heritage and get close to nature, cultural treasures and the living space of the local people. Show your appreciation. You will be thanked for it. > ***The Alpine Region Hallstatt/Dachstein Salzkammergut is an extraordinary example of a natural landscape of outstanding beauty and special scientific significance, which also bears witness to early and continuous human, economic and cultural activity.*** *– UNESCO COMMITTEE: December 1997* ### Contact & Service **Salzkammergut Tourismus - Destination Dachstein** Kirchengasse 4 4822 Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee Phone [+43 6132 26909 400](tel:+43613226909400) E-Mail '); $("#advertorialPlaceHolder").append(html); } } }); ### The 4 World Heritage villages: [ View copyright © Copyright: Julian Elliot Photography Close copyright ![View over Bad Goisern](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "View over Bad Goisern (© Copyright: Julian Elliot Photography)") ### Bad Goisern at Lake Hallstatt Tradition and customs, folk music and craftsmanship, harmony and opposites - this is what unites the Goiserer valley in the heart of the Salzkammergut. The birthplace of Hubert von Goisern gently hugs Lake Hallstatt in the north and the imperial city of Bad Ischl in the south.… ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430000966/bad-goisern-at-lake-hallstatt.html) [ View copyright © Copyright: Julian Elliot Photography Close copyright ![Gosau Valley](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Gosau Valley (© Copyright: Julian Elliot Photography)") ### Gosau at Dachstein Gosau at Dachstein, the small but picturesque village at the southernmost point of Upper Austria, is well embedded in the Holiday Region Dachstein Salzkammergut. Gosau is a real natural gem in the Dachstein Salzkammergut. Gosau am Dachstein does not resemble a typical village at… ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430000970/gosau-at-dachstein.html) [ View copyright © Copyright: Ivan Andrejic Close copyright ![Hallstatt church and surroundings](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "Hallstatt church and surroundings (© Copyright: Ivan Andrejic)") ### Hallstatt Hallstatt, a World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in the world. Nestled amid the mountains and lakes of the Dachstein Salzkammergut region, this small village enchants visitors with its unique traditional charm. Hallstatt is the… ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430000973/hallstatt.html) [ View copyright © Copyright: RudiKainPhotografie Close copyright ![5fingers](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAJCAQAAACRI2S5AAAAEElEQVR42mNkIAAYRxWAAQAG9gAKqv6+AwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg== "5fingers (© Copyright: RudiKainPhotografie)") ### Obertraun Obertraun at the foot of the Dachstein Krippenstein is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Hallstatt- Dachstein/Salzkammergut. Nestled among the imposing mountains, on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, this small town is the ideal starting point for many activities, such as… ](https://dachstein.salzkammergut.at/en/visitor-information/our-world-heritage/oesterreich-stadt-ort/detail/430000976/obertraun.html)