UNESCO World Heritage Site Ancient Beech Forests
and primeval beech forests
Experience a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Old beeches. Wild forests.
The Kalkalpen National Park preserves the largest contiguous forest area in Austria on 209 km² - with a significant proportion of old beech stands. Together with the Dürrenstein Wilderness Area, 5,250 hectares of these forests were recognised as Austria's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. This tranquil, powerful nature can be experienced first-hand on selected hiking trails in 360° Alpenland.
UNESCO World Heritage Beech Forests
More than 10,000 species of animals, plants and fungi find their habitat in the ancient beech forests of the Kalkalpen National Park. Natural beech forests have become rare in Europe - here they still grow in their original vigour.
The Kalkalpen World Heritage Site comprises four sub-areas within the Kalkalpen National Park. Around 75 % of the forests are more than 140 years old, many are even over 200 years old. The oldest beech tree in the Alps is around 550 years old.
Six different beech forest communities characterise the area - from cyclamen to high montane carbonate beech forest. A special feature of the Limestone Alps is the common occurrence of beech and larch on the northern side of the Sengsengebirge. The highest stands reach up to 1,450 metres above sea level.
5,250 hectares are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 400 hectares of which are genuine primeval forest cells. Around 90% of the areas are considered natural or near-natural - characterised by avalanches, snow slides and the dynamics of the great outdoors.
Further information can be found on the Kalkalpen National Park website and the UNESCO World Heritage Beech Forests platform.
Information on UNESCO beech forests
World Heritage Site in the Kalkalpen National Park
The award recognises the exceptional importance of the beech forests for the natural heritage of mankind. They are part of the "Ancient Beech Forests of Europe" and are under international protection.
Original beech forests have become rare in Europe. Many have been utilised or cleared for centuries. Near-natural stands such as those in the Kalkalpen National Park are therefore of great ecological importance.
Since 2017, the beech forests in the Kalkalpen National Park, together with the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The majority of the forests are over 140 years old, many stands are significantly older. Individual beech trees reach an age of around 550 years.
Around 90 per cent of the World Heritage areas are considered natural or near-natural. Processes such as avalanches or snowfall characterise the ecosystem without human intervention.
Yes, selected hiking trails in the Kalkalpen National Park lead through natural forest areas. Guided ranger tours provide additional background knowledge.
Many paths are well marked and also suitable for families. Visitor centres convey knowledge in a clear and understandable way.