Gesäuse

Wildnisgebiet dürrenstein-lassingtal

The Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area preserves the Rothwald primeval forest, the largest remnant of primeval forest in the Alpine arc. It is an IUCN-recognised category Ia + Ib protected area and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. With its natural forests, it is an important building block in the endeavour to permanently safeguard rare ecosystems with their animal, plant and fungal species.

According to the IUCN, the wilderness area is classified as Category I. In concrete terms, this means that any human intervention in the wilderness area must be minimised. Interventions to safeguard or improve the natural environment must be clearly delimited in terms of area and time. This also applies to the right of free access.

WHAT DOES WILDERNESS MEAN?

In our opinion, wilderness is - or can once again be - where we consciously withdraw our use-orientated desires. We orientate our actions in this direction in order to allow the most undisturbed processes possible in an area; after all, wilderness is indispensable for the protection of biological diversity, of biodiversity.

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Wildnisgebiet Dürrenstein-Lassingtal

highlights

house of wildness

Closer to the primeval forest than ever before! Thanks to modern technology, the UNESCO World Heritage Centre House of Wilderness and its exhibition provide unique insights into the largest primeval forest in the Alpine arc.

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events

Here you can find our upcoming events. Have fun browsing!

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excursions

Here you will find the upcoming excursions in the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal wilderness area. All our guided hikes can be booked in our online shop.

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groups & schools

The wilderness area offers a varied programme for schoolchildren of all ages and a diverse excursion destination for groups.

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wildnisgebiet dürrenstein-lassingtal

ALL THE DETAILS AT A GLANCE

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Good

to know

Before you and the Gesäuse really get going, we have put together the most important tips and information about the wilderness area for you. If you still have any questions, just get in touch with our team - we will be happy to help you personally.

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"WILDERNESS REMOVES US HUMANS FROM THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE, TRANSFORMING US FROM "MANAGERS" OF THE WORLD INTO SILENT OBSERVERS WHO WITHDRAW THEIR DESIRES AND GRANT ALL PROCESSES IN NATURE THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION." (REINHARD PEKNY)

Registration for excursions

Virtual tour

Wildnisgebiet Dürrenstein-Lassingtal

THIS IS MY HOME

Short & to the point

wildnisgebiet dürrenstein-Lassingtal

There are only a few areas in Central Europe that serve to protect natural habitats. With the Rothwald primeval forest, the Dürrenstein-Lassingtal Wilderness Area World Heritage Site is home to the largest contiguous spruce-fir-beech primeval forest in Central Europe. This primeval forest has not been used for forestry since the last ice age and is the result of undisturbed, natural development. It has a diversity of species that can no longer be found in our commercial forests. In particular, the abundance of deadwood and the mighty old trees in the wilderness area provide suitable habitats for unique flora and fauna.

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Wildnisgebiet Dürrenstein-Lassingtal

eating & sleeping

The Gesäuse inns are rustic and unpretentious. And "regional" is not a code word in the Gesäuse, but a must. They have a selection of Styrian classics in their rucksacks to delight the palate. The traditional preparation awakens a thousand and one memories and, at the end of the day, simply makes you blissfully happy.

And you can get a good night's sleep in the Gesäuse anyway. Hotels, guesthouses, huts and campsites are scattered all over the Gesäuse. Everyone is sure to find a comfortable bed for the night. That's a promise!