The past few decades have shown a rise in questioning what heritage actually is, and what is implied – or should be implied – when using the term. The perception and use of the term cultural heritage have expanded likewise, and clear definitions can help to enhance academic understanding and discourses. The paper examines the terminology associated with cultural heritage both in the global context and in relation to Antarctica and discusses the various aspects of tangible and intangible heritage and the relation of both to the Antarctic nature and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol) that entered into force in 1998.