Aims. To explore the infrared and radio properties of one of the clo sest Galactic starburst regions. Methods. Images obtained with the Herschel Space Observatory at wavelengths of 70, 160, 250, 350, and 500 μm using the PACS and SPIRE arrays are analyzed and compared with radio contin uum VLA data and 8μm images from theSpitzer Space Telescope. The morphology of the far-infrared emission is combined wit h radial velocity measurements of millimeter and centimete r wavelength transitions to identify features likely to be associated wi th the W43 complex. Results. The W43 star-forming complex is resolved into a dense cluste r of protostars, infrared dark clouds, and ridges of warm dus t heated by massive stars. The 4 brightest compact sources wit h L > 1.5× 104 L⊙ embedded within the Z-shaped ridge of bright dust emission in W43 remain single at 4 ′′ (0.1 pc) resolution These objects, likely to be massive prot ostars or compact clusters in early stages of evolution are embedded in clumps with masses of 10 3 to 4 M⊙, but contribute only 2% to the 3 .6×106 L⊙ far-IR luminosity of W43 measured in a 16 by 16 pc box. The total mass of gas derive from the far-IR dust emission inside this region is ∼ 106 M⊙. Cometary dust clouds, compact 6 cm radio sources, and warm du st mark the locations of older populations of massive stars. Energy release has created a cavity blowing-out below the Galactic plane. Compression of molecular gas in the plane by the older H ii region near G30.684–0.260 and the bipolar structure of the resulti ng younger W43 Hii region may have triggered the current mini-star burst.