This post explores the Hundertwasserhaus Wien, one of the city’s most visited buildings and the life of its designer and creator, Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
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If you have seen the photos on this blog or on my Instagram account, one thing is going to strike you right away. I like color. Well, I like color a lot!
Keeping that in mind, you can imagine how hard headed I got when I found pictures of a colorful apartment house while researching my trip to Vienna. The structure had a multi-color facade, shiny mosaics and fairy tale like balconies. I had to see it!
Months after that, I found myself outside of a Metro station in the Landstrabe District. I had no idea where to go. Let’s say this house is a little bit in the middle of nowhere. A kind local took pity on me and showed me what direction to take. After that, I was able to arrive using my map.
Finally, I was in front of that colorful place I wanted to see. Its official name is Hundertwasserhaus.
Table of Contents
Hundertwasserhaus Wien: A Story
Hundertwasserhaus was built between 1983 and 1985 according to the ideas of Friedensreich Hundertwasser (hence the name) with architect Joseph Krawina as a co-author.
It features undulating floors, a roof covered with earth and grass, and large trees growing from inside the rooms. Within the house, there are 53 apartments, four offices, 16 private terraces and three communal terraces, and a total of 250 trees and bushes. The Hundertwasser House is one of Vienna’s most visited buildings and has become part of Austria’s cultural heritage.
A visit to the house is short since only the exterior can be admired. The house is unique and whimsical. To me, it is a piece of art that deserves attention. But, the highlight of my visit was discovering the genius of Hundertwasser. This guy was something else!
Hundertwasser: A Creative Genius
Hundertwasser was born as Friedrich Stowasser in Vienna (1928). Later, he changed his name to Friedensreich Hundertwasser. He is one of the 20th century’s most acclaimed international artists.
In the early 1950s, Hundertwasser dealt with architecture and pursued his goal of creating a more human architecture in harmony with nature. In his manifestos, essays, and demonstrations, he expressed his rejection of rationalism, the geometric straight line, the grid system and the purely functional architecture.
From the 1980s on, he realized projects which triggered worldwide attention and provoked vivid discussions. He integrated the window right and the tree tenants, uneven floors, afforestation of the roofs and the spontaneous vegetation.
In his architectural efforts, he pursued diversity instead of monotony, replaced the grid system with an organic approach and implemented unregulated irregularities. In times of mediocrity and the soullessness of prefabrication, Hundertwasser endeavored to help human longing for variety and harmony with nature.
What fascinates me is how Hundertwasser principles go beyond architecture. He was basically saying human beings like change, color, variety, spontaneity, naturalness, fun, laugh, and joy. He wanted to express all those things with what he knew to do best. His works call us to do the same (but using our own gifts and talents).
Kunst Haus Wien
If you want to learn more about this artist, the Kunst Haus Wien, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Hundertwasser, is located only a few blocks away from the Hundertwasserhaus. The exterior is very attention-grabbing too.
Hunderwasser: Other Works
Also, the Hundertwasser village (located in front of Hundertwasserhaus) was designed by the artist.
His other work in Vienna is a heating plant. We saw it when exiting Vienna towards the Czech Republic.
Fellow blogger Lorelei has written about Hundertwasser’s building in Abensberg, Germany. Read her story here.
A complete list of his buildings can be found in here.
Hundertwasserhaus Wien Location
- The house is located at Kegelgasse 36-38
- The nearest Metro station is Landstraße (U3, U4). You have to walk a bit before reaching the house. It is a good idea to have an electronic or paper map to find the location
More of Vienna
- Even if you are short on time, you can enjoy the best of Vienna in one day
- If you have more than one day in the city, I encourage you to read my post on what to do in Vienna in 1, 2 or 3 days
- Schonbrunn – Habsburg’s Winter Palace
- Naschmarkt – Vienna’s Largest Outdoor Market
- The official tourism site is a great source of information
Other European Capitals
Have you visited Hundertwasserhaus or another of his building designed by Hundertwasser?
Ready to pin? Let’s do this!
Rhonda says
I have not visited a Hundertwasser building but I have visited a toilet he designed in Kawakawa New Zealand.
Ruth says
I read about that. I assume that is super interesting (just thinking about how he would redesign the toilet would be cool).
Photo Cache says
This is an awesome post. This is right up my alley and when or if I go to Vienna I’d definitely have to go there.
Ruth says
Thanks a lot! I am glad you enjoyed this place. I excited when other like the places I visit.
Lisa @ LTTL says
I did not know about Hundertwasser until we left Europe. I was so bummed when I found out about it. That’s why I love visiting your site, you always take me to places I want to go, or places I wish I had gone. 😀
Lisa @ Life Thru the Lens http://www.lisakerner-slp.com
Ruth says
I am glad this site serves you a purpose. Hope you can visit one of Hundertwasser’s buildings in the future.
Fun60 says
Really sorry I missed seeing this in Vienna so pleased I saw it here.
Ruth says
Well, that is a good excuse to make plans to go back to the city!
Rajesh says
Beautiful and very innovative colouring schemes.
Ruth says
It is true! the building is very innovative. Plus, I bet you there is still nothing like it.
Sharon says
I can understand your quest to find this building. This is amazing, and not at all like the usual sites of Vienna from Pinterest! Thanks for sharing this fascinating place!
Ruth says
I am glad I was able to find this place since it kind of disrupts what the city is all about. This is like the other side of the city.
Bryna | Dotted Line Travels says
Amazing! I love the colours of this house, and the different textures (tile in some places, etc.). The plants and vines really add to the building too. Thank you for sharing this interesting building!
Ruth says
Bryna, it was my pleasure to share this building. You notice all the elements that make it different.
rupam { xhobdo } says
Awesome pics
Ruth says
Thanks a lot for the compliment!
ladyfi says
Stunning shots!
Ruth says
Glad you enjoyed them!
Anna says
Yes! I’ve visited it! I do remember being difficult to approach, but definitely worth it!
Ruth says
I am glad you made it there! You need to know where exactly to find it but I think the journey is worth it.
Liplatus says
I love these beautiful colored apartment buildings!
Lovely city pictures!
Ruth says
Wow! I see you got very enthusiastic about this building. Hope you can visit one day.
Tanja says
great photos! mine aren’t that good:( I really like this place:) #citytripping
Ruth says
Did you actually visited the house? I have to check your Vienna post.
Urska - Slovenian Girl Abroad says
Lovely photos. I’ve been to Vienna few times, but I’ve never manage to visit this place. #CityTripping
Ruth says
Thanks Urska! Hope you can visit Vienna once again and see this building by yourself.
Hilary says
Lovely post and photos! I often find myself looking for places just a bit off the beaten path and in the end it’s usually very worthwhile! #citytripping
Ruth says
Hilary, we are on the same page. I like to see the famous / iconic sites but to make things more interesting, I venture off to less known places.
Colleen@ LOOSELEAFNOTES says
Wow! I’d love to see that someday. I love the way one design spills into another. No fences there.
Ruth says
It is interesting because this building is a tourist attraction but it is also the residence of many people. I wonder how much is the rent in here.
Andrea @ Topsy Turvy Tribe says
I’ve always loved the colourful art of Hundertwasser but never knew he progressed into architecture. Would love to see his buildings. What a great look for a boring power station! #citytripping
Ruth says
Well, you taught me something today because I didn’t know he was a painter too. I think I read about but didn’t pay a lot of attention. Looks like he expressed his ideas in many ways.
Kay Davies says
At first sight, this house made me think of Antoni Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona…but even Gaudi didn’t put this kind of immediate enthusiasm into his buildings.
Thank you for this remarkable post!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Ruth says
Kay, thanks a lot for your words. This guy reminds me of Gaudi too. They had so different outlooks on life.
LovelyGishi says
Great colors and beautifully captured. I like the flowers outside the window 🙂
Ruth says
Thanks Gishi! The flowers added to the beauty of the building.
Lolo says
You took some amazing photos! Thanks for the shout out about the Abensburg Hundertwasserturm! Its truly an awesome sight if you ever get the chance to visit it! #CityTripping
Ruth says
I am kind of obsessed with Hundertwasser now. I would like to visit some of his other buildings. He even designed a winery in Napa.
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
Oh this really has stopped me in my tracks today – I love this! I was thinking how it reminded me of something else and then, when I clicked on your link to other buildings he had designed, came across the Hot Springs village. I remember seeing this hotel online years ago and thinking how fabulous it would be to stay there.
I’m so pleased I now know more about the architect and his creations. Brilliant, thanks Ruth.
#citytripping
Ruth says
I had to Google the village you mentioned and got to see how amazing it is. Would love to stay there! This guy was able to create pure magic.
Mandy says
This is so cool! I loved seeing awesome architecture like this, and you did a great job photographing it! Adding this post to pinterest for later. 🙂
Ruth says
Great Mandy! I am a fan of architecture too. That is why I love Europe that much.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) says
I visited Hundertwasser Haus when I was 20 and interrailing around Europe. It’s so nice to read about it here, all these years later! I’m popping over from #citytripping but this post would also be perfect for my own #CulturedKids if you wanted to come over and play! Live on the blog now. x
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) says
Thanks for linking up! x
Ruth says
No problem!
Ruth says
Glad this post reminded you of your previous travels. I will stop by your link.
Cathy (Mummytravels) says
This is just stunning – absolutely not what I’d expect from Vienna but with the kind of colour and quirkiness that makes me think of Barcelona. Someone to discover more about, for sure. #citytripping
Ruth says
You are not the first person who finds this place similar to Barcelona. Like that it is in Vienna but it does not fit the city’s stereotype.
Liz Needle says
Hundertwasser was certainly an original thinker and a great artist judging by his building. I love the use of colour – reminds me of a patchwork quilt. Amazing building.
Ruth says
Like the comparison to the patchwork quilt. Who knows what Hundertwasser used for inspiration?
Jackie Smith says
Love, love, love the colors in this post. What a fun place it would be to live in, just walking up to it after a day at work would be a breath of fresh air!
Ruth says
Jackie, I am glad you liked it. I would have liked to enter one of the apartments.
jesh StG says
Am smiling,because this is not how I know Vienna, but who’s to say, it maybe another Eiffel tower, which in the days when it was built, the Parisians thought it was an ugly clunky structure.
Excellent captures – thanks for hosting!
Ruth says
You are right Jesh! Maybe it wasn’t popular when it was created but I feel like the city embraces this place 100% nowadays.
NatureFootstep Photo says
now, that was something special. Never heard of it before. I wonder what it looks link in the inside of the buildings. 🙂
Ruth says
I wanted to see the interior too. Wonder how livable it is to have undulating floors and plants covering surfaces.
Ava @ My Meena Life says
Oh I love it! It’s especially meaningful to me because we just recently stayed in a yurt and experienced how peaceful a circular dwelling can be, so I like to see this “rejection of the geometric straight line” so to speak. Great stuff. #citytripping
Ruth says
Totally get it! We are so used to certain conventions that sometimes we cannot think how something different can work.
Brooke of Passport Couture says
In addition the colorful and uniquely structured architecture, I love the green around the building. The vines on the side add a nice touch of authenticity.
Ruth says
I think that is the way Hundertwasser would have liked it. There has to be vegetation surrounding his works.
budget jan says
You’re right it certainly is whimsical. I love colour too and I would make this a must see if I visited Vienna.
Ruth says
I know you will enjoy this place!
Corey with fifi + hop says
Love this! Still can’t believe I’ve never been to Vienna. #farawayfiles
Ruth says
Well, you have to make it there one day! I wasn’t that interested to visit it but ended up loving it.
Sadie says
Very cool! It reminds me of Goudi’s architecture in Barcelona.
Ruth says
It is true! There is some resemblance to Gaudi’s work.
Kat says
I wish I’d known about this when I was in Vienna! I love quirky architecture. It’s so colourful!
Ruth says
Glad you liked it! I some way, I like that this is not a so popular attraction in Vienna.
Allison says
I love all the colors! He seems like an interesting person. And he got it right. I think most of us do want more color and fun in our lives. #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
Allison, I agree with you. I think the use of colors is a great way to express your thoughts.
Anisa says
I love color too, so would definitely love to see this when I finally make it to Vienna. Is the building used for anything now? #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Yes, it is an apartment building. There is a terrace with a restaurant and on the lower floor there is a gift house with info about Hundertwasser.
Lynne Sarao says
Wow! This building is so incredibly unique and colorful! I would love to visit Vienna and photograph it myself!
Ruth says
Glad it left a good impression in you! It is a super nice structure to photograph.
ANda says
I’ve been in Vienna, but didn’t stay long enough to discover Hundertwasserhaus. It’s beautiful and very colorful indeed, thank you for sharing this post. I’m planning to return to Vienna this spring and I’ll make sure to visit it.
Ruth says
Oh so glad you are visiting soon! There are tons of things t do in the city!
Jessica says
What a great post! I’m really glad I saw it. I hadn’t heard of Hundertwasser before (and unfortunately completely missed this building when I was in Vienna.) But I’m glad to have read about it here, and hopefully I’ll get to go back and see it someday!
Jessica says
Sorry for the double post, thought it didn’t go through 🙁
Ruth says
No problem! It happens some times!
Ruth says
Thanks Jessica! I hope you can go back to Vienna. The city has so many things to see. I need to go back too.
Jessica says
Lovely post! I unfortunately completely missed this building when I was in Vienna. So glad I saw this post though, so now I know to look for it if I ever get to go back.
CatherineRose || La Vie En C-Rose says
I got a little lost looking for the Hundertwasserhaus too, but it was fun to visit! He definitely seems like an interesting guy! #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
I am glad I wasn’t the only one! Even with the map I got lost.
Trekking with Becky says
That’s incredible! 😀 It’s so refreshing! 😀 How can that not brighten your day?
Ruth says
Oh Becky! So glad it brighten your day! Hope I can keep producing posts like this.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
I love this, Ruth, and despite it being the most visited place in Vienna, I never got round to seeing it on my visit so I’m particularly glad to read all about it here. This really reminds me of Gaudi and his vision for architecture in Barcelona. The Casa Batllo doesn’t have any straight lines either and is full of ravishing colours and shapes. Great post for #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Clare, it is one of the most visited places not the most visited (not sure which one is that). I visited Casa Mila and it is similar to Casa Battlo. Thanks for your nice comment.
David says
It is a bizarre (but colorful) building isn’t it?!? After so long in Vienna, I finally went in October and realised I had been there once before the first time I was in Vienna over 10 years ago. It is a little removed from the city centre which can make it a little challenging. Great shots! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Ruth says
Thanks David! I am glad you revisited this place. I bet you have been able to visit many places interesting places in Vienna.
Erin Klema | The Epicurean Traveler says
Wild colors and architecture in the Hundertwasserhaus! I know it’s a long name, but it actually isn’t that difficult to pronounce if you know some German. If I had to spell it in English so non-German speakers could pronounce it properly, I think it would look something like: Hoondert Vasser House. Not so difficult, right? Anyway, the architecture is certainly unique, but it does remind me a bit of Gaudi’s Casa Mila in Barcelona. I’d like to see it in person whenever I visit Vienna, where I’ve wanted to travel for the past decade or so. Thanks for the itinerary idea, Ruth! #WeekendWanderlust
Ruth says
Erin, thanks for the pronunciation classes. It is easier to get it in the way you explain it.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
Very cool place and I’d never heard of it before! Will have to remember this when I finally make it to Vienna. This is the type of place Laurence really loves taking photos of – we are currently in Barcelona and exploring all the Gaudi houses!
Ruth says
Wow! Glad you are in Barcelona. I am sure Laurence it taking tons of photos. Yes, make sure to remember this places for when you make it to Vienna.
Tonkin Travel Vietnam says
Wow, such amazing arts. Have yet to visit hundertwasserhaus but this post gives a great recommendation. Have pinned for future reference.Thank you
Ruth says
Thanks a lot! Super excited about you liking it!
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I have heard of neither this building nor this architect, but I really like how vibrant and alive it seems. In some ways, this reminds me of Gaudi’s work in Barcelona. I wonder if the rent for the places inside it is super high.
Ruth says
I wonder the same thing! It would be nice to meet a resident (and know how they got in).
Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe says
This kind of building is right up my alley so have no idea why we’ve missed the two times we’ve been to Vienna. I’ll have to make sure I am third time lucky and get this set onto my next itinerary. Thank you for sharing.
Ruth says
Great Lyn! The third one is the charm, so, get prepared to stop by!
Erin says
Wow! This place is absolutely added to my bucket list. I’m with you I love colour too. I had no idea places like this even existed in Vienna. Thank you for sharing! #FlyAwayFriday
Ruth says
I am happy to contribute to your bucket list! Hope I can be adding places in the future.
eileen g says
I’d never hear of Hunderwasser until my daughter’s kindergarten class made Hundertwasser houses out of shoe boxes for an art project. it was fun and pretty easy for the kids to copy his style. So now it would be nice to see the real thing. The village is also interesting. some of the mosaics remind me of Klimt Paintings.
Ruth says
I can’t believe the school taught about him and his style. But, now that I think about it, it makes sense. I am sure kids can understand better his designs than adults.
Paula McInerney says
Love these colours of Hundertwasserhaus. Am pinning this ..because it is fabulous
Ruth says
Thanks Paula! You are so sweet!
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields says
I love tracking down colourful buildings. They make such great photos.
Ruth says
I am into that too. That is why I had to visit this building when I discovered it.
Katy says
Loved this post Ruth. What a fascinating insight into the architect and the principles behind his designs. The end result looks to be inspired by Gaudi’s work in Barcelona to me. Thanks for sharing with us on #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
This is one of the reasons why I love to travel. You get the opportunity to learn about great artists and architects. Plus, you get to see their works.
Elizabeth (Wander Mum) says
What a fascinating artist! There is something reminiscent of Gaudi in his work and the colour and design is not something I would associate with Vienna. Another reason to visit. Thanks for the information and sharing on #citytripping
Ruth says
You are right. The colors in Vienna’s Old Town are very uniform. They are nothing like this. But, that means there is another face of the city that we do not necessarily know.
Bumble Bee Mum says
Oooo…. I love this! Now you’ve made me push Vienna way up my bucket list, right along with Barcelona (which I’ve been wanting to visit because of Gaudi). This does look rather Gaudi-inspired, but yet there’s a modern touch to it. Really cool! #CityTripping
Ruth says
Glad you liked it! It would be nice to stop by Barcelona and Vienna. But, I think that would be two trips (because there is a lot to see around those two cities).
Erin Gustafson says
Oh I love this! I did know you love color – I loved the mural project post from Deep Ellum in Dallas. I would love to see this. I think is so cool to get people to look at things in different ways. Wouldn’t it be to come home to this house everyday! Thanks for sharing, I had never seen or heard about this. #FarawayFiles
Ruth says
Erin, it would be very nice to live in a place like this. I am from Puerto Rico and in there houses are painted in bright colors. So, I used to get that vibrant feeling when looking at my neighborhood.
Photo(Geo)grapher says
This is very interesting post. Love these colours and form of Hundertwasserhaus.
Ruth says
Thanks! I am glad you found this post interesting.
JOY says
Thanks for sharing your captures. Very unique place no doubt.
Ruth says
No problem! It is great to share places like this.
Nancie says
I can see why you wanted to visit this building. I love the colors and the overall uniqueness that he built into it. Thanks for co-hosting and sorry that I am late commenting. #TPThursday
Ruth says
Nancie, thanks for stopping by and thanks for the nice comment. Love to co-host on #TPThursday.
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
This is so neat! I love unique, colorful buildings like this one. I don’t blame you for seeking it out even if it was in the middle of nowhere. I would have done the exact same thing. How cool would it be to go inside that building everyday. It’d make me happy even in the middle of winter. I have never heard of Hundertwasser but what an interesting artist.
Kan says
Wow I do not blame you for snapping a ton of photos, I would have too! The colors of those buildings are so vibrant, love it! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this weekend! xo
Chloe says
wow this place is so cool!! It looks like something you’d find in Barcelona!! so cool!!
FrogMom says
And here I thought that Vienna was only for Mozart and Secession nuts. Great discovery! Makes me want to re-visit Vienna with a fresh eye. Thanks for the post:)
The Jetset Boyz says
We first discovered & visited Hundertwasserhaus about fifteen years ago. We were in Vienna in December to visit the fantastic Christmas markets and decided to swing by thinking we could get a few great photos to put on Instagram.
We were rather disappointed to see that the building looks really dull and faded – it looks like it hasn’t been painted anytime since our last visit. When we first visited it was really colourful, bold & beautiful, so hope it gets a fresh coat of paint soon.
Stacy says
Very cool – I’ve only been to Vienna once and never heard of this building, but the good news is that we are heading back later this year. I’m saving this so that we can be sure not to miss it!
Thanks so much.