Austria: Vienna – The works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser

April 8, 2025
Austria
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Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928–2000) was an Austrian artist, architect, and environmentalist renowned for his unique, colourful, and nature-inspired creations. His work broke away from conventional straight lines, favouring organic forms, irregular shapes, and vibrant hues that echoed his belief in harmony with nature. Hundertwasser’s architectural designs are celebrated for their whimsical, fairytale-like quality, incorporating features such as uneven floors, rooftop gardens, and spiralling facades. He was also an advocate for sustainable living, promoting green roofs and ecological building practices long before they became mainstream. Beyond architecture, Hundertwasser’s paintings and graphic art reflect his philosophy, often exploring themes of individuality, freedom, and the relationship between humans and the environment. His legacy endures as a pioneer of eco-conscious design and a visionary artist who challenged the boundaries of creativity.

During our visit to Vienna, we decided to explore some of his works that can be seen around this great city.

Hundertwasserhaus

The Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria, is a vibrant and unconventional apartment complex that embodies the artistic vision of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian painter and architect. Completed in 1985, the building is a celebration of organic forms, bright colours, and a deep connection to nature. Its undulating floors, irregular windows, and rooftop gardens break away from traditional architectural norms, reflecting Hundertwasser’s philosophy that architecture should harmonize with the natural environment. This unique landmark features over 200 trees and shrubs integrated into its design, creating a “forest on the roof” that adds to its ecological charm.

The building is in a quiet residential area of Vienna, but it is not hard to find as it is so very different from every other building in the area. Its appearance is like a set of uneven colourful building blocks that have been wildly laid on top of one another. There are very few straight edges – which is reminiscent of Gaudí. Inside the rooms trees and bushes were planted and their branches now extend outside the building, which creates a surreal and abandoned look. We loved it!

1. Location

Hundertwasserhaus is located at Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Vienna, Austria. It’s in the Landstraße district, a short distance from the city centre.

2. Best Time to Visit

Season: Spring or autumn offers pleasant weather, making the walk to and around the building enjoyable.
Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular tourist spot.

3. How to Get There

Public Transport:
- Tram: Take Tram 1 or O and get off at Hetzgasse or Radetzkyplatz.
- Metro: Nearest U-Bahn station is Landstraße (U3 or U4 lines), followed by a short walk.
Walking: It’s about a 20-minute walk from Vienna’s historic center.

Across the road is the Hundertwasser Village, a shopping centre built in the same style. It was interesting inside but a little too touristic for our tastes.

Hundertwasser Museum

About half a kilometre away is the Hundertwasser Museum where more of the artist’s work was on display. Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed whilst they prepared for a new show, but the outside of the building was interesting and worth coming to see on its own.

The Hundertwasser Museum, also known as the Kunst Haus Wien, is a captivating art museum in Vienna, Austria, dedicated to the works of artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Here’s how to plan your visit effectively:

1. General Information

Address: Untere Weißgerberstraße 13, 1030 Vienna, Austria
Opening Hours: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check their official website for any special closures or holiday hours.
Website: Visit the Kunst Haus Wien official website for the latest updates and ticket bookings.

2. Tickets

Tickets can often be purchased online to save time.
Pricing:
- Adults: Approximately €12–14
- Students/Seniors: Discounts available
- Family tickets: May offer combined discounts.
Some city passes, such as the Vienna Pass, might include entry.

3. Getting There

Public Transport:
- Tram: Line 1 or O, stop at Radetzkyplatz.
- Subway: Take the U4 to Schwedenplatz, then walk or take tram line 1.
- Bus: Local buses serve the area as well.
By Car: Parking might be limited; consider public transportation.

4. What to Expect

Exhibits: The museum houses Hundertwasser’s art, including paintings, architecture, and ecological projects.
Architecture: The building itself is a work of art, with irregular shapes, colorful mosaics, and a green roof.
Additional Exhibits: Rotating contemporary art exhibitions.

Hundertwasser Incinerator

One place we wanted to visit before heading home was off all places an incinerator.

Surprisingly, this municipal waste disposal plant is one of the architectural highlights of Vienna. It is not just pretty it is efficient: Wien Energie recycles around 250,000 tons of household waste at the plant every year. The Incinerator began working in 1971, however, much of the facility was destroyed in 1987 due to a fire. The damages accounted for roughly 74 million euros in today’s money. However, instead of levelling the whole installation, local authorities decided to reconstruct it since all the residual infrastructure for running a waste incineration plant was already there.

In 1988, the city offered the Austrian-born architect, painter and eco-activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser a chance to turn the plant into a work of art. At that time, the artist was a member of the Green Party and his condition for taking the job was that the new facility would be operated at the highest level of efficiency and meet ‘green’ standards.

You can’t go inside the incinerator, but we enjoyed looking at it from the outside. It was also conveniently located near a metro station to get us back home.

1. Address and Getting There

Location: Spittelauer Lände 45, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Public Transport:
- Take the U4 or U6 metro line to the Spittelau station. The plant is located just a short walk away.
- Alternatively, buses and trams also serve the area.
By Car: Parking in Vienna can be challenging, so public transport is recommended.

2. Tours and Visits

Guided Tours: While the exterior of the facility can be admired freely, guided tours are occasionally offered to explore the plant’s technology, art, and environmental significance. Check the official website or Vienna tourism portals for availability.
Self-Guided Visit: You can enjoy the whimsical design and colorful facade from outside without a formal tour. It’s particularly photogenic!

Getting around Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a vibrant city with excellent transportation options. Here’s a guide to getting around the city:

1. Public Transport

Vienna’s public transport system is extensive, efficient, and easy to use, covering buses, trams, and the metro (U-Bahn).

U-Bahn (Subway): Vienna’s metro system is fast, clean, and reliable. The main lines (U1, U2, U3, U4) cover the city from north to south and east to west, making it the quickest way to get around.
Trams: Trams are another convenient way to travel, particularly for short to medium distances. Vienna’s tram network is one of the most extensive in Europe and a scenic way to see the city.
Buses: Buses complement the metro and trams, especially for areas that aren’t covered by the U-Bahn. They’re also a good option for reaching more remote parts of Vienna.

Tickets: Tickets are valid on all forms of public transport, and you can buy them at stations, kiosks, or via mobile apps. Options include single tickets, day passes, or longer travel cards.

2. Vienna Card

If you plan on staying for several days and will use public transport frequently, the Vienna City Card offers unlimited travel on the U-Bahn, trams, and buses for a set number of days. It also provides discounts to many museums and attractions.

3. Bikes and Scooters

Vienna is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike lanes throughout the city. You can rent bikes or electric scooters (like Lime or Circ) via mobile apps. Bikes are also available through the city’s Citybike Wien service, where you can pick up and drop off bikes at various stations across the city.

4. Walking

Many of Vienna’s top attractions are in close proximity to each other, especially in the city centre (Innere Stadt). The historical centre is compact and walkable, so walking is often a pleasant and practical way to explore the city.

5. Taxis and Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available, though they can be more expensive than public transport. Alternatively, you can use ride-sharing services like Uber in Vienna, which operates in the city and may be more affordable than taxis.

6. Car Rentals

While Vienna’s public transport is more than sufficient for most visitors, if you want to explore areas outside the city, renting a car is an option. However, driving and parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive, so it’s typically not recommended unless you plan on travelling to nearby towns.

7. Train Travel

For day trips outside of Vienna, the city’s Hauptbahnhof (main train station) connects to many destinations within Austria and neighbouring countries. The train system is efficient and well-connected.

8. Vienna’s Ringstrasse

For tourists, a Ring Tram is a great way to see major landmarks, including the State Opera, Parliament, and City Hall, along the famous Ringstrasse boulevard. This tram is a hop-on, hop-off service with audio commentary.

9. Boats

Vienna is located along the Danube River, and there are boat tours that provide a unique way to view the city. The DDSG Blue Danube offers a variety of boat tours along the river.

vegandining

Eating out for vegans in Vienna

Depending on the time of day, ULRICH can be a café, restaurant or a bar. If you go there in the morning, you’ll get a large vegan breakfast plate with corn fritters, hummus, a tiny portion of porridge and more. The menu also offers juices, coffee, vegan salads, flatbreads, gnocchi, and more. I highly recommend going there, because the combination of ingredients is anything but boring, the whole spot is very beautiful, the staff is friendly and everything I ate there was just delicious.
They also have a second spot called ERICH which is only a few minutes to walk away and their food is more Mexican-inspired. They offer vegan huevos rancheros, bowls and a sweet potato with soy dip.
At Harvest Bistro the food is completely vegan and they offer everything from breakfast (e.g. scrambled tofu) and snacks (seaweed caviar!) to desserts and the vegan Wiener Schnitzel. The café is super cosy and looks like grandma’s living room. On weekends, you will also get an “all vegan brunch” there.
Veggiezz is a vegan restaurant chain in Vienna, Austria, offering a diverse menu of plant-based dishes. Their offerings include burgers, wraps, bowls, salads, and desserts, all crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Founded by two sisters, the all-vegan ice cream shop “Veganista” already has six stores in Vienna. They produce 18 fresh ice cream flavours every day – from hazelnut to strawberry, from poppy seeds to matcha and from chocolate to tahini. If possible, ingredients are regional and from natural ingredients only. Even their ice cream cups and spoons are biodegradable.

The best time to visit Vienna

The best time to visit Vienna depends on your preferences for weather, events, and crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons:

1. Spring (April to June)

Why visit? Spring is one of the best times to visit Vienna. The weather is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F). The city’s parks and gardens, including Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and Stadtpark, are in full bloom, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Events: Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen), which typically runs from mid-May to mid-June, showcases a variety of cultural performances like theater, music, and dance.

2. Summer (July to August)

Why visit? Summer is peak tourist season, with warmer weather and longer days (temperatures can reach up to 30°C or 86°F). The city is vibrant, with many outdoor cafes, music festivals, and events.
Events: The Vienna Philharmonic Summer Night Concert and various music festivals are highlights. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodation.
Tip: If you don’t mind the heat and crowds, it’s a great time for festivals and outdoor events.

3. Autumn (September to November)

Why visit? Autumn is a fantastic time for those who prefer fewer tourists and cooler, more comfortable weather. Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 20°C (68°F) in September and cool down further in October and November.
Events: The Film Festival at the Rathausplatz (City Hall) in September and the Vienna Wine Harvest Festival in the outskirts are notable autumn events.
Tip: The fall foliage in the city’s parks and vineyards makes this a scenic and pleasant time for outdoor activities.

4. Winter (December to February)

Why visit? Winter in Vienna can be magical, especially around Christmas. The city’s Christmas markets, especially those in front of the Rathaus and Schönbrunn, are famous worldwide. The temperatures range from 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F), and snow is possible.
Events: Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve balls, and the famous Vienna Opera Ball in February. If you’re into winter sports, nearby ski resorts are easily accessible.
Tip: Winter is less crowded compared to summer, making it a great time for those who want to experience Vienna in a more tranquil atmosphere.

Overall Best Time:

Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are often considered the best times to visit Vienna. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the cultural scene.

stay

Where to stay in Vienna

As you might expect for a European capital city there is a wide variety of accommodation in Vienna to suit a range of budgets. Below is a summary of the main areas that are best suited for visitors.

Innere Stadt – The heart of Vienna, perfect for first-time visitors. It’s where you’ll find major sights like St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. However, it can be pricey and crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Leopoldstadt – A diverse and vibrant area, home to the Prater amusement park and the beautiful Danube Canal. Great for families and those seeking a lively atmosphere.
Landstrasse – Known for the Belvedere Palace and Hundertwasserhaus, this district offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Ideal for art and culture enthusiasts.
Wieden – A charming neighbourhood with a bohemian vibe, known for its cafes, boutiques, and proximity to the Naschmarkt. Perfect for travellers seeking a local experience.
Mariahilf – Famous for Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s largest shopping street. It’s a bustling area with easy access to attractions and great for shopaholics.
Neubau – The trendy and artistic district, filled with galleries, theatres, and hip cafes. A top choice for younger travellers and those interested in contemporary culture.
Josefstadt – A quieter, more residential area with a historic charm. Ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the city centre.

1. Mid Range: Hotel Graf Stadion

The ecologically friendly Hotel Graf Stadion is located in the district of Josefstadt, only 820 feet from the Rathaus Underground Station and within walking distance of Vienna’s Town Hall, the Burg Theater, the Parliament, and the Hofburg Palace. Free WiFi is available and public parking spaces can be found nearby, for an extra charge.

Built in Biedermeier style, Hotel Graf Stadion is a protected historic building, and one of the elevators has been reliably operating since 1913.

2. Luxury – The Amauris Vienna

The Amauris Vienna – Relais & Châteaux is an elegant and modern design hotel, located right in the city centre on the famous Ringstraße boulevard, 656 feet from the State Opera. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire hotel.

Located on the historic Ring Boulevard, right between the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein concert hall, our luxury boutique hotel is your gateway to Viennese-rich culture. Explore the city’s opulent palaces, famous museums, renowned restaurants, coffeehouses and vibrant shopping districts. Explore the cultural heart of this historic city and then come back to The Amauris for its five-star pampering.

3. Budget – Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel

Located in Vienna and within a 12-minute walk of Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel features a shared lounge, allergy-free rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property. The property is around 1.5 miles from Vienna City Hall, 1.2 miles from Natural History Museum and 1.2 miles from Kunsthistorisches Museum. The property provides a shuttle service, while a bicycle rental service is also available.

Popular points of interest near Vienna Boutique – Premium Hostel include Wien Westbahnhof Train Station, Parliament of Austria and Leopold Museum.