Austrian Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you.  For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Hundertwasser in Vienna: Best Places to See His Architecture

ByTina Riegelnegg Updated on

Most visitors only know Hundertwasserhaus, Vienna’s most famous work by artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. But there is much more to discover.

After visiting all of Hundertwasser’s buildings in Vienna, I think many tourists miss the best one. While the colourful Hundertwasserhaus attracts the crowds, my personal favourite is Kunst Haus Wien, just a 5 minute walk away.

At Kunst Haus Wien, you can actually step inside a Hundertwasser designed building and learn more about the man behind these unusual creations.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best places to experience Hundertwasser in Vienna and share which ones are truly worth your time.

Who Was Friedensreich Hundertwasser?

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian artist and architect known for his colourful buildings and his dislike of straight lines. He believed that architecture should work in harmony with nature rather than against it.

Born in Vienna in 1928 as Friedrich Stowasser, he survived the Second World War despite much of his Jewish family being killed in the Holocaust. He later became one of Austria’s most recognisable artists. (Read his full biography here)

Today, his ideas about sustainability and living closer to nature can still be seen in his buildings, many of which feature colourful highlights, roof gardens, trees growing out of the building, and uneven floors.

Hundertwasserhaus

This image depicts the Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria, showcasing its iconic colorful and irregular facade. The architecture features a mix of vibrant hues, asymmetrical windows, and whimsical details, with a central fountain surrounded by visitors in the courtyard below. Lush greenery and trees frame the scene, enhancing the artistic, nature-inspired aesthetic of this landmark.
Building in Vienna designed by Hundertwasser
Exterior view of the Hundertwasser House covered with trees, vines, and rooftop gardens. The building features curved lines, colorful accents, uneven floors, and balconies integrated into the greenery.

Hundertwasserhaus is Vienna’s most famous building by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and one of the city’s most photographed attractions.

Completed in 1985, the apartment building stands out with its colourful façade and irregular shapes. There are hardly any straight lines, making it look very different from the historic buildings that Vienna is known for.

Hundertwasserhaus is still a residential apartment building. People live here, so you can’t go inside. When visiting, it’s important to respect the residents’ privacy.

Even so, it’s well worth a visit. The colourful exterior is fascinating to look at. Just be prepared to share the experience with plenty of other tourists, as this is by far the busiest of all the Hundertwasser attractions in Vienna.

Hundertwasser Village

Interior hall with colorful columns, a café counter, and an art gallery space. Signs reading "Village Gallery" and "Coffee to go" hang above walkways lined with plants and decorative architectural details.

Directly opposite Hundertwasserhaus, you’ll find Hundertwasser Village. Since the two attractions are right next to each other, many visitors see them as a single stop.

Like Hundertwasserhaus, the village was designed by Hundertwasser and features colourful elements, uneven floors, greenery, and almost no straight lines.

Today, the village is home to souvenir shops and a café. There’s a small indoor square, where it’s worth taking a quick look around.

Personally, I found this to be the most touristy of all the Hundertwasser attractions in Vienna. Many of the souvenirs felt quite generic, and the area can get very crowded during the day.

Instead, I’d recommend walking five minutes further to Kunst Haus Wien, my favourite Hundertwasser building in Vienna.

Kunst Haus Wien

Colorful entrance to the Kunst Haus Wien with black and white checkerboard tiles, bright painted columns, and vines climbing across the facade. Greenery surrounds the building's irregular windows and organic architectural details.

While Hundertwasserhaus is Vienna’s most famous Hundertwasser building, Kunst Haus Wien is my personal favourite. Located just a 5 minute walk away, it has a similar colourful design but attracts far fewer visitors.

There’s a museum inside dedicated to the life and work of Hundertwasser. But even the free lobby is worth stepping into. Here you’ll find the uneven floors that he became famous for and a fascinating fountain that appears to flow upwards.

Visit the Hundertwasser Museum

Looking down a multi level staircase with curved railings, blue tiled columns, and round hanging lights inside the Hundertwasser House complex. Large windows overlook leafy green trees outside.
Gallery room displaying two brightly colored paintings on dark walls. A curved brick floor with mosaic tile inlays reflects the organic design style associated with Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Before visiting, I mainly knew him as an architect, but I found it fascinating to learn more about his paintings. The exhibition includes many of his original artworks and shows how his style evolved throughout his life.

I also enjoyed learning more about his personal life and his travels. One exhibit that caught my attention was a model of his boat, which he used to travel extensively and even sail as far as New Zealand.

Another highlight is a model of the original project that eventually became Rogner Bad Blumau, my favourite thermal spa in Austria.

Stop for a Coffee

Interior dining area with black and white tiled floors and walls designed in an irregular pattern. Wooden tables, black chairs, hanging plants, and decorative columns create a whimsical atmosphere.
Outdoor courtyard café shaded by mature trees and climbing plants. Visitors sit at colorful tables and chairs along a cobblestone patio surrounded by lush greenery.

After exploring the museum, I recommend stopping by the café.

Compared to the busy café at Hundertwasser Village, it feels much more relaxed. During my visit, I enjoyed an avocado bread and a matcha with blackthorn juice in the peaceful courtyard. (Clearly labelled vegan options)

Spittelau Waste Incineration Plant

Colorful facade of the Spittelau waste incineration plant designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Irregular windows, mosaic decorations, and striped exterior walls rise toward a large golden sphere and tower against a clear blue sky.

One of Hundertwasser’s most unusual projects in Vienna is the Spittelau Waste Incineration Plant.

At first glance, a waste incineration plant might not sound like a tourist attraction. But Hundertwasser transformed this practical building into a colourful landmark that can be spotted from quite far away thanks to its distinctive golden sphere.

For most visitors, I wouldn’t recommend travelling across Vienna just to see it. However, if you’re passing by on a train or visiting the area, it’s worth keeping an eye out for it.

You can usually only admire the building from the outside, but the plant also offers free guided tours. I’ve already booked a tour myself and will update this guide once I’ve had the chance to visit.

More Hundertwasser Buildings in Austria

If Hundertwasser’s architecture has captured your imagination, there are several more buildings worth visiting elsewhere in Austria and even more spread around the world. The most notable buildings in Austria are:

Rogner Bad Blumau

My personal favourite is Rogner Bad Blumau in Styria. This thermal spa was designed by Hundertwasser. With colourful buildings, curved lines, roof gardens, and plenty of greenery, it’s one of the most unique places to stay in Austria.

Interestingly, some of the designs were originally intended for a residential project near Vienna. You can even see a model of these plans at Kunst Haus Wien.

If you’re planning a trip to Styria, I highly recommend spending at least one night here.

🧖‍♀️ Book your stay in this unique spa here

St. Barbara Church in Bärnbach

Church designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser with a white facade, irregular decorative details, and a tall tower topped by a golden onion dome. The church stands among trees with rolling hills and a small town visible in the background on a sunny day.

Another fascinating Hundertwasser project is St. Barbara Church in Bärnbach, a small town in Styria.

Hundertwasser redesigned the exterior of the church, adding colourful towers, unusual shapes, and artistic details that transformed it into one of Austria’s most distinctive churches.

Autobahnrasthaus Bad Fischau

One of Hundertwasser’s lesser known projects is the service station at Bad Fischau along the A2 motorway.

While it’s not a destination in itself, it’s a fun surprise if you’re driving between Vienna and Styria and want to see another example of his colourful architectural style.

Hundertwasser’s Ship in Tulln

Traditional sailing ship moored along the Danube River in Tulln with tall masts reflected in the calm green water. Thick clouds drift across the sky above the riverside promenade and marina area.

At the Hundertwasser Museum, I was surprised to learn how much time Hundertwasser spent travelling by boat. One of the exhibits is a model of the ship he used to explore the Mediterranean and sail as far as New Zealand.

If you’d like to see the real ship, you can see it in Tulln, although entrance is only permitted a few times a year. While you’re there, it’s also worth exploring the rest of this charming town on the Danube.

More Unique Things in Vienna

Hundertwasser’s buildings are unlike anything else you’ll find in Vienna. Their colourful facades, uneven floors, and close connection to nature show that architecture doesn’t have to follow conventional rules.

If Hundertwasser’s unique vision appeals to you, Vienna has plenty more unusual places to discover. You can watch a breathtaking light show inside a historic church, explore a fascinating cemetery where nature is slowly reclaiming old graves.

For more unusual experiences, check out my guide to the best unique things to do in Vienna.

Read more about Vienna:

Pin it for later:
Collage showcasing Hundertwasser attractions in Vienna. Images include the colorful Hundertwasser House covered in greenery, a woman drinking a green beverage in a courtyard café, a scale model of the Hundertwasser House complex, and a fountain beneath an archway decorated with irregular windows and mosaic details. Text across the center reads "Hundertwasser Vienna, Austria" and text at the bottom reads "AustrianVeganderlust.com".
The Most Beautiful Hundertwasser Architecture in Vienna

Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Austrian Veganderlust. After travelling the world and documenting her adventures on Veganderlust, she created this blog to share the beauty of her home country, Austria. Tina now focuses on helping travellers discover the best spots in Austria, including where to find the most delicious vegan food.