The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

You might wonder why a housing complex, like the Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna, is of so much importance, considering the fact that the entire architecture of Vienna has the same vibe.

The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful! Austria
The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

Well, when a building has the rebellious touch of Hundertwasser, it’s bound to get some attention that you can’t ignore. They might look weird, but they are marvelously colorful! 

Hundertwasser Austria Things to do
This is not your typical building with typical architecture.

The Hundertwasserhaus is a compound with colorful flats built based on the concept conceived by the Austrian artist Friedensrecich Hundertwasser which was brought to life by architect Joseph Krawina.

Houses with vines and nature things to do in Vienna
Nature takes over!

Non Conformity

The German architect was just like Gaude. He did not believe in following conventional architecture, nor he took it from the architects who considered themselves pioneers. Instead, he relied on his own vision, and the Hundertwasserhaus is an entire depiction of that. 

The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful! Austria
The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

No straight lines

As soon as you lay your eyes on the building, the 1983-1985 construction would give you odd feelings. There are no straight lines at all. You’ve got to admire the undulated walls and the uneven window sizes.

The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful! Austria
The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

Even the colors speak of rebellion.

The colors of the complex are surprisingly patchy. They are bright and bold and in the confines of the undulating lines.

Man standing on colourful houses in Vienna Austria
Make sure to wear colours to blend in. 😉

The patterns and colors represent their own rebellion

colourful posts in house Vienna Hotel hostel
Even the posts are colourful!

Even in some areas, you’ll see the original facade revealed. That initial weird feeling you had evaporates once you get used to its patterns, colours, and architecture.

Nature reclamation

Hundertwasser loved nature and always took inspiration from the structures abundant in nature, such as spirals. That’s why it is not surprising to see roots and vines exposed and crawling on walls. He allowed greenery to take over most of its facade. It almost seems as if nature is reclaiming the building itself.

Related Post: My Own Walking Tour in Vienna

The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful! Austria
The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

A shopping arena

Hundertwasserhaus acts like a magnet to architect lovers and to make them busy in the surrounding areas as well, “Hundertwasser Village” has been constructed. A type of shopping mall, you’ll find everything here for souvenirs.

The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful! Austria
The Hundertwasser Houses in Vienna are Marvelously Weird and Colourful!

KunstHausWien

A little 10 minutes walk from the complex and the shopping arena, there is KunstHausWien – a museum dedicated to the architect’s life and works. It also houses the works of other renowned artists of his time and the time preceding him.

KunstHausWien Museum Vienna Austria
KunstHausWien – a museum dedicated to the architect’s life and works.

It takes time to go there, so make sure you plan it. I went there early morning (8:30), and I was the lone tourist at that time.

Hostel / Hotel in Vienna

I stayed at a&o Wien Hauptbahnhof, just 5 minutes walk from Vienna Central Train Station. You can book it via Booking.comHostelWorld, and Expedia

Things to do in Vienna
Two apartment buildings: one is colourful, the other is bland.

I intended to stay here because I had an early train going to Bratislava. The room I was assigned was very spacious, and bunk beds were arranged comfortably. The staff members are friendly, and the hostel itself is clean. Since it’s close to the station, there are cafes and grocery stores in the area, and very accessible to public transport. If you’re not on a budget, here are some hotels where you can stay.

colourful windows
The windows are in various sizes, too.

KeepCalmAndWander

A wanderer. A frustrated photographer. Hiker. Lover. Half extrovert, half introvert. Solo traveler.

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