Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I (Self Guided), Vienna
Among the plethora of other things, the capital of Austria, Vienna, is renowned for its contribution to Art Nouveau – the popular art movement emerged and flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Stemming from it the Viennese Secession movement, also known as the Austrian Art Nouveau, or Jugendstil (in German), gave rise to a number of architectural marvels.
By far the most colorful of them are the Hundertwasserhaus apartment block and the distinctive KunstHaus (Museum Hundertwasser), both designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The two landmarks showcase the architect's unique style with irregular shapes, undulating floors, and the use of tiles and vegetation.
From these biomorphic creations to the sleek and functional buildings – like the massive Postal Savings Bank (Postsparkasse), by Otto Wagner, with its geometric forms and elegant detailing, to the aesthetically minimalist Loos Haus, created by Adolf Loos, embodying his famous principle "ornament is a crime", – these once unconventional structures brought an unprecedented artistic revolution that set the stage for the radically experimental designs of the past century.
Another architectural gem, the towering Urania Observatory, by Max Fabiani, combines intricate decorative elements with scientific functionality. At the same time, the more contemporary, postmodernist Haas Haus pays homage to the surrounding architecture, reflecting the adjacent St Stephen's Cathedral in its glass-clad front wall, seamlessly blending the old and the new.
Vienna's commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique architectural heritage has made the city a significant destination for anyone interested in Art Nouveau. Indeed, in Vienna, "Art Nouveau dances gracefully, embracing form and function in a harmonious waltz of artistic expression." If you don't mind being swept off your feet in this swirl of beauty and innovation, take this self-guided walking tour part 1.
By far the most colorful of them are the Hundertwasserhaus apartment block and the distinctive KunstHaus (Museum Hundertwasser), both designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The two landmarks showcase the architect's unique style with irregular shapes, undulating floors, and the use of tiles and vegetation.
From these biomorphic creations to the sleek and functional buildings – like the massive Postal Savings Bank (Postsparkasse), by Otto Wagner, with its geometric forms and elegant detailing, to the aesthetically minimalist Loos Haus, created by Adolf Loos, embodying his famous principle "ornament is a crime", – these once unconventional structures brought an unprecedented artistic revolution that set the stage for the radically experimental designs of the past century.
Another architectural gem, the towering Urania Observatory, by Max Fabiani, combines intricate decorative elements with scientific functionality. At the same time, the more contemporary, postmodernist Haas Haus pays homage to the surrounding architecture, reflecting the adjacent St Stephen's Cathedral in its glass-clad front wall, seamlessly blending the old and the new.
Vienna's commitment to preserving and celebrating its unique architectural heritage has made the city a significant destination for anyone interested in Art Nouveau. Indeed, in Vienna, "Art Nouveau dances gracefully, embracing form and function in a harmonious waltz of artistic expression." If you don't mind being swept off your feet in this swirl of beauty and innovation, take this self-guided walking tour part 1.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I Map
Guide Name: Vienna's Art Nouveau Architecture Tour I
Guide Location: Austria » Vienna (See other walking tours in Vienna)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Austria » Vienna (See other walking tours in Vienna)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Hundertwasserhaus
- KunstHaus / Museum Hundertwasser
- Urania Observatory
- Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank)
- Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock)
- Haas Haus
- Loos Haus
1) Hundertwasserhaus
A relatively recent addition to the city's architectural heritage, the Hundertwasserhaus is a great example of 20th-century urban experimentation and certainly one of Vienna's top tourist attractions. Sitting as an antithetical statement about what architecture can be (as it's often compared to the surrounding buildings), this gloriously eclectic block of flats can almost look like a rainbow from afar, consisting of a frenzy of oriel windows, loggias, shiny ceramic pillars, glass embellishments, a gilded onion dome, roof gardens and even a slice of the pre-1983 building. There's simply nothing else like it in the city.
The idiosyncratic housing development was created in 1985 by avant-garde artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who wished to diverge from what he perceived as the rather soulless modern architecture emerging in Vienna's suburbs. The result was a structure that has been controversial since its construction – but further to his credit, Hundertwasser took no payment for the design, declaring that the investment was worth it to "prevent something ugly from going up in its place".
Why You Should Visit:
To marvel at an expression of sheer architectural exuberance that stands in contrast to the stately palaces (and pretty much everything else).
Tip:
As a private building it is closed to the public, but opposite is the Hundertwasser Village (9am–6pm daily) designed by the same artist – a bazaar of shops and cafés open to the public, and a pleasant place to peruse for quirky souvenirs.
The idiosyncratic housing development was created in 1985 by avant-garde artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who wished to diverge from what he perceived as the rather soulless modern architecture emerging in Vienna's suburbs. The result was a structure that has been controversial since its construction – but further to his credit, Hundertwasser took no payment for the design, declaring that the investment was worth it to "prevent something ugly from going up in its place".
Why You Should Visit:
To marvel at an expression of sheer architectural exuberance that stands in contrast to the stately palaces (and pretty much everything else).
Tip:
As a private building it is closed to the public, but opposite is the Hundertwasser Village (9am–6pm daily) designed by the same artist – a bazaar of shops and cafés open to the public, and a pleasant place to peruse for quirky souvenirs.
2) KunstHaus / Museum Hundertwasser
KunstHausWien, housed in a former furniture factory and opened to the public in 1991 as a museum, is another of Hundertwasser's Gaudí-esque conversions, exhibiting the largest collection of the eccentric artist's paintings, printed graphics, tapestries and architectural designs. Vienna's first "green museum" also gives its visitors the chance to experience Hundertwasser's visionary ecological commitment – he experimented with grass roofs and planted trees in building façades. Over and above this, the KunstHaus is Vienna's premier house for photo exhibitions, particularly those focused on street photography. Audio guides are provided for a small fee.
Colorful and bizarre, the building itself is pure Hundertwasser and recommended for everyone wanting to escape Baroque, with its irregular floors, trees growing out of windows, and sudden architectural surprises, all of which make a wholly appropriate setting for modern art. Makes you wonder if Hundertwasser and Gaudí were friends!
Tip:
Check out the lovely café at the back with a terrace that just waits for you to take a seat and relax. There's also a shop nearby so you can buy a memento of the visit.
Colorful and bizarre, the building itself is pure Hundertwasser and recommended for everyone wanting to escape Baroque, with its irregular floors, trees growing out of windows, and sudden architectural surprises, all of which make a wholly appropriate setting for modern art. Makes you wonder if Hundertwasser and Gaudí were friends!
Tip:
Check out the lovely café at the back with a terrace that just waits for you to take a seat and relax. There's also a shop nearby so you can buy a memento of the visit.
3) Urania Observatory
Once Vienna's first public observatory cum adult education center hosting courses/lectures by leading intellectuals of the time (including Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann), the multi-purpose Urania has over the years branched into a cinema, a large planetarium, a modern café-bar, and also – of all things – a puppet theater. That is quite the mix of things for one small place!
Designed by Max Fabiani, who studied under the famous Otto Wagner, the Art Nouveau-style structure was built in the shape of an unorthodox ship in 1910 and named after the famous muse of astronomy. It sits very close to the Danube, in a very scenic part of town, with the café-bar's fabulous elevated terrace overlooking the canal.
During the Second World War, Urania was severely damaged, and the observatory was rendered completely useless. Thanks to some generous patrons, however, the location was reopened, providing incredible views of the heavens in addition to one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vienna. Take advantage of your visit by observing it from the other side of the river and from the nearby bridge, and you'll agree that it is definitely one of Central Europe's most remarkable buildings.
Designed by Max Fabiani, who studied under the famous Otto Wagner, the Art Nouveau-style structure was built in the shape of an unorthodox ship in 1910 and named after the famous muse of astronomy. It sits very close to the Danube, in a very scenic part of town, with the café-bar's fabulous elevated terrace overlooking the canal.
During the Second World War, Urania was severely damaged, and the observatory was rendered completely useless. Thanks to some generous patrons, however, the location was reopened, providing incredible views of the heavens in addition to one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vienna. Take advantage of your visit by observing it from the other side of the river and from the nearby bridge, and you'll agree that it is definitely one of Central Europe's most remarkable buildings.
4) Postsparkasse (Austrian Postal Savings Bank)
The Postsparkasse building in Vienna, built by Otto Wagner in 1903, revolutionized architecture in Vienna. An early example of a building done with a steel grid system, and then reinforced with concrete, this type of construction is now done the world over, and is considered pretty much standard fair; however, in the early 1900s, the secessionist design and choice of materials were – and still are – considered a marvel to behold. You need only compare it with the nearby structures, especially the pompous ministry building at the other end of the park, to feel what a revolution this must have been.
The building's clear lines and cool elegance, achieved by the usage of steel, concrete and glass, give it a solid and impenetrable look. The skylight in the main hall nevertheless allows for natural light to reach the interior of the building, making it light and airy at the same time.
On weekdays, you can explore the back section of the building which houses a museum (entrance is free) dedicated to Otto Wagner and his building, along with various temporary exhibitions on design. There's a good documentary (in German only) about Wagner's life and work, detailing how he designed everything in the Postsparkasse – even down to the chairs and tables used. And it's all there to see, along with plans. Well worth a visit.
The building's clear lines and cool elegance, achieved by the usage of steel, concrete and glass, give it a solid and impenetrable look. The skylight in the main hall nevertheless allows for natural light to reach the interior of the building, making it light and airy at the same time.
On weekdays, you can explore the back section of the building which houses a museum (entrance is free) dedicated to Otto Wagner and his building, along with various temporary exhibitions on design. There's a good documentary (in German only) about Wagner's life and work, detailing how he designed everything in the Postsparkasse – even down to the chairs and tables used. And it's all there to see, along with plans. Well worth a visit.
5) Ankeruhr (Anchor Clock)
Named after the Anker Insurance Company, which financed it, this early 20th-century Art Nouveau masterpiece set atop the Uhrbrücke or "Clock Bridge" between two buildings, is the work of Franz von Matsch, a close associate of renowned Austrian artist Gustav Klimt.
People flock here at noon when the clock puts on a show, with twelve historical figures slowly stagger across the clock face. These include Marcus Aurelius (the Roman emperor who died in Vienna in AD 180), Empress Maria Theresa, Joseph Haydn, and other (details of who’s who are on a street-level plaque), each one accompanied by music from their era. The tunes, including works by Mozart and Wagner, were originally played by a mechanical organ containing an incredible 800 tubes, which managed to survive the WWII artillery fire, but was damaged to such an extent that it could not be repaired and was replaced by a ten-minute medley of digital sound reproduction.
It's not an overly big deal like the Astronomical Clock in Prague (which happens to be similarly fitted with twelve gilded figures and similarly built in green and gold colors), but it's fun to see, and you are not getting crushed by crowds of tourists the way you might in Prague.
Tip:
Another interesting monument to view at Hoher Markt is the attractive Baroque-style "Marriage Fountain" (Vermählungsbrunnen) that dates back to the mid 18th-century.
People flock here at noon when the clock puts on a show, with twelve historical figures slowly stagger across the clock face. These include Marcus Aurelius (the Roman emperor who died in Vienna in AD 180), Empress Maria Theresa, Joseph Haydn, and other (details of who’s who are on a street-level plaque), each one accompanied by music from their era. The tunes, including works by Mozart and Wagner, were originally played by a mechanical organ containing an incredible 800 tubes, which managed to survive the WWII artillery fire, but was damaged to such an extent that it could not be repaired and was replaced by a ten-minute medley of digital sound reproduction.
It's not an overly big deal like the Astronomical Clock in Prague (which happens to be similarly fitted with twelve gilded figures and similarly built in green and gold colors), but it's fun to see, and you are not getting crushed by crowds of tourists the way you might in Prague.
Tip:
Another interesting monument to view at Hoher Markt is the attractive Baroque-style "Marriage Fountain" (Vermählungsbrunnen) that dates back to the mid 18th-century.
6) Haas Haus
Placing a modern style edifice directly opposite the Gothic Stephansdom (Saint Stephen's Cathedral) was a difficult task with which the city entrusted one of Austria's leading Postmodernist architects, Hans Hollein, author of several uncompromising jewelry stores along der Graben and Kohlmarkt streets, each of which is a minor masterpiece in its own right. The result was the iconic 1990 Haas Haus, a shining, partly mirrored structure of glass, steel and blue-green marble that curves elegantly into the street, successfully blending into the colors, shapes, and grandeur of downtown Vienna.
The building looks pleasingly asymmetrical, replete with decorative elements, such as lopsided cubes of marble attached to the facade, a protruding structure high up resembling a diving board, and a Japanese-style bridge inside. The architecture proved an intelligent alternative to the demands of Historicism on the one hand and aggressive modernism on the other, presenting a futuristic, respectful challenge to the nearby Cathedral's soaring spires, reflected in the mirrored facade. Along with the office spaces, the Haas Haus atrium accommodates cafes, shops, a restaurant, and the upmarket DO & CO Hotel.
Tip:
Take a ride to the top of the building to check out the coffee house, and enjoy the view of the old Cathedral with a nice cup of coffee in hand.
Alternatively, visit the HAAS & HAAS TEAHOUSE (Mon-Sat: 8am–8pm; Sun/Holidays: 9am–6pm) located just outside the Cathedral.
The building looks pleasingly asymmetrical, replete with decorative elements, such as lopsided cubes of marble attached to the facade, a protruding structure high up resembling a diving board, and a Japanese-style bridge inside. The architecture proved an intelligent alternative to the demands of Historicism on the one hand and aggressive modernism on the other, presenting a futuristic, respectful challenge to the nearby Cathedral's soaring spires, reflected in the mirrored facade. Along with the office spaces, the Haas Haus atrium accommodates cafes, shops, a restaurant, and the upmarket DO & CO Hotel.
Tip:
Take a ride to the top of the building to check out the coffee house, and enjoy the view of the old Cathedral with a nice cup of coffee in hand.
Alternatively, visit the HAAS & HAAS TEAHOUSE (Mon-Sat: 8am–8pm; Sun/Holidays: 9am–6pm) located just outside the Cathedral.
7) Loos Haus
Designed by Adolf Loos and erected in 1910-12 on imposing Michaelerplatz, this building so outraged the Emperor Franz Joseph, who lived across the road, that he not only avoided it for the rest of his life, but also ordered the curtains of his windows to remain permanently shut. The source of the emperor's indignation was the starkly functional upper façade, which contrasts dramatically with the imperial square's ornate Baroque exuberance. The Viennese called it "the house without eyebrows", since the usual window roofing/detail was missing entirely. Work was allowed to continue only after Loos agreed to add the 10 bronze flower boxes adorning the façade today.
Despite its aesthetic functionalism, the building is not as merely functional as it may seem – especially in the materials used for the ground floor (Cipollino and Skyros marble) and the Tuscan columns on street level, intended as an allusion to the portico of Saint Michael's Church. The interior decoration remains a breathtaking surprise, having been restored and brought as close as possible to its original condition, with no fear of cost. Because the building now houses a bank, one can only 'tour' the ground floor exhibition of its history, and gaze wistfully at the magnificent wooden staircase.
Tip:
To really get up close and personal with Adolf Loos, head to the splendor of his LOOS AMERICAN BAR (12pm–4am daily), about six blocks east at No. 10 Kärntner Durchgang. Come have a classic cocktail as they were crafted over a century ago; stay for the ambiance and the design.
Despite its aesthetic functionalism, the building is not as merely functional as it may seem – especially in the materials used for the ground floor (Cipollino and Skyros marble) and the Tuscan columns on street level, intended as an allusion to the portico of Saint Michael's Church. The interior decoration remains a breathtaking surprise, having been restored and brought as close as possible to its original condition, with no fear of cost. Because the building now houses a bank, one can only 'tour' the ground floor exhibition of its history, and gaze wistfully at the magnificent wooden staircase.
Tip:
To really get up close and personal with Adolf Loos, head to the splendor of his LOOS AMERICAN BAR (12pm–4am daily), about six blocks east at No. 10 Kärntner Durchgang. Come have a classic cocktail as they were crafted over a century ago; stay for the ambiance and the design.
Walking Tours in Vienna, Austria
Create Your Own Walk in Vienna
Creating your own self-guided walk in Vienna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Chocolate Stores
Vienna is famous for its love for sweet indulgence. And when it comes to chocolate, it stands tall among other locally-made mouth-watering confections.
Vienna's chocolate scene is deeply rooted in a rich culinary tradition. It has been sustained by several historic chocolate houses, located in the Old Town, that have been serving decadent treats for generations.
Landmark... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Vienna's chocolate scene is deeply rooted in a rich culinary tradition. It has been sustained by several historic chocolate houses, located in the Old Town, that have been serving decadent treats for generations.
Landmark... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Klimt Paintings Tour
"I have the gift of neither the spoken nor the written word, especially if I have to say something about myself or my work. Whoever wants to know something about me - as an artist, the only notable thing - ought to look carefully at my pictures" – Gustav Klimt.
Klimt's name is indelibly linked to Vienna. The renowned symbolist painter was a prominent figure in the city. As a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Klimt's name is indelibly linked to Vienna. The renowned symbolist painter was a prominent figure in the city. As a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Vienna Introduction Walking Tour II
The former capital of the once mighty Austro-Hungarian Empire and the second largest city in the German-speaking world after Berlin, today's Vienna is still much revered for its great historic and cultural past, as well as present. The abundance of imperial palaces, diverse museums and historic churches attracts millions of international guests to Vienna each year. This introduction walk,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Vienna Introduction Walking Tour I
A city of green parks, opulent architecture and elegant shopping, crowded theatres and boulevards for leisurely sauntering—Vienna is rightfully regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The etymology of its name is subject to a debate in which some say it comes from vedunia ("forest stream"), which subsequently produced the Old High German “uuenia” (“wenia”), the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Vienna Old Town Walking Tour
Encircled by the grand Ringstrasse, the historic Old Town of Vienna, known as Innere Stadt, is a designated World Heritage Site. Today, the “inner city” abounds in upscale shops and cafes lining pedestrianized Kärntner Strasse and Graben, with art galleries and restaurants dotting the surrounding streets. This self guided tour offers you a chance to visit Stephansplatz dominated by Gothic St.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Famous Homes of Vienna
Throughout centuries, the Austrian capital has been home to numerous famous individuals, from creative people of arts to thinkers, scientists, and politicians. Vienna's illustrious history is closely intertwined with the abodes of its celebrated residents, where artistic virtuosos and luminaries of their time found solace and inspiration.
The often modest apartments of Vienna's famous... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The often modest apartments of Vienna's famous... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
7 Ultimately Austrian Foods to Taste in Vienna
Once the center of the vast Hapsburg Empire, stretched from France in the West to Russia in the East, Austria has embraced many ethnic influences in its cuisine over the course of centuries. Many of the country's distinctive dishes reflect its multinational heritage. Coffee culture, for...
Top 16 Austrian Things to Buy in Vienna
Vienna stool, Viennese schnitzel, Viennese waltz, Vienna sausage, Viennese apple strudel... There's so much Vienna to it, that you might think you've heard it all. Luckily, chances are that you haven't and there's much more in store left to be discovered about this fascinating...
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all