Gurken: Salzburg's Playful Pickles

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Discover Erwin Wurm's playful 'Gurken' sculpture in Salzburg's Old Town, a quirky highlight on the Walk of Modern Art.

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Gurken

The 'Gurken' (Gherkins) sculpture by Erwin Wurm is a whimsical and thought-provoking art installation in Salzburg's Furtwänglerpark, featuring oversized cucumbers that invite smiles and contemplation. Part of the Walk of Modern Art, these quirky sculptures offer a contemporary contrast to the city's baroque architecture.

A brief summary to Gurken

Max-Reinhardt-Platz 5020, Salzburg, 5020, AT

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

Take some fun photos with the cucumbers! Their unusual size and placement make for great photo opportunities.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the 'Walk of Modern Art' to discover other contemporary art installations in Salzburg.
Visit Max-Reinhardt-Platz in the evening for a different perspective on the sculptures under the city lights.

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Getting There

Walking

From Salzburg Cathedral, walk east along Kapitelgasse, then turn right onto Max-Reinhardt-Platz. The 'Gurken' are located in Furtwänglerpark, a small green space on the square. The walk is approximately 5 minutes and free.
Public Transport

Take Bus lines 1, 4, 22, or N8 to the 'Rathaus' stop. From there, walk west along Max-Reinhardt-Platz. The 'Gurken' will be visible in Furtwänglerpark on your left. A single bus fare costs approximately €2.50.

Discover more about Gurken

Nestled in the heart of Salzburg's Old Town, in the Furtwänglerpark on Max-Reinhardt-Platz, Erwin Wurm's 'Gurken' (Gherkins) presents a delightful disruption to the city's historical ambiance. This public art installation, created in 2011 as part of the Salzburg Foundation's 'Art Project,' features five oversized, seemingly randomly placed cucumbers.Wurm, an internationally acclaimed Austrian artist, is known for his humorous and unconventional approach to sculpture. The 'Gurken' installation is characteristic of his style, blending wit, irony, and a touch of the absurd. The sculptures encourage viewers to question the meaning of everyday objects and to see the world from a fresh perspective.The artwork is open to interpretation, inviting viewers to find their own meaning in the oversized vegetables. Some see it as a commentary on consumerism, while others view it as a lighthearted celebration of the unexpected. Regardless of interpretation, the 'Gurken' provides a memorable and Instagram-worthy experience for visitors to Salzburg.The 'Gurken' is part of Salzburg's 'Walk of Modern Art,' a series of contemporary art installations placed throughout the city's historic center. This initiative aims to make contemporary art accessible to everyone, creating a dialogue between the city's rich history and its vibrant present. Other notable sculptures on the walk include Stephan Balkenhol's 'Sphaera' and Anthony Cragg's works on the Krauthügel.