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Spittelau Incinerator: Art Meets Energy

Discover Vienna's vibrant Spittelau Incinerator: where art, sustainability, and innovative waste management come together in a landmark design.

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The Spittelau Incinerator is not your average waste disposal plant. Designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, this functional structure is a vibrant landmark in Vienna, showcasing a unique blend of art, technology, and environmental consciousness.

A brief summary to Spittelau incinerator

  • Monday 8 am-3 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-3 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-3 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 8 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Take the U-Bahn lines U4 or U6 to the Spittelau station for easy access to the incinerator.
  • Walk along the Donaukanal (Danube Canal) to enjoy the graffiti art and reach other modern architectural sites.
  • Visit the Wiener Würstelstand (sausage stand) outside the incinerator on Josef-Holaubek-Platz, known as one of Vienna's best.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Karlsplatz in the city center, take U-Bahn line U4 (green line) towards Heiligenstadt. Get off at the Spittelau station (approximately 10 minutes). Take the exit towards Spittelauer Lände, walk straight for about 5 minutes, and you will see the Spittelau Incinerator. A single journey costs €3.

  • Tram

    If you are near the Ringstrasse area, take tram line D towards Nußdorf. Get off at the 'Spittelau' stop. Walk towards Spittelauer Lände for about 5 minutes to reach the incinerator. A single journey costs €3.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from the city center (e.g., Schwedenplatz) to the Spittelau Incinerator takes approximately 7 minutes and costs between €8-€10. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

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Discover more about Spittelau incinerator

The Spittelau Incinerator stands as a testament to Vienna's innovative approach to waste management and urban design. Originally constructed in 1971 to provide thermal energy to the Vienna General Hospital, the plant suffered extensive damage from a fire in 1987. Instead of simply rebuilding it, the city seized the opportunity to transform the facility into a work of art. The city commissioned Friedensreich Hundertwasser, an Austrian artist and architect known for his colorful and unconventional designs, to redesign the incinerator. Hundertwasser, who rejected straight lines and embraced organic forms, created a striking facade with colorful mosaics, undulating surfaces, and a golden sphere atop its chimney. The redesigned plant reopened in 1992 and quickly became a symbol of Vienna's commitment to sustainability and its ability to integrate art into everyday life. Today, the Spittelau Incinerator processes approximately 250,000 tons of waste annually, generating energy for around 60,000 homes and providing cooling to nearby hospitals and universities. The plant utilizes advanced technologies to minimize emissions and ensure environmentally friendly waste treatment. Visitors can appreciate Hundertwasser's architectural masterpiece and learn about Vienna's sustainable waste management practices. Although interior tours are not always available, the exterior alone is worth a visit. A visit to the Spittelau Incinerator offers a unique opportunity to witness the harmonious combination of art, technology, and environmental responsibility.

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