Wachauer Nase: A Whimsical Landmark in the Wachau Valley

The Wachauer Nase, a creation of the Viennese artist collective Gelitin, stands as a quirky and captivating landmark in Austria's Wachau Valley. Situated in St. Lorenz, a small village in the Rossatz-Arnsdorf municipality, the sculpture faces Weißenkirchen across the Danube River. This eye-catching artwork has quickly become a celebrated attraction in the Wachau region, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its picturesque vineyards and historic towns.The sculpture is a four-meter-high, meticulously crafted concrete rendering of a human nose. Its sheer size and unexpected presence capture attention, inviting visitors to step inside the nostrils and experience the sculpture from within. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the Danube and the Wachau Valley.The Wachauer Nase is more than a visually striking object; it's a conceptual artwork that encourages interaction and reflection. In 2012, Gelitin invited Wachau residents to have their noses cast in plaster, using these as inspiration for the final design. The sculpture's location near the ferry landing symbolizes connection and exchange, a reminder of community and collaboration. Since its unveiling in July 2014, the Wachauer Nase has sparked admiration and discussion.