Wachauer Nase: A Whimsical Landmark in the Wachau Valley

The Wachauer Nase is a celebrated piece of public art found in the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Austria. Situated on the southern bank of the Danube River in St. Lorenz, part of the Rossatz-Arnsdorf municipality, the sculpture faces Weißenkirchen. Created by the Viennese artist collective Gelatin, also known as Gelitin, this eye-catching artwork has become a landmark in the region. Unveiled in July 2014, the Wachauer Nase is a four-meter-high, meticulously crafted concrete rendering of a human nose. Its sheer size and unexpected presence capture attention, while the large nostrils invite visitors to step inside and experience the sculpture from within. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the Danube and the Wachau Valley. The sculpture encourages interaction and reflection. In 2012, Gelatin invited Wachau residents to have their noses cast in plaster, using these casts as inspiration for the final design. The resulting form is a hybrid nose, a composite of the many noses that make up the Wachau community, symbolizing connection and exchange. The Wachauer Nase is located near the ferry landing in St. Lorenz, serving as a gateway to exploring the wider Wachau region. St. Lorenz is a charming village with vineyards and apricot orchards. A short ferry ride across the Danube leads to Weißenkirchen, known for its church and wines. The Wachau region offers opportunities for wine tasting, cycling, and hiking, with the Danube Cycle Path and Wachau World Heritage Trail nearby.