Hundertwasserbrunnen Travel Guide

The Hundertwasser Fountain, officially named the 'Österreichbrunnen' (Austria Fountain), stands as a vibrant and whimsical landmark in Zell am See, a testament to the artistic vision of Friedensreich Hundertwasser and his commitment to ecological harmony. More than just a water feature, it's an immersive art installation that embodies Hundertwasser's philosophy of blending art, nature, and functionality.Hundertwasser, born Friedrich Stowasser, was an Austrian artist, architect, and environmentalist known for his distinctive style characterized by irregular shapes, bright colors, and a rejection of straight lines. He believed in architecture that was in harmony with nature and reflected the individuality of its inhabitants.The fountain was commissioned by Wilfried Holleis, the owner of the Grand Hotel Zell am See. Hundertwasser conceived an ecological landscape installation where water circulates through vegetation. Water from Lake Zell is pumped into the fountain, flowing through interconnected pools and cascades, creating a closed-loop system that mimics natural water cycles.One of the most striking features is its nine ceramic columns, each representing one of Austria's federal states (Länder). The height of the columns corresponds to the state's population, and their colors reflect the colors in each state's coat of arms. Hundertwasser even used his designs for Austrian car number plates as inspiration. Construction began in 1996 and was completed in 2003, after Hundertwasser's death in 2000. The project was executed by Hans Muhr, following Hundertwasser's plans.