Stories

Some places simply don’t fit neatly into a category. And that is precisely what makes them interesting. The WERKSTATT by Yvonne and Hannes Hochrieser is one of those places – part studio, part stage, part meeting place and, above all, a space for good ideas.

Just a short stroll from Refugium Lunz, this is a place for creating, transforming, experimenting and bringing things together. Old furniture is given a new life, colours, shapes and materials are reimagined, and pieces that might otherwise have been discarded are turned into one-of-a-kind objects with character. Those who want to get hands-on can learn how to transform something old into something entirely their own in furniture upcycling workshops. And those who prefer to browse will find furniture and accessories in the small design shop that tell exactly these kinds of stories.

And then, time and again, the WERKSTATT transforms itself. Into a concert venue. A place for readings and tastings. A long evening filled with music, wine and good food. The programme changes, but the idea behind it remains the same: bringing people together and creating space for things that bring joy.

We like that. Perhaps because the attitude behind it feels familiar to us: appreciating what already exists, taking materials seriously, making things by hand – while always remaining open to something new.

If you are spending a few days at Refugium Lunz, it is well worth seeing what Yvonne and Hannes have going on. Sometimes you might find a piece of furniture. Sometimes a concert or a workshop. And sometimes simply one of those places you didn’t know you were looking for.