Vienna, Austria

Republic of Kugelmugel

A spherical "micro-nation" in the heart of Vienna


After a dispute with the government over construction of his spherical house in central Vienna, the Austrian artist Edwin Lipburger declared his property an independent nation in 1984 and renamed it the Republic of Kugelmugel. Lipburger was sentenced to jail for his refusal to pay taxes and his insistence on printing his own stamps. However, a pardon from the Austrian president saved him from serving time.

Kugelmugel (roughly "Spherical Hill") was eventually moved to Prater park, an amusement park in Vienna where it has become a tourist attraction. Outside the house Edwin has posted a long "Scheisse list." The list includes the mayor Dr. Helmut Zilk, who forged a demolition permit for Kugelmugel. Though the Republic of Kugelmugel is enclosed in barbed wire, it is still possible to get a glimpse of the micro-nation from the surrounding Austrian park land.

Edited by: Dylan (Admin)
  • Address
    2 Antifaschismusplatz, Vienna, 1020, Austria
  • Cost
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Kugelmugel is located in Vienna's famous Prater park set of much of Orsen Well's movie "The Third Man," and is found at the western edge of the park in the shadow of a roller-coaster.