Republic of Kugelmugel in Vienna: What's Behind the 'Mini-State'

Vienna is known for its magnificent baroque buildings and Art Nouveau architecture. Attractions such as St. Stephen's Cathedral, Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and Belvedere Palace draw numerous visitors. The Vienna Prater is also among the main attractions of Austria's capital.

What few people might know: Very close to the amusement park with the famous Ferris wheel lies its own 'state', existing for over 40 years.

Anyone strolling along Prater Main Avenue will come across an orange globe surrounded by barbed wire. The fence separates the Republic of Austria from another 'country'. A sign over a red-and-white striped door reads: 'Republic of Kugelmugel - Border Crossing'.

The peculiar wooden structure has a diameter of merely eight meters. The surrounding area covers 94 square meters. Thus, the 'Republic', which has been in Vienna since 1982, is considered the world's smallest 'country'.

Officially, the micronation is not recognized. In reality, it is a historical artwork with an intriguing backstory.

The painter and performance artist Edwin Lipburger planned Kugelmugel with his son Nikolaus in the 1970s. Originally, the artwork was erected on a hill in Katzelsdorf near Wiener Neustadt (Lower Austria). The name 'Kugelmugel' combines 'Kugel' (referencing the building's spherical shape) and 'Mugel' (an Austrian dialect word for hill).

Since the sphere lacked a building permit, it was destined for demolition. A legal dispute ensued. To avoid this, Edwin Lipburger declared the fictional state of Kugelmugel in 1976, proclaimed himself president, and granted citizenships. The situation led to him serving ten weeks in jail for impersonating a public official, summarized in a report by the Austrian newspaper 'Die Presse' in June 2024.

In 1982, Helmut Zilk, who later became the Mayor of Vienna and was then the Cultural City Councilor, offered asylum to the artwork, and so the 'Republic' found its new location on the Prater Main Avenue in Vienna, on what Lipburger named 'Antifascism Square', reported the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF).

The building has repeatedly served as an exhibition space in the past. Since 2022, Linda Treiber is the 'President' of the Republic, following Edwin and Nikolas Lipburger, who were the self-declared 'Heads of State' as owners.

Following a complete renovation, the 'Republic' reopened its border on June 1, 2024, as reported by the Burgenland 'BVZ'. Every Saturday, between 2 and 5 p.m., interested visitors can cross the border, according to Treiber in the newspaper. Travelers receive a pass with a stamp.

The fee is 15 euros and, according to the 'President', it goes towards the maintenance of the historic art building. Treiber herself offers personal tours of the object.

Anyone wishing to become a 'citizen' of the Republic of Kugelmugel can apply for 'universal citizenship' with the 'President'. Prior registration is required, and a fee is charged, the ORF reports.

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