In Eastern Wisconsin, there’s a beautiful building that will transport you overseas. It’s called the Waelderhaus, and it’s an authentic Austrian-style building that’s unlike any other in Wisconsin. It’s one of the more unusual buildings in Wisconsin and it’s something you have to see in person to fully appreciate. Here’s what’s waiting for you at the Waelderhaus.
The Waelderhaus is located in the Village of Kohler. It was constructed in 1929-1930 near the Sheboygan River.
Google / Waelderhaus
The home was constructed by Marie Christine Kohler as a memorial to her father, John Michael Kohler II. John Kohler was born in 1844 in an Austrian alpine village. After he arrived in the United States, he founded the Kohler Company, a producer of bathroom and kitchen products.
Google / Waelderhaus
Kohler’s company was an enormous success and his daughter commissioned an incredible tribute. The building was designed and furnished by Austrian architect Kaspar Albrecht.
Google / Waelderhaus
The building was built to look like it could have existed in John Kohler’s home town. It was built in the traditional style of the Bregenzerwald region of western Austria.
Google / Waelderhaus
The Waelderhaus became the home of the Kohler Women’s Club and it was used by local Girl Scouts. It has a traditional Bregenzerwald style kitchen and contains many articles brought from Austria by the Kohler family. There are many carvings, tapestries, stained glass, and fine pieces of furniture.
Google / Waelderhaus
Waelderhaus is a word meaning “house in the woods” and it’s always been a home open to the public. Today the home is open for regular tours – it’s a chance to explore a beautiful building hat helps tell the story of an important Wisconsin family.
Google / Waelderhaus
Guided tours of the Waelderhaus are free of charge and reservations are recommended. Visitors are also welcome to explore the gardens and grounds at their leisure. The facility also hosts an annual gingerbread festival in December. Learn more on the Waelderhaus website. There’s a lot more to experience in Kohler, including one of the best hotels in the entire world.
Google / Waelderhaus
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Address: Waelderhaus, 1100 W Riverside Dr, Kohler, WI 53044, USA
