Johann “Hans” Hölzel, known to the world as Falco, was arguably the most spectacular pop star Austria has ever produced. With hits like “Rock Me Amadeus,” he became the first German-speaking artist to storm to the top of the U.S. Billboard charts. But while Falco played the role of an extravagant, arrogant artistic persona in the spotlight, the man Hans Hölzel sought a place where he could let his guard down.
A brilliant mind and his private refuge
He found this sanctuary in 1987 in Gars am Kamp, in the tranquil Waldviertel region of Lower Austria. In this stately Art Nouveau villa, built around 1900, the eccentric musician sought and found the peace and quiet he needed away from the hustle and bustle of Vienna—until his tragic accidental death in 1998. During the week, he lived here in seclusion to recharge his batteries and refine new song ideas.
Anyone who enters the estate today embarks on an emotional journey through time. Since the summer of 2024 , the villa has finally been open to the public as a museum. What makes it special is that, inside, time has completely stood still as of 1998. The rooms have been preserved in their original condition, creating an almost magical, intimate atmosphere. Visitors feel as though the artist had merely stepped out of the house for a brief walk.
A journey through time into the world of “Falco”
Inside the villa, the fascinating contrast of his life can be perfectly experienced. Alongside the down-to-earth, period-appropriate kitchen from the late 1980sand his private bedroom, opulent designer furniture bears witness to the luxury enjoyed by the global superstar. The absolute heart of the house , however, lies in the basement. That is where the legendary music studio is located .
His instruments, personal notes, and countless gold records still line the walls here. At the villa’s own studio bar—where Falco once celebrated with colleagues—fans can now raise a glass of champagne to “Falco” at the end of a guided tour. The villa is thus not just a museum, but a living monument to an unforgettable musical genius.
📍Hornerstraße 214, 3571 Gars am Kamp
