DIY everything!

We love learning by doing!

DIY is in Hostel Ruthensteiner’s DNA. Form the start in 1968 when Walter Ruthensteiner, an avid woodworker himself designed the Hostels iconic wooden benches we loved doing all ourselves. This Do-it-yourselve ethos has extended beyond just the benches, permeating every aspect of the hostel’s existence. From the maintenance and renovations to the unique and quirky decorations, every task is approached with a hands-on, do-it-yourself attitude. This commitment to DIY not only adds a personal touch to the hostel’s ambiance but also creates a sense of pride and authenticity that resonates with the guests who visit and appreciate the hostel’s unique charm.

Your booking is an automatic "art ticket" :)
watercolor ink interior design illustration by bethany lee
planing a uniquely designed table for the hostel common areas

Our very own wood workshop

Having our very own wood workshop in the back garden house is truly a stroke of luck. It is the place where all the magic happens! The workshop is outfitted with machines that date back up to 100 years and this needs a good insight into how to handle them. This dedicated space allows us to unleash our creativity. Whether it’s crafting intricate furniture, designing unique home decor items, or simply indulging in the joy of woodworking, our wood workshop serves as a sanctuary for our passion.

Logo and graphic design

Wether it is our logo that has been crafter by Courtney Day (working for over 10 years at the Hostel) and myself or the tiling design we did in the “Hundertwasser Dorm”, the wall Art, some of the patterns here on the webiste and on our keycard pouches by Bethany Lee (A receptionist for many years), The images on walls by Sonja Stangl (former receptionist, now acclaimed illustrator) or all of the handy work by Czeslaw, our famous polish House Masta – most of it was done in house by our very own staff.

Cutting tiles into mosaic pieces for round Hundertwasser style window frame
Paola Moreira, CEO of wohnfee, selecting linen fabrics

Interior Design

From Hostel to Poshtel?

Paola Moreira, a brazilian interior designer (currently working at Wohnfee) was a receptionist and bar tender herself before she professionalized in her original field of interior design. As my partner she is still very connected to the Hostel and all of the recent interior design changes are at least heavily influenced by her. While we loved to double up on the quality and get in beautiful and quirky design ideas we never embraced a fully perfected and slick interior design that other Hostels nowadays implement. We kept it homemade and artsy and unique. Every room has been designed by itself with it’s very own design language. You wont find the same style twice.

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