Edelstoff translates roughly as precious or noble materials. An apt concept for the same-named event market that features a kaleidoscope of independent design.
- Dozens of exhibitors
- Excellent source of unique shopping (esp. gifts)
- Takes place several times a year
- Next main 2024 dates:
- Oct 19-20 and Dec 7-8
- Location not far from Mozart’s burial place
- Book a concert experience* for this week (or later)
- See also:
Showcase and shopping
(Press photo © Philipp Lipiarski)
So a tricky task for me to write about Edelstoff, as I have all the sense of style of a rhino who never thought to leave the wallowing hole. But stick with me.
Consider the event a showcase and shopping opportunity. Several times a year, the Marx Halle semi-industrial exhibition hall fills with tables bursting with offerings from dozens of small independent designers and producers.
The range of items feels like a reflection of the better side of modern Austria: tradition and elegance, a hint of the alternative, a touch of sophistication, a slice of culture, and plenty that is truly unique. All under a mantle of economic and environmental sustainability (natural materials are everywhere).
Fashion dominates, unsurprisingly, with clothes ranging from street wear to evening wear. But also expect tableware, interior décor, jewelry, cosmetics, and more.
One designer sold portable table tennis tables on my visit. Others offered oils, pasta and spreads…and rubbed shoulders with boutique gin distillers and wineries.
Talking of which, one part of the exhibition hall is set aside for seating and street food. I found wraps, burgers, pasta dishes, rice bowls, empanadas, and more, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. (And cakes.)
Edelstoff feels like a place to pick up something unique for your home or wardrobe. And an excellent opportunity to pick up gifts with more personality and better morals than you find in a typical department store.
Dates, tickets & tips
Edelstoff has several editions each year. The next 2024 dates are October 19th and 20th with a further event on December 7th and 8th.
You typically buy tickets at the door or online; the official website (see below) has the relevant details once available.
This part of town provides a home for media organisations and bioscience institutions, neither of which probably rank highly on your list of must-see attractions.
However, you’re very close to a piece of history: Mozart’s burial place is, unexpectedly, just a short walk away.
Those who appreciate modern architecture should also take in the building to the southwest of the Marx Halle location. The huge T-Center award-winning office design houses the telecom giant, Magenta, and has the world’s third-largest LED façade.
How to get to Edelstoff
As a former cattle market, you won’t find the Marx Halle alongside the cathedral in the centre of Vienna. But you can reach it quickly on public transport.
Subway: take the U3, which passes through the very centre of Vienna, to the Erdberg or Schlachthausgasse stations. It’s a short stroll from either; I needed a brisk 10-minute walk from the latter to reach the market hall.
Tram/bus: the 18 or 71 trams drop you close by at the St. Marx stop. The 71, for example, also leaves from central locations like Schottentor and Oper/Karlsplatz
Address: Karl-Farkas-Gasse 19, 1030 Vienna | Website