Opera singer Lilli Paasikivi on her Austrian home: “From my terrace, I can see four different countries, sunsets, and a shimmering lake”
Opera festival director Lilli Paasikivi has furnished her home in Bregenz, Austria, with Finnish design: “When living alone, aesthetics are incredibly important. It has a direct effect on mental well-being.” In this article, Lilli Paasikivi shares the things that make life truly wonderful.
The best spot at home
My wonderful, spacious terrace in my new home. From there, I can see the sparkling Lake Constance and the sunset. In addition to Austria, also Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Germany lie on the horizon. The view is like a painting that allows me to admire snow-capped peaks, green hills, and passing boats. Sometimes, after a workday, I relax there with a glass of rosé. The place and the scenery give me strength and peace of mind.
The best piece of furniture
A TV sofa, meaning a sofa where I can lounge in the evenings to watch television. I especially enjoy Danish series and historical documentaries. I moved to Austria last fall for work, and my life is now mostly here. My spouse and I still have a home in Helsinki, and I visit it regularly. I want to keep the decor in my new home fairly simple. Even so, I’ve furnished it with Finnish design brands, such as Iittala. I’m also smitten with the day bed on the terrace that’s upholstered in a Johanna Gullichsen fabric—it’s a lovely spot to read a book. When living alone, aesthetics are incredibly important, and it has a direct effect on mental well-being. My home is a small haven where I can recharge.
The best thing in Finland
My life, my family, and my friends, along with having a sense of belonging to a community. Naturally, in Austria, I’m still a newcomer and therefore an outsider. I want to embrace the idea of positive foreignness—being a curious observer. I’m deeply inspired by my current job, as well as by European history and culture. Bregenz is at the cradle of Central European culture, and there’s so much to explore. It’s wonderful to be 60 years old and still learn new things! Besides missing my family, I also long for the flavors of home. I carry salmiakki and rye bread back from Finland in my suitcase.
The best routine
My morning swim in Lake Constance, or Bodensee in German. It’s 250 meters (820 feet) deep, and the water is excellent. Mornings often include a run along its shore before biking to work. I also enjoy hiking in the mountains. I’m soaking in the local nature and atmosphere with open arms.
The best way to pamper yourself
Food. There’s a wonderful food market in Bregenz, where vendors arrive from rural areas and from Italy. I particularly love cheeses from Bregenzerwald and German wines. The food here is quite heavy, so when I’m at home I cook all sorts of things for myself, like salads and pasta. In Finland, my husband is the one who cooks.
The best choice
My philosophy is to keep moving forward instead of dwelling on disappointments. Enthusiasm and optimism are incredibly important traits that I also want to foster in my workplace through humor, encouragement, and inspiration. I’ve run into professional setbacks over the years and paid my dues. Now I’m more mindful of taking care of my well-being.
Lilli Paasikivi, 60, lives in Bregenz, Austria, and is the artistic director and general manager of the Bregenz Festival. The opera festival runs until August 17, 2025.
Lilli’s tip
The Lake Constance region is absolutely stunning, spanning three countries: Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. The area offers incredible experiences: wine regions, abundant culture, wonderful natural sites, and medieval castles.
Photo of Lilli Paasikivi: Bregenzer Festspiele / Anja Koehler
