
CafĂ© Schwarzenberg is one of the many historic, traditional coffeehouses that have played a significant role in Viennaâs cultural and intellectual life for centuries. It is situated near the famous Ringstrasse, a boulevard that encircles the historic center of Vienna. The cafĂ©âs exterior features elegant architecture and ornate decor, which is characteristic of many traditional Viennese coffeehouses. It is known for its classic and timeless ambiance that reflects the cityâs rich cultural heritage.
Inside, you would find a cozy and opulent setting with classic seating, marble-topped tables, and decorative details that transport visitors back to the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The cafĂ© also boasts chandeliers, mirrors, and historical paintings, creating an atmosphere that invites patrons to relax, socialize, and immerse themselves in Viennaâs coffeehouse tradition.
ÂCafĂ© Schwarzenberg serves a variety of coffee beverages, including the famous Viennese coffee specialties like EinspĂ€nner (black coffee with whipped cream) and Melange (similar to a cappuccino). In addition to coffee, you can enjoy a selection of pastries, cakes, and other delicious treats. These coffeehouses have historically been gathering places for artists, writers, intellectuals, and locals, fostering creative and intellectual discussions.
Café Schwarzenberg is really worth a visit and dining at for several reasons, owing to its historical significance, cultural ambiance, culinary offerings, and unique experience.
Why dine at Café Schwarzenberg
History: Entering CafĂ© Schwarzenberg is like stepping into Viennaâs historic past, back to the late 19th century. It has a rich history and has witnessed the cityâs cultural and intellectual evolution over time. Dining at CafĂ© Schwarzenberg allows you to connect with Viennaâs past and experience a piece of its heritage.
Atmosphere and Ambiance: The cafĂ© boasts a classic and opulent interior with luxurious furnishings, chandeliers, mirrors, and artistic decorations. The ambiance is designed to transport you back to the elegance of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, offering a unique and immersive experience that captures the essence of Viennaâs coffeehouse culture. It very much belongs to a different era than when you were walking around looking for it.
Viennese Coffee Culture: Vienna is renowned for its coffee culture, and CafĂ© Schwarzenberg is a prime example of this tradition. You can savor a variety of traditional Viennese coffee specialties, such as EinspĂ€nner, Melange, Kapuziner, Wiener Eiskaffee, and more â some weâve already introduced in previous posts about famous coffeehouses. Enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry in this historic setting allows you to embrace the cityâs coffeehouse culture firsthand.
International coffee served at CafĂ© Schwarzenberg include Turkish Coffee, Cappucino, Latte Macchiato, Irish Coffee, Koffie Advokaat and RĂŒdesheimer Coffee.
Iâve also noticed that they have an extensive tea menu but I wasnât able to try any. Will surely do next time.
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Food: Café Schwarzenberg typically offers a range of delicious pastries, cakes, and desserts that pair perfectly with your coffee. The menu often includes both classic Viennese treats and international options, catering to a variety of tastes.
The cafĂ© also has breakfast selections and traditional Austrian dishes on its menu. While the menu is small, they have the most popular Austrian dishes such as Fiakergulasch â goulash with fried egg, sausage, pickles and salted potatoes, Tafelspitz -boiled beef with hash browns, chive sauce and apple-horseradish, and Wiener Schnitzel â breaded Styrian premium veal, served with parsley potatoes or home-made potato salad of Kipfler potatoes.
We had omelette, which is under the âsmallâ warm meal menu instead of a heavy meat viand (listed above) but we were still full after walking around the city for many hours. Breakfast set usually includes a combination of any of the following:

âą Viennese roll
âą Viennese breakfast croissant
âą butter or diet margarine
âą Jar of jam or honey
âą Â freshly squeezed orange juice
âą Croissant
âąÂ soft-boiled egg
âą Bone-in ham with honey glazing
âą Bergbaron and Jerome cheese
âą Smoked salmon with horseradish cream
âą Sweet cheese cream
âą fruits in season
These can also be ordered a la carte along with other items.
Historical Connection: Many famous figures from Viennaâs history, including artists, writers, and intellectuals, frequented coffeehouses like CafĂ© Schwarzenberg. Dining here allows you to connect with the past and imagine the lively discussions and creative exchanges that took place within its walls.
Central Location: CafĂ© Schwarzenbergâs location near the Ringstrasse and other notable attractions in Vienna makes it a convenient stop during your exploration of the city. You can combine your visit with sightseeing and shopping.
Personal Experience: Beyond the food and decor, Café Schwarzenberg offers a personal and memorable experience. The attentive service, charming surroundings, and sense of history can create a lasting impression and a unique story to share.
How To Get To Café Schwarzenberg
CafĂ© Schwarzenberg is located at KĂ€rntner Ring 17 at Viennaâs first district. The nearest U-Bahn station to CafĂ© Schwarzenberg is typically the U1 line station âKarlsplatz.â
â Take the U-Bahn line U1 or U4 (depending on where you are coming from) to the âKarlsplatzâ station.
â Exit the station by following the signs for âOper/KĂ€rntnerring.â
â Walk along KĂ€rntner Ring (Ringstrasse) going to Schwarzenbergplatz
â Alternatively, you can go up to the side of the tram stations opposite Viennaâs Opera house and take trams 2, D, or 71, get off at station Schwarzenbergplatz (just 1 station) and cross the street to the cafĂ©
â Bus 2A, one of the few smaller buses in Vienna that goes around the inner city has a station directly on the side of the cafĂ©. You can take this bus from anywhere around its route to see the inner city less the sweat and end up at CafĂ© Schwarzenberg for some Viennese Iced Coffee.
By Walking: Depending on your location and willingness to explore the city on foot, you can easily reach Café Schwarzenberg by walking if you are in the central areas of Vienna. The café is situated near popular landmarks like the Vienna State Opera, Schwarzenbergplatz, and Stadtpark.

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Vienna and the whole of Austria is on my bucket list.. this cafe sounds and looks amazing.. will have to keep it in mind for that someday trip
Yes,do book a reservation so you donât need to wait on a line. ^_^
My family comes from Austria and I sure would like to visit this cafe.
oh hallo! Definitely, Vienna (and Austria) waits for you!
What entices me the most is those places with historic past. And this cafe is completely embeded with it. Id definitely visit here.
Thank you for including the walking directions. Sometimes I like to explore cities by taking a walk around them. Thereâs so much to see in this area.
I love historic spots like this. So scenic, and it sounds like a nice cafe to enjoy a good cup of coffee as well.