Gerstner - A Viennese Company

Since 1847, one has been able to savor the delicious creations from the Gerstner bakery. Enjoyable masterpieces that even the Austrian Imperial House indulged in.

Sweet Time Travel through Vienna: Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker since 1847

Dive into a sweet journey through time with Gerstner, a confectionery founded on April 24, 1847, by Anton and Barbara Gerstner. This beginning marked the start of an impressive culinary history, characterized by masterfully sweets, especially the famous lifelike replicas of fruit.

1847 – 1866: The founding years

The story of Gerstner begins with the establishment of the first shop by Anton and Barbara Gerstner at Stock-im-Eisen-Platz in 1847. Anton Gerstner, known for his lifelike replicas of fruit and flowers made from icing as well as tasteful Christmas tree decorations, already received gold medals at international exhibitions. However, the true heyday began when Gerstner moved to the larger premises at Kärntner Straße 6 in 1866.

1867 - 1869: Imperial Sweets and an Opera House for Connoisseurs

A highlight in the history of Gerstner was the awarding of the gold and bronze medals at the Paris World Exhibition in 1867. This fame led to a royal commission for Gerstner: in 1868, the imperial house commissioned Anton Gerstner to create a cup, an artistic replica of fruit made from sugar as a state gift for the Japanese imperial couple.

In 1869, the partnership with the Imperial and Royal Court Opera Theater (today’s Vienna State Opera) was sealed. The opera house on the Ring demanded first-class buffet service, and Gerstner became a culinary institution. The partnership continues to this day and is reflected in public buffets, gala dinners, premiere celebrations, and the Vienna Opera Ball.

A special customer

In 1866, the establishment moved to a larger location, not far from its current site. Here, the Gerstner confectionery became a popular meeting place for both local and international guests who gathered to linger and enjoy.

Empress Elisabeth quickly became a regular customer. She particularly loved the candied violets, which are still made and offered today following the old tradition.

1870 - 1879: From gold medals to the Imperial and Royal Court Confectioner

In 1870, Anton Gerstner was granted honorary membership in the Viennese Confectioners’ Guild. The year 1873 was an extraordinary one for the confectionery. Gerstner participated in the Vienna World Exhibition, won a gold medal, and was commissioned to cater for guests in the Imperial Pavilion – the origin of catering.

However, the highlight of that year was the designation as an Imperial and Royal Court Supplier. From that point on, Gerstner shaped courtly events: Splendid court balls were supplied with confectionery boxes, Christmas trees of the imperial household were decorated with Gerstner’s bakery goods, and numerous banquets and receptions were catered by Gerstner.

In 1879, Anton Gerstner took part in the Markat procession and represented the confectioners’ guild, further underlining Gerstner’s status in society.

1911 - 1955: Wedding and state treaty

Following Anton Gerstner’s death in 1898, his widow Barbara and son Anton Gerstner II continued the business. In 1911, Gerstner dazzled with a special buffet for the wedding of Archduke Karl and Princess Zita. The wedding cake, a masterpiece of icing and gum tragacanth, was also made in the Gerstner bakery.

As years passed, recognition for Gerstner continued to grow. In 1933, the company received a gold medal in Vienna, followed by a silver medal in Munich in 1952. The year 1955 was of historical significance when Gerstner catered for the signing of the Austrian State Treaty and the subsequent gala dinner at Schönbrunn Palace.

1971 - today: A New Millennium, New Successes

After Louise Gerstner, the confectionery changed hands several times. As part of this, the company moved to Kärntner Straße 11 in 1971. After adapting the premises, it reopened in the fall of 1974.

In 1995, Gerstner changed to private ownership. The following years brought additional successes: the gastronomic management of the Vienna Musikverein, the Austrian Eco-label in 2010, and membership in Wien Products.

In 2014, the location moved to Kärntner Straße 51, and in 2016, the Gerstner Café-Restaurant opened at this new location. The success story continued: in 2017, the Gerstner Brunch was introduced, and in 2018, the company received the Gault Millau Ambience Award.

Today, Gerstner stands not only for historical excellence but also for contemporary pleasure culture. Welcome to Gerstner – where sweet tradition meets modern refinement.

Gerstner K. u. K. Hofzuckerbäcker nowadays

Next to the Shop with the Café-Restaurant Palais Todesco, we welcome guests at the Wiener Staatsoper, the Wiener Musikverein and at Schönbrunn Palace. Additionally, since 1873, Gerstner Catering has been a guarantee for enjoyable and exclusive events at special locations and the Exhibition & Congress Center