Gerstner History

Viennese baking art since 1847

Bakers work in the historic Gerstner bakery of the 19th century, surrounded by dough and pastries.

A sweet journey through the history of Vienna – since 1847

Welcome to Gerstner – where confectionery art meets imperial history. Since its founding by Anton and Barbara Gerstner on April 24, 1847, the name Gerstner has stood for the highest quality and sweet masterpieces made of chocolate, sugar, and tragacanth. The house became particularly famous for its meticulously crafted replicas of fruits – small works of art to enjoy.

Mr. Anton Gerstner, already an older gentleman with a beard and bow tie, looks seriously at the camera, dressed in an elegant suit.

Barbara Gerstner, already an older woman, sits in an antique armchair holding glasses while looking seriously at the camera.

The beginnings: 1847–1866

The Gerstner couple opened their first shop at Stock-im-Eisen-Platz. Soon their artistic icing creations attracted attention – not only in Vienna but also at international exhibitions, where Anton Gerstner was awarded multiple times. The move to a larger shop at Kärntner Straße 6 in 1866 marked the beginning of a new era.

The K.u.K. Court Opera Theater opened in 1869 with Don Juan, the delicacies at the buffet come from Gerstner - theater announcement with decorative frame and imperial coat of arms at the top

On the way to the k.u.k. court confectioner: 1867–1879

A milestone was the Paris World Exhibition in 1867, where Anton Gerstner was honored with gold and bronze. Shortly thereafter, an imperial commission followed: an artistically crafted cup made of sugar and tragacanth as a gift for the Japanese imperial couple. In 1869, the partnership with the Vienna State Opera began, which still exists today – Gerstner thus became the first address for culinary delights at premieres, gala dinners, and of course the opera ball.

Empress Elisabeth was also among the loyal customers – she was particularly taken with the candied violets, which are still made today according to the original recipe.

Empress Elisabeth painted in a white, voluminous ball gown with a floral pattern and floral decorations in her hair stands sideways in front of a column with a blooming shrub in the background

In 1873, Gerstner was again awarded gold at the Vienna World Exhibition and was allowed to cater to guests in the Imperial Pavilion – so to speak, an early precursor of modern catering. In the same year, the company was appointed k.u.k. court supplier – an award that ultimately made Gerstner a Viennese institution.

The World Exhibition in the Vienna Prater in 1873 awarded Anton Gerstner a gold medal - visible in front of the pavilion.

Glorious decades: 1911–1955

After the death of Anton Gerstner, his family continued the business.
In 1911, Gerstner caused a stir with a magnificent wedding buffet for Archduke Karl and Princess Zita. Even in the following decades, the house remained a guarantee of quality –
for example, at the gala dinner for
Signing of the Austrian State Treaty in 1955 at Schönbrunn Palace.

Long festively laid table with candlesticks in a magnificent room adorned with chandeliers and wall paintings in Belvedere Palace.

New times, new successes:
1971 to today

In 1971, Gerstner moved to Kärntner Straße 11, later to the current location at Kärntner Straße 51. Since 1995 in private hands, the company has steadily developed: with the Gerstner café-restaurant in Palais Todesco, the popular Sunday brunch, the Gault-Millau-Ambiente-Award, and the Austrian Environmental Label.
Today, Gerstner is not only a piece of Viennese history but also a place for contemporary enjoyment – whether in our cafés, at exclusive events, or as a catering partner in the Vienna State Opera, the Vienna Musikverein, or Schönbrunn Palace – and of course the best address for delicious confectionery art – which can also be delivered to your home.