Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by gregor
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Viennese Sausages in Vienna, your go-to resource for exploring the delectable world of Austrian wurst! If you’re a sausage enthusiast seeking the best sausage experiences in Austria’s capital, look no further.
From the iconic Viennese sausage to the savory Käsekrainer and Sacher Wurstel, we’ve got you covered. Discover where to find the best wurstelstands and top sausage restaurants in Vienna, ensuring your taste buds embark on a flavorful adventure.
Whether you crave the traditional Vienna sausage or desire to try the diverse wurst varieties, this guide is your passport to sausage bliss in the heart of Austria.
Vienna has a love for food like many other cities, but it offers a great deal more than Viennese coffee, Heuriger, and Sacher cake. It is time to forget fancy clothes, opera houses, and restaurants, and enjoy a delicious sausage at the Viennese Würstelstand.
Without further ado, let us dive into the most important things you need to know about Viennese Sausages
Top-Rated Vienna Sausages
Vienna, the sausage haven, offers a tantalizing array of top-rated sausages that are a must-try for every enthusiast. From the iconic Viennese sausage to the savory Austrian and Sacher sausages, each bite tells a tale of rich culinary heritage.
Austrian Sausage
Delve into the authentic taste of Austria with its signature sausage. Bursting with flavors, the Austrian sausage captures the essence of local traditions and is a true delight for the discerning palate.
Sacher Sausage
For a gourmet experience, indulge in the exquisite Sacher sausage. Named after the renowned Sacher Hotel, this delicacy blends premium ingredients, delivering a unique and sophisticated flavor profile.
Vienna Cheese Sausage
Adding a cheesy twist to tradition, the Vienna Cheese Sausage is a delectable fusion of textures. Experience the perfect balance of savory sausage and creamy cheese in every bite.
What is a Würstelstand (Sausage Stand)?
Wurstelstand translated to English means “Sausage booth”, giving the space a remarkably accurate description. These are snack bars that sell a wide range of drinks and ready-to-eat sausages. Offering directly to the sausage culture in Vienna, it fits in perfectly.
These stands are commonly found outside subway stations, and tram stops. Offering the everyday commuter and tourists a taste of the best sausages Vienna has to offer.
Viennese sausages are not served in a single manner but come in a wide variety of ways. Make sure you can choose the one that works best for your taste. You can order a plain sausage, or one served with a slice of bread or a Semmel (bread roll). Offering you the iconic hot dog style topped with mustard and ketchup, or something raw and insanely juicy.
Main Types of Sausages in Vienna
Viennese sausages are made in four different types. This means you can choose any one of the four, that are commonly made using beef, pork, or chicken.
To help you understand, we have listed down the four main types of Vienna Sausages:
Frankfurter, Wiener Würstchen or Sacher Würstel
The classic Vienna sausage, also known as Frankfurters, Wiener Würstchen, and Sacher Würstchen, is commonly cooked in broth or water.
Served on a roll with mustard and ketchup it is a Hot Dog, it is a common favorite of the locals. Offering everyone a quick and delicious snack that keeps them going for hours.
Bratwurst
A lightly spiced fried sausage that is commonly eaten on BBQs. This Viennese sausage is a wonderful delight that comes packed with flavors and a little heat.
Packing a great deal of these sauces can easily the length and width of your forearm. This means you can have your hands full of a Bratwurst.
Käsekrainer
This coarser sausage comes with touches of cheese that are fried to perfection. Once the cheese melts, it starts to ooze out and form a cheese crust, creating a mind-blowing taste that keeps on giving. Moreover, the sausage comes pre-cut, so you can easily enjoy a delicious cut, rather than battling with oozing hot cheese.
Debreziner
While the sausage may be spelled a few different ways but packs the same delicious flavor. Lightly smoked, the sausages come with reddish meat, and paprika to give them a little heat. Definitely, the spiciest of them all it originated in Hungary but now is an Austrian legacy.
Apart from the four classics, you will find a few more options available. Every one of which offers a slightly different taste, but is considered to be equally amazing.
These include but are not limited to the:
- Sacherwürstel
- Grillwurst
- Currywurst
- Waldviertler
- Klobasse
- Burenwurst
Sausage Toppings
No sausage in the world is complete without a condiment, and when in Vienna you can easily pick from a wide range. Layering on one, two, or even four toppings to create a flavor that works best for your taste. To help you get started, we have listed down the top condiments and other sausage toppings used in Vienna.
- Senf – mustard
- Ketchup
- Kren – horseradish
- Gurkerl / Essiggurke – gherkin
- Pfefferoni – a chili pepper (but not usually too spicy)
- Brot – a slice of bread (dark)
- Semmel – bread roll (white)
- Pommes – fries
Top Vienna Sausage Stands
While Wieners, Bosna, and Kasekrainer are the archetype of Austrian cuisine, they are not the only options. Dotted around the city, you will find a high number of small and underrated Wurstelstand kiosks that offer some of the best sausages in Vienna.
Offering a wide variety, some of them even offer sausages with a little twist.
Here is a quick guide to help you find the top sausage stands in Vienna.
The Bitzinger Sausage Stands
A remarkable sausage chain that is open almost 24 hours a day, offering some of the finest snacks at any time your mood strikes. They are affordable and filling, meaning you will be able to enjoy a quick bite without worrying about your budget.
More importantly, the stand offers a wide range of options when it comes to sausages, and during peak hours you might find a long waiting line. Even tho, you might have to wait for a little, the sausages they have to offer will be well beyond your expectations. One that will have you standing in line daily.
Address: 1010. In front of the Albertina Museum (Albertina Platz)
Kaiserzeit Sausage Stand
What makes the Kaiserzeit sausage stand standout is the option to build your own Bratwurst. This means you can choose from the range of toppings they have to offer such as bacon, cheese, or Sauerkraut. Moreover, they offer servings such as the Coney island hot dog with an onion and meat sauce. One that is highly recommended for all meat lovers, and probably their best sellers. Paired with the condiments of your choice that are available on tap. Most of which include mustard, ketchup, curry, and others.
Address: Augartenbrücke, 1020 Vienna
Würstelstand am Hohen Markt
The crowd that this little stall attracts speaks volumes of what it has to offer. Especially when looking to grab a bit on the weekends, you mind finding yourself waiting for a while. However, once you get a taste, you will understand the importance of waiting your turn. The stand offers the classic Grillwurst set in a soft baguette, dipped in horseradish sauce, and pairs perfectly with a chilled Austrian beer.
Address: Hoher Markt 8, 1010 Vienna
Wurstelstand Leo
Chopped in bite-sized pieces, these sausage chunks come topped with your favorite condiments. Offers you a slightly more desirable way to enjoy a sausage, where you can easily use a disposable toothpick to maneuver each piece. However, there are classics to choose from, such as the Kasekrainer which comes with hidden hints of cheese. Bringing you a pleasant splash of cheese every now and then. All of which can be sided with potato chips, salad, gherkins, and any sauce you desire.
Address: Döblinger Gürtel 2, 1190 Vienna
Zum Goldenen Würstel
Do not walk away from its lackluster appearance, as the amount of flavor these sausages carry is insane. Located in the center of town, the stand offers you a filling, delicious, warm, and completely authentic Austrian snack at an inexpensive price. Paired with wine or beer, you can enjoy a beautiful piece of sausage in the way you like. Choosing from the range of selections, you can pick a sausage setting that matches your taste. Offering you a well-rounded Austrian experience in the middle of a street.
Address: Spiegelgasse 1. 1010 Vienna
Conclusion
With these in mind, you are free to explore the sausage culture in Vienna, there is no doubt that every single place offering you a sausage will have something spectacular to offer. However, every single experience is based on your personal taste, and we suggest you research a little before you set on your sausage journey. The more you know about the sausage you are consuming, the more taste it will pack.
The first thing you need to consider is the meat, the second is its preparation, the third is its base, the fourth is the topping, the fifth is its side, and the last but not the least is the drink you wish to pair with your sausage. Keeping in mind that every single element you choose can help you create a spectacular eating experience.
Viennese Food Guide – What Food to Eat in Vienna?
Austria was once at the center of the Habsburg Empire, which covered everything from Russia to France. This is why Austria has embraced many ethnic dishes when it comes to cuisines. The range of dishes from all across Europe showcases Vienna’s multicultural influence. For instance, the coffee-drinking tradition was brought to Vienna by the Turkish Army. Similarly, several other dishes have been brought in from all around Europe that are today a huge part of the Viennese food culture. The Viennese dishes are packed with local flavors, yet offer a great twist when it comes to taste.
The next time you are in Vienna, we suggest you try out some of the ultimate top ten Viennese Foods we have listed down, otherwise, you will be missing out on a complete experience. These dishes are what make the city all the more special.
MAP of the BEST Würstelstand in Vienna
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
In Vienna, the best sausages are often found at traditional wurstelstands scattered across the city. These iconic street food stalls offer a genuine taste of local flavors, and some notable spots include Bitzinger Wurstelstand and Zum Scharfen Rene.
Explore Wurstelstands: Wander through Vienna’s streets to discover hidden gems and local favorites.
Ask Locals: Seek recommendations from locals for authentic and lesser-known sausage spots.
Try Iconic Stalls: Don’t miss out on renowned wurstelstands like Bitzinger for a quintessential Viennese experience.
Austria boasts a variety of famous sausages, with classics like the Wiener Wurst, Käsekrainer, and Bratwurst dominating the scene. Each sausage carries a distinct flavor, offering a delightful culinary journey through Austrian traditions.
Wiener Wurst: The iconic Viennese sausage is a must-try, known for its fine texture and seasoned taste.
Käsekrainer: A cheese-infused sausage, popular for its unique blend of savory and creamy flavors.
Bratwurst: A classic Austrian choice, often grilled to perfection for a satisfying and hearty meal.
While several brands offer Vienna sausages, Julius Meinl stands out as a reliable and renowned choice. Their sausages are crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and flavorful Vienna sausage experience.
Julius Meinl Quality: Known for premium ingredients and traditional recipes, Julius Meinl sausages are a mark of quality.
Consistent Excellence: The brand’s commitment to consistency ensures a reliably delicious Vienna sausage every time.
Trusted Reputation: With a long-standing reputation, Julius Meinl remains a trusted name in Vienna sausage excellence.
For a healthier twist on Vienna sausages, opt for chicken or turkey sausages. These leaner alternatives retain the savory taste while reducing overall fat content, providing a guilt-free option for those seeking a more health-conscious sausage choice.
Chicken Sausages: Choose sausages made from lean chicken meat for a lower-fat option.
Turkey Sausages: Turkey sausages offer a light and flavorful alternative with reduced fat content.
Grilled Preparation: Opt for grilling instead of frying for a healthier cooking method, preserving the sausages’ natural flavors.