"Krone" reveals

Over €6? That’s how much a beer costs at the Schweizerhaus

Countdown to the opening after winter. In a week's time, beer will once again be flowing from the taps at the Schweizerhaus in Vienna's Prater park.(Bild: Peter Tomschi)

Time stands still in the country's largest beer garden – at least when it comes to inflation: the price of a beer at the world-famous Schweizerhaus in Vienna's Prater park is a pleasant surprise for the wallet this year. One week before the opening, the "Krone" reveals the capital's best-kept secret.

The traditional establishment run by the Kolarik family of restaurateurs is entering its 106th season this year. Featured in every tourist guide, the Schweizerhaus, which is known far beyond the borders of Vienna, also has many loyal local regulars.

And almost as fixed as the opening date after the long winter break on March 15 seems to be the price of beer in the green Prater. Because while record inflation is making life less and less affordable—a restaurant visit or hotel room is even in first place in terms of inflation, with an increase of almost 44 percent within five years—guests at Austria's largest beer garden can look forward to a mini-vacation, so to speak.

Fixed beer price for the third season in a row
Although the countdown to the opening is in full swing and the kitchen and bar in the outdoor dining area for 1,500 visitors is being polished to a shine, not even the waiters are privy to the city's best-kept secret. The "Krone" can reveal the beer mystery here: the price of a mug of beer will remain frozen below a magical limit!

Thanks to strong partnerships, we are able to celebrate the anniversary with a beer price that has remained unchanged for three years.

Schweizerhaus-Chef Karl Kolarik

Half a liter of barley juice costs €5.90 this year. Exactly the same as in 2025 and 2024. The price remains the same despite high personnel costs and energy costs that are skyrocketing again due to the war in Iran. This makes the equally famous crispy pork knuckles or potato pancakes taste even better.

The reason is a special anniversary. After falling in love at first sip, the Schweizerhaus has been serving fresh draft beer from Budweiser Budvar, the national brewery in our neighboring country Czechia, for 100 years now. "Thanks to strong partnerships, we are able to celebrate this with a beer price that has remained unchanged for three years. Together with our guests, we are looking forward to an unforgettable anniversary season," says senior boss Karl Kolarik happily.

New awnings and 70 trees for hot summer days
The quality of the beer, which is brewed with water from an artesian well 300 meters deep, is unmistakable. After more than 90 days of maturation, it is then served at leisure. Countless barrels are stored in the cellar of the house, waiting to be enjoyed in the specially created "Bunkerl" beer glass with its concave portholes.

A lot has happened at the Schweizerhaus over the winter. However, guests will not notice everything, because the modernization has not affected the character of the building. Among other things, investments have been made in state-of-the-art kitchen appliances that consume less energy and are therefore both climate- and environmentally-friendly as well as efficient. The serving station has also been completely renovated.

Visible, on the other hand, are the new awnings, which, together with almost 70 large trees, provide shade on hot summer days while you enjoy a cool drink. Well then, cheers!