Vienna Brewery Guide

A bit of history

Beer in Vienna has old roots. In the Middle Ages the city already regulated grain production and trade; the Reinheitsgebot (1516) set the standard in the Habsburg lands. The real change came in the 19th century: Anton Dreher developed Vienna malt and the amber lager style in Schwechat, and "Vienna lager" was on the map. Much of what you drink today in traditional Brauhaus comes from there.

What traditional means here

In Austria: good ingredients, clear processes, real link to the place. No industrial tanks on the outskirts – smaller breweries, often with lager cellars and styles from generations. Malt from Austrian or regional growers, hops from classic European regions. Fermentation and lagering take longer than in the big factory – you taste it: cleaner, rounder, more drinkable.

What you find on tap

The star is Wiener Lager: amber or copper, toasty and bready, clean finish. Then Marzen – same family, often more body – and Zwickl (unfiltered, cloudy) and Dunkles (dark lager, malty but not heavy). The heart of Viennese beer culture remains a well-made lager.

One address we always recommend: Fischerbraeu

Fischerbraeu in Dobling (19th district) has existed since 1985 – Vienna first brewery-restaurant. Not in the tourist bustle: Billrothstrasse, with regulars and visitors looking for the real thing. They brew on site (Helles, Dunkles, Weihnachtsbock and more), Austrian kitchen, and in fine weather there is the Biergarten. Address, hours and details here.

Short answers

What is Vienna lager?

Vienna lager (Wiener Lager) is an amber or copper lager: roasted malt, bread, clean bitterness. From 19th century Austria.

Best traditional brewery in Vienna?

For the full package: Fischerbraeu in Dobling (Billrothstrasse 17). Since 1985.

What is Vienna known for?

Vienna lager, Marzen, Zwickl, Dunkles. Lager: malty, clean, with food.

Visit a brewery in Vienna?

Yes. Several traditional breweries have restaurant and fresh beer. Fischerbraeu: reserve or drop in.