Hidden in the heart of Vienna’s 13th district is an architectural gem. At Wattmanngasse 29 stands the famous Schokoladenhaus, which architect Ernst Lichtblau had built in 1914 for the industrialist couple Julius and Rosa Spitz. Whether on a Sunday stroll or an architectural tour through Hietzing—this historic landmark shows you just how bold and whimsical Vienna’s architecture was shortly before the end of the monarchy.
History Meets Design: A True Masterpiece of Viennese Modernism
Anyone standing in front of the building will immediately understand its nickname. The dark brown glazed majolica tiles from the Vienna Ceramics workshop of Bertold Löffler and Michael Powolny give the facade the look of a fine dark chocolate bar. Lichtblau, a gifted student of Otto Wagner, combined late Art Nouveau with geometric elements here, which continue to give the building its unmistakable aura to this day.
Facade with reliefs and hidden details
At the next stop, take a close look at the ornate reliefs. With their antique motifs, cherubs, and grapevines, the terracotta tiles tell little stories. They capture the sunlight in such a way that the facade shimmers in deep chocolate tones depending on the time of day.
A stroll through historic Hietzing
Since the Schokoladenhaus is privately owned today and cannot be toured from the inside, it’s all the more worth taking a look from the outside. It’s best to combine your stop here with a stroll through the villa district, past historic buildings and shady avenues, heading straight toward Schönbrunn Palace Park.
By public transit, take tram line 60 to the Jagdschloßgasse stop and walk from there for about four minutes. By car, drive along Hietzinger Hauptstraße into Wattmanngasse, but be aware of the district’s extensive short-term parking zone.
- Location: Wattmanngasse 29, 1130 Vienna
- Date and time: Year-round, daily, 24 hours a day (outdoor viewing)
- Duration: Approx. 15 to 30 minutes
- Cost: Free
