Aufzug / Elevator Café - Rare Art Nouveau Style Elevators

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 A Cozy Escape in the Heart of the City

When planning my trip to Vienna in March/April 2026, I also looked for cafes with nice coffee and atmosphere. A few with high scores and ‘like’ were bookmarked at TripAdvisor. The Aufzug Café was picked for its unique vibe and proposition: Jugendstil / Art Nouveau style elevators in a café with superb coffee and wonderful homemade cakes. Positive comments are unanimous from various customers and across websites. An extra flavour – it is situated between the Main Railway Station (stone flow distance to my hotel) and Belvedere.  

 

The Origin of Aufzug / Elevator Cafe

Aufzug Café’s owner, Christian Tauss, is a trained electrical engineer. His job involves repairing old elevators. He developed into an interest of collecting old elevators which saved them from landfill or incinerator. 

 

A Jugendstil Gem

Christian wanted to share the old Art Nouveau* elevators with the public, in everyday life context. The idea of Elevator (Aufzug) Café was finally in shape. He opened a small café in the fourth district. Three out of his 15 elevators are offered as cabins. The wooden cabins with their small viewing windows and red benches exude a nostalgic coziness.

*an international design movement that flourished between 1890 and 1910.  It aimed to modernize design by rejecting rigid classical styles in favor of organic, natural, and highly decorative forms.

The goatee-wearing man in the button-down uniform is the owner

I arrived at Aufzug Café on a rainy Sunday and expected to have a seat easily. On the contrast, all tables were occupied. Guests enjoyed the warmth in the vintage setting. 

 Sweet Treats & Fresh Brews

I was lucky to get a table soon. My Austrian ex-colleague arrived. We had cappuccino, tea, Gugelhupf and carrot cake, homemade by the owner, Christian. They were outstanding. I like this little café with the unique theme, mouthwatering cakes, superb coffee and the friendly service. It is a great alternative to busy famous cafés in the centre.

Aufzug Café’s Instagram shares a lot of news and stories of the café. In the post of ‘One more elevator please’ shows snapshots of installation of a vintage elevator in the café.

Wanna visit the Aufzug Café? Below are the address and opening times. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Wiedner Gürtel 4, 1040 Wien.  Opening hours: Wednesday - Sunday 9am-5pm


Location: Wiedner Gürtel 4, 1040 Wien, Austria

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