The Wiener Schweizerhaus, one of the most famous gastronomic institutions in the Austrian capital, has become the first gastronomic establishment in Europe outside the Czech Republic to receive the official “Czech Specials” certificate.
This prestigious seal of approval, previously awarded internationally to only two establishments in the Japanese metropolis of Tokyo, recognizes restaurants and confectioneries for their authentic and high-quality representation of Czech cuisine and beer culture. The award ceremony took place during a festive event in Vienna's Prater amusement park, attended by high-ranking representatives from politics and business, including Vienna's Mayor Michael Ludwig and the Czech Ambassador to Austria, Jiří Šitler.
The award coincides with a historic milestone for the traditional establishment. In 2026, Schweizerhaus is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its uninterrupted partnership with the Czech national brewery Budějovický Budvar. Since 1926, the Czech lager from České Budějovice has been served in the Prater, making the collaboration one of the longest-standing supply relationships in Central European gastronomy history. To commemorate this significant anniversary, an exclusive series of commemorative beers was launched at the Prater, accompanied by a limited-time program of events for guests.
The "Czech Specials" project is a joint initiative of the state tourism agency CzechTourism and the Czech Association of Chefs and Confectioners. The certification aims to promote Czech identity, hospitality, and culinary traditions at a high level both domestically and internationally. Currently, around 70 restaurants and 18 pastry shops in Czechia hold the label. Markéta Valenta, Director of CzechTourism's international office for Austria and Switzerland, emphasized at the award ceremony that the Schweizerhaus restaurant, through its combination of Viennese tavern classics such as roast pork knuckle and its commitment to Czech brewing traditions, creates a unique cultural bridge in Central Europe.
For the Schweizerhaus, a family-owned establishment for generations, the certification represents confirmation of its long-term quality strategy. Managing Director and co-owner Karl Jan Kolarik emphasized that Czech beer and Bohemian influences on Viennese cuisine have always been an integral part of the restaurant's identity. The awarding of the label to this traditional Viennese establishment underscores CzechTourism's strategy to strengthen the neighboring country's international image through culinary tourism and to occupy niche markets in the upscale segment of traditional inn culture.