The traditional apprentice competition of Lower Austria's inn culture took place on February 25, 2026, at the HLF Krems. Under the title "Inn Battle – Young Talents," 14 selected young professionals competed against each other to demonstrate their expertise in the core areas of kitchen and service.
The participants had to face an expert jury, which included Michelin-starred chef Ramona Hujber and industry experts such as Filippo Karawatt. A total of five gold medals were awarded for outstanding achievements, underscoring the high level of training in Lower Austrian businesses.
The requirements for the young talents were strictly tiered according to their year of apprenticeship. While tasks in the kitchen ranged from classic soups to complex creations with offal or vegan main courses, the focus in the service area was on holistic guest care. This included not only setting and decorating tables professionally, but also pouring beer, preparing specialty coffees, and providing expert wine advice. Apprentices in their third and fourth years, in particular, also had to demonstrate competence in complaint management and the creation of non-alcoholic cocktails.
Representatives from politics and the Chamber of Commerce emphasized the importance of sound training for the future of local tourism during the awards ceremony. Projects such as the digital learning platform "Wise Up" and international internships through the "Let's Walz" program support the commitment of businesses to securing a long-term supply of skilled workers. The first-place winners in the culinary category came from renowned establishments such as the Goldenes Bründl in Oberrohrbach and the Landgasthof Bärenwirt in Petzenkirchen. In the service category, talent from the Alpen-Aktiv-Landgasthof "Zur Schubertlinde" dominated.
The competition, which was significantly supported by partners such as Transgourmet, Kastner, and regional breweries, serves not only to assess performance but also to foster professional exchange within the industry. Through the consistent promotion of regional culinary traditions and skilled hospitality, Lower Austria's inn culture is solidifying its position as a key pillar of local identity. The award-winning apprentices now serve as role models for the next generation of hospitality professionals in the province.