--- title: "All about the Viennese Würstelstand | Prime Tours" url: https://primetours.at/city-blog/all-about-the-vienese-wurstelstand/ description: "Discover the culture of the Viennese Würstelstand: history, classics like Käsekrainer & Bosna and why they are a piece of Viennese identity." language: en --- # All about the Viennese Würstelstand By the Prime Tours team · 24 September 2025 · updated 7 October 2026 · 2 min read Vienna has many [culinary highlights](https://primetours.at/tours/small-group-street-food-tour-vienna/) to offer, but one thing that is an integral part of everyday life in Vienna and the Viennese people is the sausage stand (we call them Würstelstand). You’ve probably noticed the small stands that can be found on every major street corner. But do you know what they’re all about? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here’s everything you need to know about sausage stands. ## Short History of the Würstelstand The first sausage stands probably appeared in the post-war period. They were run by war veterans who earned their living this way. Initially, the stands were mobile, unlike today’s permanent stands. But sausage stands were also useful for the rest of the population, as they were an inexpensive way to get a reasonably warm and decent meal to go. ## What to eat: Käsekrainer und Bosna The two classics at a sausage stand are Käisekrainer (a sausage filled with cheese) or the so-called Bosner (a special type of sausage in bread with onions). Nowadays, sausage stands offer a lot more, often including bratwurst, Leberkäse, and other alternatives. Many sausage stands now also offer vegan and vegetarian alternatives, which is nice for vegans and vegetarians but also a nice try if you just want to eat something plant based. An order at a sausage stand usually includes typical side dishes: hot or sweet mustard, freshly grated horseradish, pickled gherkins, bread, or rolls. Of course, the right drink is a must. Sausage stands often keep it simple. They offer beer (usually from a bottle or can) or sodas. Tour tip ### [Small Group: Street Food & Wine Tasting Tour Vienna](https://primetours.at/tours/small-group-street-food-tour-vienna/) Join our small-group street food tour Vienna: taste Wiener Schnitzel, Sacher Torte and a wine tasting with Grüner Veltliner in a historic… from €169 per adult Next: Tue 10 Nov, 12:00 [Book now](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/primetours/items/190614/?full-items=yes&flow=no) ## Why are they so famous You may be wondering what makes these Würsel stands so special. There are several reasons. First, as already mentioned, they are a tradition and have been part of the city for a long time. Second, the stands are simply a meeting place. Workers meet here for their lunch break, whether they are bankers or craftsmen/woman. Partygoers meet here at night for a snack after clubbing. You can strike up conversations with people you wouldn’t normally meet, the diversity of the city is reflected. ## Lets meet there! The sausage stand is an institution for many Viennese. It is not only a place to get food, but also a meeting place, a social equalizer and a piece of Viennese identity. If you want to experience Vienna like a local, you should definitely stop at a sausage stand and, ideally, strike up a conversation with someone there. Here are some [examples for good Würstelstände](https://www.wien.info/en/dine-drink/viennese-cuisine/hot-dog-stands-348128). Enjoy your sausage! ## Explore Vienna with locals Free walking tours daily, plus pub crawl, Christmas markets and private tours. [See today's tours](https://primetours.at/tours/) [Request a private tour](https://primetours.at/private-experience-in-vienna/#request) **4.6** Google · 2,615 reviews **4.4** Tripadvisor · 1,617 reviews FAQ ## Quick answers ### What is a Würstelstand in Vienna? A Würstelstand is a sausage stand, a small permanent food stand found on major street corners across Vienna. It serves an inexpensive warm meal to go and works as a social meeting place for workers, partygoers and everyone in between. For many Viennese it is an institution and part of the city's identity. ### What should I order at a Viennese sausage stand? The two classics are Käsekrainer, a sausage filled with cheese, and the Bosner, a sausage in bread with onions. Many stands also sell bratwurst, Leberkäse and vegan or vegetarian options. Orders usually come with hot or sweet mustard, grated horseradish, gherkins and bread, and the usual drink is a beer or soda. ### Where did Vienna's Würstelstand tradition come from? Sausage stands probably appeared in Vienna after the Second World War, run by war veterans who earned a living this way. At first the stands were mobile, unlike today's permanent ones. They were popular because they offered a cheap, reasonably decent, warm meal to take away. ### Can I try Viennese street food on a guided tour? Yes. Prime Tours runs a small-group Street Food and Wine Tasting Tour in Vienna, three hours for a maximum of 12 guests, at 169 euros per adult. It includes Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, local snacks and a wine tasting with a local guide, and starts at Neubaugasse 52 in the 7th district. Book in seconds ## Tours that match this article [All tours](https://primetours.at/tours/) ### [Naschmarkt Tour Vienna](https://primetours.at/tours/naschmarkt-tour-vienna/) Join a Naschmarkt tour in Vienna with a local guide. 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