Whispers of raspberry juice fill the air. We stand before Famille Fischer a name synonymous with Viennese history. This unassuming building at Wilhelmstrasse 19 hides a legacy spanning generations.
Friedrich Fischer a chemist and distiller married Betty Pomberger in 1902. He wasn’t just a producer of brandies and liqueurs. He was a visionary. He pioneered industrial-scale raspberry juice production a feat previously exclusive to pharmacists. His success was immense. He supplied the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Balkans. His horse-drawn cart was a familiar sight. The wide entrance to number 19 was essential for it.
His innovative spirit extended beyond business. He was a gifted songwriter. He penned couplets for famous actors. He even wrote a book about his hometown. He was the first to introduce electric lights to Wilhelmstrasse. His accomplishments were extraordinary.
The Second World War brought devastation. Five of the Fischer family houses were destroyed. Only the front of number 19 survived. Ernst Fischer Friedrich’s son rebuilt the business. He faced economic hardship. Supermarkets were replacing local grocers. But his wife Olga’s tireless efforts kept the family business afloat.
Then came Gerald Fischer. He revitalized the family legacy. In 1990 he transformed the old factory into the Old Vienna Schnapsmuseum. Today thousands of visitors annually experience the Fischer family’s rich history. Their brandies and liqueurs made with traditional recipes are once again popular. They’re even exported overseas.
The Famille Fischer story is more than just a distillery. It’s a testament to perseverance innovation and family. It’s a vibrant slice of Viennese life spanning over a century. It’s a tale of triumph amidst hardship. A story well worth remembering.