If there is one souvenir that feels truly Viennese, timeless and full of soul, it is a handmade snowglobe from the Original Viennese Snowglobe Manufacture.
Not mass-produced.
Not imported.
But crafted in Vienna the exact same way for 125 years.
Hidden in the 17th district, this small family business produces an astonishing 300,000 snowglobes every year — all by hand, all in Vienna. Only ten people run the entire manufactory. And as you walk through the space, it genuinely feels like stepping into a real-life elf workshop that works diligently all year round to keep winter magic alive.
A Viennese Invention: How the Snowglobe Was Born
The snowglobe was invented in Vienna in 1900 by Erwin Perzy I, a mechanic who was actually trying to improve surgical lamps.
While experimenting with reflective materials, he accidentally created the effect of falling snow — and the very first snowglobe was born.
Today, the business is led by Sabine Perzy II, the first female owner in the family since the craft began. Three generations later, the production process has barely changed. Everything is still assembled, sealed, and finished by hand, just as it was over a century ago.
Inside the Museum — A Time Capsule of Viennese Craftsmanship
Next to the manufactory, you’ll find a small museum that showcases the history of snowglobes in Vienna.
Old machines, vintage tools, historic models, and early prototypes tell the story of how this tiny invention became a global symbol of winter nostalgia.
Some globes are available for purchase — unless they carry signs such as unverkäuflich “not for sale” or “please do not touch”. It’s a charming peek into the early days of the craft and a wonderful place to discover unique pieces.
The Shop — Hundreds of Designs, all Handmade in Vienna
The shop next door offers a wide range of motifs:
Stephansdom, Schönbrunn Palace, the Giant Ferris Wheel, Edelweiss, tiny cafés, angels, animals, Christmas scenes, musicians, and completely modern designs.
Snowglobes come in many sizes — from tiny pocket editions to the iconic “Gruß aus Wien” classics.
And despite being handmade in Europe (and especially in Vienna), the prices are surprisingly fair (e.g. 45 mm globus for €11.00, 80 mm globus for €18.00). In a world full of mass production, it is rare to find something crafted by hand at such accessible pricing.
Handmade Magic: Alpine Water & Slow-Falling Snow
Each globe is filled with crystal-clear alpine water and the manufactory’s famous slow-falling snow formula — a secret the family has protected for generations.
The result is the dreamy, soft snowfall that makes these Viennese globes feel so unique.
Everything — from the hand-poured snow to the final sealing — is made right here in Vienna. No outsourcing. No shortcuts. Just pure craftsmanship.
Personalized & Custom-Made Snowglobes
The manufactory offers two types of personalized snowglobes.
First, you can choose from their existing motifs — Vienna landmarks, seasonal scenes, angels, animals, or modern miniatures. These are based on their standard designs and can be prepared more quickly.
Second, you can request a fully custom snowglobe, using your own object or idea. Many visitors bring personal items such as:
– wedding cake toppers
– baby pacifiers
– miniature figurines
– tiny photos or keepsakes
However, if you want the manufactory to design a completely new element from scratch, it requires more time. Therefore, fully custom designs must be ordered at least 4–5 weeks in advance, and pricing depends on the complexity of the request.
The good news? If your custom globe is not finished before you leave Vienna, they offer worldwide shipping.
Famous Clients & Special Creations
The Original Viennese Snowglobe Manufacture has created globes for presidents, museums, and Hollywood productions.
One of the most fascinating pieces is the Bill Clinton inauguration globe, which contains real confetti from the event.
They also created a snowglobe for Barack Obama’s daughter — a small but meaningful detail that shows how far this Viennese craft has travelled.
Where the Magic Happens
Although I did not visit the workshop itself, it is located in the same building as the museum and shop.
I hope to see it on my next visit — because knowing that ten people create 300,000 globes every year, entirely by hand, makes the whole place feel almost unreal.
Why This Is a Must-Have Viennese Souvenir
Vienna has many beautiful souvenirs.
However, only one has been handmade the same way for 125 years, only in one single place in the world.
A snowglobe from this manufactory is not just a souvenir.
It is a piece of Viennese tradition, imagination, and quiet winter magic you can carry home with you.
How to Get There from the City Centre
By U-Bahn:
Take U6 to Thaliastraße. Walk 7–8 minutes.
By Tram:
Take tram 46 from Volkstheater.
Get off at Thaliastraße and walk 5 minutes.
By Taxi:
From Stephansplatz — 10–12 minutes, around €12–15.
Concierge tip:
Visit earlier in the day, especially during the Advent season. The shop is small and can get busy quickly.
Address & Useful Info
Original Wiener Schneekugelmanufaktur
Schumanngasse 87
1170 Vienna
(Shop, Museum & Manufactory)
Website: schneekugel.at
Personalized orders: 4–5 weeks in advance
Worldwide shipping available.
My Final Verdict
As someone who has loved snowglobes since childhood — and who has collected one every Christmas since I can remember — this place feels truly special.
I can wholeheartedly recommend these snowglobes as a gift for others, but also as a little piece of joy for yourself. They are meaningful, beautifully made, and carry a kind of magic that mass-produced souvenirs simply never will.
I truly hope to return soon and get a sneak peek inside their diligent, elf-like workshop, where Vienna’s winter magic is created by hand, all year round.
Until Vienna whispers to you again,
Lili
Your trusted concierge in Vienna
Vienna – the Conwienient way 
