When you walk along the Graben in the heart of Vienna, it is easy to focus on the façades, cafés and the people moving toward Stephansdom.
But if you look closely, you will notice something small.
A tiny shop window filled with colourful boxes and miniature pralines.
This is Altmann & Kühne —one of Vienna’s most iconic chocolate boutiques.
The shop is small, yet its story is rich. Founded in 1928, Altmann & Kühne has produced handmade miniature chocolates for almost one hundred years. Many locals see it not only as a chocolatier, but as a cultural treasure.
As a hotelier, I often recommend this boutique when guests ask where to buy chocolates in Vienna or when they want an authentic Austrian gift that feels personal and elegant.
(If you enjoy finding unique keepsakes, explore my guide to Vienna’s must-have souvenirs.)
A Tiny World of Liliput Chocolates
Altmann & Kühne specialise in Liliput chocolates. These miniature pralines are shaped, filled and decorated by hand in their small Viennese manufactory.
Each piece is no larger than a fingertip, yet full of detail.
Their tiny size makes them charming. They also travel easily, which is helpful for visitors looking for Vienna pralines or small, meaningful gifts.
The flavours range from nougat and pistachio to marzipan, fruit creams and caramel. They reflect Vienna’s confectionery tradition in miniature form.
Packaging Designed to Keep
The packaging is one of the reasons people fall in love with Altmann & Kühne.
These boxes are designed to be kept long after the chocolates are gone.
The brand creates more than 20 packaging motifs every year. Many resemble small piano lids, storybook illustrations or Viennese architectural details. Others echo the style of the Wiener Werkstätte.
People reuse the boxes for jewellery, notes or keepsakes. Some return to Vienna with their empty boxes and refill them. It is a charming and sustainable habit.
A Shop Shaped by the Vienna Secession
The boutique on Graben 30 was designed by Josef Hoffmann and Oswald Haerdtl — both central figures of the Vienna Secession.
The interior has remained almost unchanged since the 1930s.
Because of this, the shop feels like a preserved piece of Viennese cultural history. It is a hidden gem for anyone who loves design as much as chocolate.
A Story That Survived the Times
Altmann & Kühne lived through many challenging periods.
During the Second World War, the founders left Vienna, yet the brand survived thanks to loyal staff. After the war, the boutique slowly regained its place on the Graben.
At one point, their chocolates even reached New York and developed a small but devoted following. It is impressive how far these tiny pralines have travelled.
What to Buy — Simple Concierge Tips
For first-time visitors
A small Rendezvous box.
Perfect for anyone discovering Vienna chocolates for the first time.
For design lovers
The elegant Secession tin or seasonal artist editions.
Ideal as Austrian chocolate gifts that feel refined and unique.
For children and families
Sugar figurines and
candied fruits.
Colourful, fun and easy to carry.
For special occasions
The famous 1 Meter Liebe.
It does not have a dedicated product page, but you can find it within the
Liliput collection.
A dramatic, memorable gift for anniversaries or celebrations.
Is it expensive and is it worth it?
Altmann & Kühne is a premium chocolatier, yet the price reflects real craftsmanship.
Prices begin in the low double digits, and larger collector pieces increase accordingly.
However, the price reflects:
Handmade production in a small Viennese manufactory
Nearly 100 years of tradition and craftsmanship
Reusable, beautifully designed packaging
A tiny piece of Viennese cultural history
Thus, while this may not be the place to buy large quantities of chocolate, it is exactly where you find a thoughtful, elegant gift.
They also offer small boxes starting under €10, which makes it easy to experience their world without spending much.
If you want something meaningful, this is one of the best chocolate shops in Vienna.
Where to Find Them
Graben 30, 1010 Vienna
A few steps from Stephansplatz.
Official website: https://altmann-kuehne.com/en
During Advent, you can also find their stand at the Rathausplatz Christmas Market.
A Small but Unforgettable Viennese Luxury
If there is one thing I love about Altmann & Kühne, it is the reminder that luxury does not need to be loud. It can be tiny, delicate and meaningful.
These pralines capture the Viennese mindset perfectly —slow, thoughtful and full of details that reveal themselves only when you pause long enough to notice.
And honestly, everyone should treat themselves to at least one small box, every now and then. You can even return to refill their box from your previous purchase. I find this concept very eco-friendly.
If you visit Vienna and you are at Stephansplatz, take a moment to step into this little shop.
Look closely at the boxes.
Choose something that speaks to you.
It may be small, but it will stay with you for a very long time and will become not only another purchase, but a beautiful memory from Vienna.
Until Vienna whispers to you again,
Lili
Your trusted concierge in Vienna
Vienna – the Conwienient way 
