Metzger & Söhne, 1685
An Imperial Viennese Legacy in Fine Lebkuchen
1. Identity & Presence
Metzger & Söhne, established in 1685, is a distinguished Lebzelterey (gingerbread and candle-making house) with one of Austria’s most enduring confectionery heritages, spanning over 340 years. The company operates in the sector of exclusive, handcrafted Viennese Lebkuchen, chocolate confectioneries, and unique gifts. The firm’s current presence is anchored by its Flagship Store in Vienna at Herrengasse 6-8, 1010 Wien, and a recent shop opening in its original founding location of Perchtoldsdorf. Their website is www.metzgersoehne.com, and they can be reached at lebkuchen@metzgersoehne.com or via the primary Austrian contact: +43 (0) 677 / 627 410 38.
The company continues to produce its Original Wiener Lebkuchen for both the Viennese clientele and an international distribution network, offering a product defined by its natural ingredients and exquisite taste.
Company Metzger & Söhne on Instagram
2. The Origin Story & Key Generational Milestones
The enduring story of Metzger & Söhne begins in Perchtoldsdorf, near Vienna. While some historical records and older advertisements suggest a craft presence as early as 1660, the company formally traces its continuous tradition and official founding to 1685. This is the date the foundation was officially laid for a rare and vital dual craft: the Lebzelterey und Wachsbleiche (gingerbread and beeswax candle factory). The firm’s early identity was profoundly shaped by its location as a place of pilgrimage.
- Pilgrim Provision: The bakers provided the many pilgrims with long-lasting provisions in the form of simple gingerbread tablets (Lebkuchen Tafeln) for their arduous journeys.
- The Symbolic Gift: Traditionally, gingerbread was also pressed into intricate wooden molds (Holzmodel) depicting images of saints or lucky charms (Glücksbringer). These ornamental pieces were brought back as souvenirs from the pilgrimage, but they were less suited for direct consumption.
The decisive shift and the rise to a luxury brand came with the move to Vienna around 1750. This step into the Imperial city fundamentally changed the product offering. The traditional gingerbread was revolutionized for the discerning Viennese society and the Habsburg Court: it was transformed into extravagant, fine products with exquisite fillings like Marzipan and chocolate. This period introduced innovations such as the highly refined Lebkuchen praline and the Original Viennese Gentlemen's Cake (Original Wiener Herrenkuchen).
- Imperial Rank: The company received the ultimate recognition by being appointed K.u.K. Hoflieferant (Imperial and Royal Court Purveyor).
- International Recognition: Under the leadership of Ernst Metzger, the company received numerous medals and awards at major industrial and trade exhibitions in the 19th century, attesting to the international quality of its craftsmanship.
3. The Core of the Craft
Metzger & Söhne’s core craft is defined by time, purity, and uncompromising natural ingredients. The philosophy prioritizes creating an "unverfälschtes Original" (unadulterated original) that preserves the authentic taste of Lebkuchen from the imperial era.
- Maturation: The raw Lebkuchen dough, made exclusively from pure, 100% Austrian bee honey, rye, wheat flour, and raw sugar, is allowed to mature for over half a year. This slow process allows the natural ingredients to blend and deepen their flavour profile, resulting in the signature hearty and juicy texture.
- Purity: The dough is naturally prepared without the addition of eggs, fats, or preservatives.
- Finishing: The finished Lebkuchen is meticulously shaped into pralines and confectionery by hand, filled with exquisite components like Lübecker Marzipan, natural fruit, and nut fillings, and coated in rich, crunchy chocolate.
4. Enduring Legacy & Resilience
Metzger & Söhne’s ability to thrive for over 340 years lies in its resilience through adaptation while maintaining fidelity to its core recipe. The company successfully navigated the transition from a local market town craft (Lebzelterey) to a luxury brand catering to the Imperial Court.
- The Power of Honey: The unwavering use of pure, exclusively Austrian bee honey as the sole base, maintaining the connection to the original Wachszieher tradition.
- The Time Commitment: The non-negotiable six-month maturation of the dough, which industrial processes cannot replicate, preserves the inimitable quality that delighted Empress Maria Theresia.
5. Vision for the Future
The current generation of Metzger & Söhne leaders, under the stewardship of the 7th generation Lebzelter Lukas Linsbichler, is focused on bringing this historical standard of quality to a global audience while honoring its local roots with the recent opening of the Perchtoldsdorf shop. The strategic shift to the new flagship store on the Herrengasse in Vienna’s 1st district underscores their commitment to placing their heritage craft within the context of contemporary Viennese luxury retail.
A key aspect of this vision is to demonstrate the year-round appeal of Lebkuchen beyond the winter holidays. This is exemplified by the seasonal introduction of the Original Lebkuchen Ice Cream. This innovative offering blends the traditional taste of the aged spice bread with a refreshing, modern context.
- Global Distribution: Producing the Original Metzger Lebkuchen at the highest level and selling it "in Wien und rund um die Welt."
- Gifting and Presentation: Using exclusive, refined packaging to position the Lebkuchen as the definitive gift - a piece of authentic Viennese culinary history - for any occasion.