Leopold Hawelka

Leopold Hawelka

Leopold Hawelka (1911-2011) was an Austrian entrepreneur and the founder of Café Hawelka, a famous Viennese coffeehouse located in the city's historic center. This article provides an overview of Hawelka's life and his significant contributions to Vienna's coffeehouse culture.

Early Life and Career

Leopold Hawelka was born on December 21, 1911, in Vienna, Austria. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a passion for coffee at a young age. In 1939, he married his wife Josefine, who would later become an integral part of Café Hawelka's success.

During World War II, Hawelka was drafted into the German army and served as a soldier on the Eastern Front. After the war, he returned to Vienna and decided to pursue his dream of opening a coffeehouse.

Café Hawelka

In 1939, Leopold and Josefine Hawelka opened Café Hawelka in Vienna's Innere Stadt district. The café quickly became a popular meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Hawelka's warm hospitality and the café's cozy atmosphere attracted a loyal clientele.

Café Hawelka became known for its signature dish, the Buchteln, a sweet yeast bun filled with jam. The café also served traditional Viennese coffee specialties, such as Einspänner and Melange, which further contributed to its reputation as a bastion of Viennese coffeehouse culture.

Legacy

Leopold Hawelka's dedication to preserving Vienna's coffeehouse tradition made Café Hawelka an iconic institution in the city. The café's walls were adorned with artwork by renowned Austrian artists, and it became a hub for intellectual and artistic discussions.

Hawelka's commitment to quality and authenticity earned him numerous accolades throughout his life. In 2011, he was awarded the Golden Medal of Honor for Services to the City of Vienna.

See Also

• Viennese coffeehouse culture
• Coffeehouse
• Vienna

External Links

• Café Hawelka Official Website