KuK perfumery Filz – the fragrance of empress Sisi

Experience the Fragrance of Empress Sisi at Vienna’s Oldest Perfumery

If you’re curious about Vienna’s fragrant past, this small-group tour at Filz Perfumery offers a rare glimpse into the city’s scented history. For about $34.70 per person, you’ll spend roughly 45 minutes exploring Vienna’s oldest perfumery, once exclusive to the imperial court, and learn how perfume-making has evolved over the last two centuries. Led by a passionate guide, this tour is a delightful mix of history, sensory pleasure, and authentic craftsmanship.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s an intimate group capped at eight participants, which means plenty of personalized attention and room to ask questions. Second, the sampling of traditional Viennese perfumes—including the scent of Empress Sisi herself—takes you on a fragrant journey you won’t forget. Just a little heads-up: the tour starts at Café Frauenhuber at 5 PM, so plan to arrive a bit early if you want to settle in with a drink before the tour begins.

A potential consideration is that children under 8 might find the experience less engaging, as noted by one reviewer mentioning their young girls were a bit too young for the full depth of the story. Still, history buffs, perfume lovers, and anyone interested in Vienna’s royal past will find plenty to enjoy. This tour suits those who love authentic stories, small-group intimacy, and a dash of aristocratic glamour.

Key Points

• Historical depth: Learn about Vienna’s perfumery heritage, dating back over 200 years, and its ties to imperial figures like Empress Sisi.
• Sensory experience: Smell and sample a variety of traditional and local perfumes, including the emperor’s signature scents.
• Authentic setting: Visit Vienna’s oldest perfumery, which historically served the imperial court and still makes classic recipes.
• Personalized tour: Small groups capped at 8 offer a more intimate and engaging experience.
• Take-home gift: Each participant receives a 5ml bottle of Viennese perfume, a lovely souvenir.
• Taste of Vienna: Enjoy a drink at Café Frauenhuber while soaking up stories about Vienna’s fragrant history.

A Closer Look at the Perfumery Tour

The Location and Its Historic Charm

Your journey begins at Café Frauenhuber, a charming location that’s been a part of Vienna’s history for many centuries. This historic café serves as a perfect backdrop for a fragrant adventure, combining Viennese tradition with the allure of scent. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, so it’s straightforward to include this in your city exploration.

The Perfumery’s Rich Past

Founded over 214 years ago, Filz Perfumery holds the distinction of being Vienna’s oldest perfumery. It was once an exclusive supplier to the imperial court, catering solely to the Habsburgs and other aristocrats. Learning about these royal connections gives added weight to the fragrances you’ll sample—imagine the same scents that once adorned Empress Sisi and her court.

What to Expect During the Tour

The 45-minute experience is a thoughtfully curated journey through Vienna’s scent history. Your guide, who received glowing reviews for their knowledge and engaging storytelling, will reveal stories about the perfumery’s family-owned heritage, passed down through eight generations. One reviewer was especially captivated by the story of the family and hopes they’ll eventually write a book.

As you explore the perfumery, you’ll get to smell antique recipes and learn about secret ingredients that made Viennese fragrances unique. You’ll also have the chance to smell and sample various traditional perfumes, including those that mimicked the scent of Empress Sisi herself.

The Sampling and the Take-Home Perfume

The highlight for many is the chance to smell the emperor’s fragrances—a rare glimpse into the scents that once defined Viennese aristocracy. Each participant receives a small 5ml bottle of a traditional Viennese perfume, making this experience not just educational but also tangible. This keepsake allows you to carry a piece of Vienna’s fragrant legacy back home.

Enjoying a Drink and Stories

To add to the experience, you’re encouraged to enjoy a beverage of your choice while listening to engaging tales about Vienna’s history, the perfume industry, and its royal connections. It’s an atmospheric way to wind down after the fragrant exploration, and many reviews praise the personable storytelling.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

Compared to larger, more commercialized experiences, this tour offers a small, personalized encounter with Vienna’s perfume history. For just under $35, you’re getting not just a tasting, but a deep dive into Vienna’s scented past, with a knowledgeable guide and a memorable souvenir.

The limited group size makes it more than just a walk-and-smell; it’s an intimate lesson in Viennese culture. Plus, the history of perfumery itself—a craft passed down through generations—adds layers of context that elevate the experience beyond just smelling nice things.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, perfume lovers, and anyone curious about Vienna’s royal connections. It’s a perfect activity for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who appreciate authentic, boutique experiences rather than large-scale tourist traps. If you enjoy stories about aristocracy, craftsmanship, and sensory delights, you’ll find this tour both charming and enriching.

However, families traveling with young children or those seeking a fast-paced sightseeing experience might find the 45-minute duration too slow or the story too detailed. Still, the small group size and personalized storytelling make it a worthwhile addition to your Vienna itinerary.

Final Thoughts

In a city filled with grand palaces and majestic architecture, it’s easy to overlook Vienna’s scented corners—but this tour brings them vividly to life. Exploring Filz Perfumery’s historic recipes and hearing about their royal clientele helps us understand how perfume was once a vital part of Vienna’s social fabric.

The sampling of authentic fragrances, combined with the storytelling of a knowledgeable guide, makes this experience both educational and sensory. The take-home perfume is a charming keepsake—something tangible to remind you of this fragrant chapter of Vienna’s history.

For travelers seeking an authentic, intimate, and fragrant experience, this tour offers a unique window into Vienna’s past. It’s especially suited for those with a love for history, craftsmanship, and the subtle art of scent-making.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, providing enough time to explore and enjoy the scents without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Café Frauenhuber located at Himmelpfortgasse 6, 1010 Wien. The location is easily accessible via public transportation.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes the guided tour, the opportunity to smell and sample various perfumes, and a 5ml bottle of Viennese perfume to take home.

Is this suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, children under 8 might find the experience less engaging, as some reviews suggest. It’s best suited for older children, teenagers, and adults.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Who leads the tour?
The experience is hosted by Wien mal anders, with guides praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling skills.

Is there a limit to group size?
Yes, groups are capped at eight participants, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes are fine; just arrive a few minutes early. No special attire is needed, but be prepared to enjoy a sensory experience that’s as much about stories as scents.

In sum, this tour offers a delightful blend of history, craftsmanship, and fragrant discovery. If you enjoy exploring local traditions and connecting with Vienna’s aristocratic past, it’s a small but memorable adventure worth considering.