Kohlmarkt: Vienna’s Most Elegant Shopping Street
The Kohlmarkt´s story reaches back to the Roman camp of Vindobona and is first documented in 1255 as the Witmarkt, or wood market, in medieval records. From the 14th century it was called Kohlenmarkt after its many charcoal merchants. Today’s name “Kohlmarkt” is a later corruption that literally means “cabbage market”. By the 18th century, as Vienna became the political and cultural heart of the Habsburg Empire, the street transformed into a destination for luxury shopping, catering to aristocrats and high society.
Many of the businesses that established themselves here became K.u.K. Hoflieferanten (Imperial and Royal Court Suppliers), meaning they provided goods and services directly to the imperial household. One of the most famous is Café Demel, the legendary patisserie that once served the imperial family. Renowned jewelers and tailors also set up shop here, solidifying Kohlmarkt’s reputation as Vienna’s most exclusive commercial street.
Architecturally, Kohlmarkt reflects Vienna’s rich past. The Baroque and Neoclassical facades that line the street were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing the grandeur of the Habsburg monarchy. Several of Kohlmarkt’s historic façades still showcase period details – wrought-iron guild signs, stucco reliefs, and early-19th-century shop lettering – although many of the original gilded emblems have since been replaced by modern brand logos.
By the 20th century, Kohlmarkt had fully cemented its reputation as Vienna’s premier shopping street. Luxury brands moved in, continuing the tradition of exclusivity that had defined the area for centuries. Despite these modern additions, Kohlmarkt has retained its historical character, standing as a symbol of Vienna’s aristocratic heritage and timeless elegance.
