Fall in Love with

Vollpension

The collection of old-fashioned decor creates a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere, like a grandmother’s living room.

The cozy, rustic interior of Vollpension in Vienna, with exposed brick walls decorated with vintage artwork give the space a warm, nostalgic feel.

The humorous take on this classic scene adds a quirky and lighthearted touch to the decor at Vollpension, fitting perfectly with the café's fun and nostalgic atmosphere.

A collection of vintage-style artwork hanging on a rustic brick wall inside Vollpension.

The vintage-style needlework and quirky decor add to the café's charming, nostalgic atmosphere, creating a welcoming and homey vibe.

Vollpension
Opinion
Gallery
More Infos
Spots Nearby

Vollpension

 MapGoogle Maps: 4.5/5 (6276 reviews)

Affiliate disclosure: Links marked with * are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; our recommendation remains independent.

Vollpension in Vienna, is an intergenerational café that unites elderly and younger generations in a heartwarming setting.

The elderly, fondly called “Omas” and “Opas” (grandmas and grandpas), are the café’s main attraction. They bring their culinary skills to bake traditional Austrian pastries and desserts, which are sold in the café. This initiative provides them with a sense of purpose, community, and additional income.

Vollpension fosters meaningful interactions between generations. Customers savor authentic, homemade treats while engaging with the elderly bakers, who share stories and wisdom. This exchange enriches the lives of both seniors and patrons, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Vollpension runs baking classes online and in‑studio and stages “Generation Talk”, encouraging further intergenerational learning and bonding. These activities celebrate the talents and knowledge of the older generation, offering enjoyable experiences for all ages. It serves as a model for businesses creating positive social impact by fostering connections between different age groups.

€€ Mid Range Austrian Food Breakfast / Brunch

 Opening Hours Website Source: Google Maps

Address:
Schleifmühlgasse 16
1040 Wien

Cafe

Reserve a table

 Reserve online

Muvamo Opinion

Vollpension gets the Muvamo Award for its unique social concept and also for one of the best Buchteln in Vanilla Sauce in Vienna.

Vollpension in Vienna offers a specific café experience; it feels like your grandmother’s living room, filled with the nostalgic aromas of freshly baked goods and the soft hum of conversation.

This café distinguishes itself with a heartwarming concept. Employing senior citizens, it provides them the opportunity to share their time-tested baking skills and stories with all generations. This intergenerational exchange delivers mouth-watering delicacies while fostering community bonds and understanding. The retirees working there are present and engaging, adding a human element to the experience. For those interested in sustainability and social entrepreneurship, Vollpension provides a good example of how hospitality can be combined with a positive mission.

The décor features vintage charm, with mismatched furniture and photographs that evoke memories of the past.

In a city famous for its coffeehouse culture, Vollpension stands out, showing that Vienna’s magic lies in the stories of its people. For travelers seeking an authentic Viennese experience with a twist, Vollpension is a must-visit.

Helpful Hints

We highly recommend to reserve a table in advance.

Our Little Extras

The Buchteln, served warm with creamy vanilla sauce, are a must-try!

The exterior of Vollpension, featuring a colorful and inviting outdoor seating area.

The vintage-style decor adds to the café’s nostalgic, cozy atmosphere, making it feel like a home away from home.

Vollpension's famous Buchtel, a soft, fluffy Austrian sweet roll, served in a generous pool of warm vanilla sauce.

A small table sign at Vollpension with an illustration of a smiling grandma and the message, "Die Oma gfreit si auf!" ("Grandma is looking forward to seeing you!").

 More Photos

A Slice of Purpose: Vollpension’s Social Impact Story

Vollpension began in 2012 as a pop-up project during Vienna Design Week, blending two powerful ingredients: Austria’s baking heritage and the underappreciated resource of senior citizens’ wisdom and warmth. The founders were a group of creatives and social entrepreneurs who wanted to tackle social isolation among the elderly while reviving the spirit of the traditional Viennese Kaffeehaus in a more personal, modern way.

After its initial success, Vollpension opened its permanent café in the Schleifmühlgasse in 2015, followed by a larger venue in the first district. The name “Vollpension” is a playful nod to the term for “full pension”, but here it suggests more than just financial security – it’s about being fully included, fully engaged, and, quite literally, fully fed.

The project employs retired individuals – mostly women – as bakers and café staff. Many of them are over 60 and bring decades of experience, family recipes, and stories to the table. The idea is beautifully simple: creating jobs for older adults while giving customers the chance to enjoy homemade food that carries real cultural value.

In recent years, Vollpension has expanded its impact, offering baking workshops, and even digital “Baking with Oma” online classes during lockdown. They’ve garnered national recognition, not just for their cakes, but for showing how intergenerational exchange can be meaningful and profitable.

At its heart, Vollpension is a love letter to the past, packaged in a setting that speaks to today’s aesthetics and values. It’s proof that a good piece of cake – served with history, humanity, and a cheeky sense of humor – can still make the world feel a little smaller and a lot warmer.