Faschingskrapfen in Vienna 2025

Carnival season delights both kids and adults with its seasonal treat, Faschingskrapfen—fried doughnuts filled with apricot jam and a hint of rum. These indulgent pastries, dusted with powdered sugar, are a highlight of the Fasching celebration, marking a time of revelry before the fasting season of Lent. On Faschingsdienstag (the Tuesday before Lent), Viennese children dress up in costumes, much like Halloween, and enjoy these decadent "fat bombs."

Best Season

These delightful treats are among the most delicious traditions of the season. Widely available in Vienna's bakeries and restaurants, Faschingskrapfen can be enjoyed throughout the carnival period, which runs from Epiphany (January 6) to Shrove Tuesday, the final day before Lent and the perfect occasion to indulge in them.

Types of Faschingskrapfen

Faschingskrapfen are typically filled with apricot jam, though other fillings like vanilla cream or nougat can be requested. In rural Austria, doughnut-style pastries come in sweet or savory variations, filled with ingredients like meat, spinach, or nuts. Other varieties, such as punch or chocolate doughnuts, are made from choux pastry or sponge cake and baked. The diminutive *Krapferl* also refers to cookies in eastern Austria. A special type, Prügelkrapfen, is cooked over an open flame on a wooden stick and is a traditional wedding dish in some regions.

Locations

Vienna offers exceptional spots to try Krapfen during the carnival season. Top picks include Oberlaa, renowned for its award-winning apricot jam doughnuts, and Groissböck, famous for fresh, traditional recipes. Felber and 15 süße Minuten delight with unique fillings like rose marmalade, while Hofer provides budget-friendly options with high-quality jam.

History

The word "Krapfen" originates from Old High German "chrapho" and Middle High German "kräpfe," meaning hook or talon. Doughnut-like pastries date back to ancient Rome, where they were fried and sweetened with honey. By 1486, Vienna had regulations for doughnut bakers, and by Emperor Charles VI's reign (1685–1740), they were central to carnival traditions. During the 1815 Congress of Vienna, 10 million doughnuts were reportedly consumed, and in 19th-century Vienna, sharing a doughnut symbolized engagement.