Our History
From Danube river millers to pleasure boating and the "Zehn-Kreuzer-Bad" bathing establishment to today's tavern — more than 150 years of family history on the Alte Donau.
Milestones
150 Years of Birner
River Millers on the Danube
Before the great Danube regulation of 1870–1875 forced the river into a fixed course, the Birner family ran their milling business directly on the water — as "Schiffsmüller", river millers whose mills stood on anchored boats and turned with the current.
The Danube Regulation
The regulation tames the river and makes the boat-mounted mills obsolete almost overnight. For the Birner family, a centuries-old trade — and their livelihood — disappears with it.
A Tavern and Pleasure Boating
Necessity becomes a new calling: the family opens a tavern on the newly formed Alte Donau and offers pleasure boat trips. They also run the "Überfuhr", a ferry service to Bruckhaufen — the pedestrian bridge that stands there today, the Birnersteg, still carries the family's name.
The "Vier-Kreuzer-Bad"
On the Alte Donau, the Birner family opens the "Vier-Kreuzer-Bad" — a simple bathing establishment affordable for every Viennese, named after its symbolic four-kreuzer admission price.
The "Zehn-Kreuzer-Bad"
A considerably finer establishment follows: the "Zehn-Kreuzer-Bad" becomes one of Vienna's most popular waterside destinations and remains in operation until 1972.
Today's Tavern Building is Built
The building that still houses Gasthaus Birner today is constructed. Parts of the original walls survive to this day — more than a century of history within the same four walls.
The End of an Era
After more than 75 years, the "Zehn-Kreuzer-Bad" closes its doors. The tavern next to it, however, remains and is carried on by the family.
Strandgasthaus Birner Today
To this day, Birner stands for honest Viennese tavern cuisine right on the Alte Donau — with a large garden terrace, a hall for celebrations, and a family tradition stretching back well over 150 years.