Insider Tips Salzburg: Katharina Macheiner

In 2008, Katharina Macheiner's parents decided to start afresh and follow their passion for exquisite coffee. This move paid off: the popular café in Nonntal neighbourhood as well as their own roasting house in district of Maxglan will now be followed by another location – at the Museum der Moderne in the Rupertinum. In an interview the managing director of the family business tells us all about how this came about and what else is happening in Salzburg.

How did the new opening in the Rupertinum come about?

The Rupertinum just kind of happened to us. The museum asked us if we could imagine doing something on their premises. For us, this meant moving from the "hidden paths" directly into the centre of things – a big thing in many senses. On the one hand it's a painstaking operation to start up in such a location, and on the other hand it's a real statement. We belong in this town, and we would like to be part of shaping it. For us, it's like new-found self-confidence, to be handled with humility, since it comes with its set of responsibilities. As with our other venues, here too, we would like to create a place where our dedication to the cause is evident in every way.

What's new and exciting in Salzburg at the moment?

Due to the opening of our new location at the Rupertinum and the many improvements at the other locations, I am completely focussed on our own business at the moment. That's why I don't really notice much – but the town is alive and there are new and exciting projects popping up all over the place – some of which I haven't even had a chance to visit myself. I'm thinking of the new Volksgarten or also some restaurants: Martin Eder's Furo, Jakob Schmid and Daniel Reifecker's Schrei, and Robin Limpek's new Das Memberg – all new places where young Salzburgers are attempting to create exciting new things.

Made in Salzburg: which local business owners fascinate you?

I'm fascinated by all those who know what they're doing and why. Many of them are partners with whom we work together at 220GRAD, such as Be my friend, Itzlinger organic bakery, Trumer Bier, Urban roots vegetable manufacturer, but also others such as Eisl sheep-milk ice cream manufacturer.

And when it comes to clothes and home decoration?

The concept store Golden.Soul is great, as is "curator of modern ecological lifestyle" Roomwithaview in Europark or Warm-Me (Stelzhammerstrasse 5A). There are many entrepreneurs with their individual approaches.

What are the Salzburg-highlights you like to show to your visitors?

The tourist trail in Salzburg is actually very beautiful. I love walking in Hellbrunn, staying at the playground and getting a cappuccino at the park café. Strolling through the Schranne market on Thursdays, browsing and Shopping. Stopping at the vegan GustaV for a quick breakfast. Walking over the city mountains and looking at the city from above. Having a beer on the Gaisberg summit with a stunning view. But also going to the municipal library in Lehen and Shopping in that area. It's simply a lovely place.

Salzburg the cultural town – your recommendations?

Small children, the pandemic and loads of work don't exactly make me a cultural expert at the moment – unfortunately. As far as I can see, the old-established places are still relevant. Jazzit, Rockhouse, ARGEkultur, Schauspielhaus, Museum der Moderne – on the Mönchsberg and in the Rupertinum…
At the moment I spend more time at the children's festival and the Marionette Theatre, which is pretty cool. I'm looking forward to all the other kids' festivals and events this year. But all the music festivals are exciting too, such as Flavourama, street music or Jazzherbst.

Where do you go for a glass of prosecco with your friends?

Not often enough! I would go to Maier's and combine the glass with some good food.

A favourite restaurant you miss?

I haven't been to the Bangkok for ages. 

Salzburg is surrounded with nature – where do you and your family like to go and enjoy fresh air?

We like to go to the Wolfgangsee, or a bit closer to the Glasenbachklamm (gorge), or to the Freilichtmuseum open air museum in Grossgmain.

Which hotel in Salzburg would you like to stay at once?

Hotel Melanie serves nice coffee, I heard.