A tragic piece of news has shaken Vienna’s community. Renowned restaurateur Christian Wukonigg – owner of the iconic Café Engländer in the heart of the Austrian capital – was found dead in his own establishment. He was 66 years old.

According to Kronen Zeitung, a firearm was discovered near the body. Police have launched an investigation and are currently working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Preliminary reports indicate that the weapon was a hunting rifle. The official cause of death has not yet been announced.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Die Presse (@diepresse)

Christian Wukonigg was a well-known figure in Vienna. For decades, he managed the legendary Café Engländer in the city’s first district. He also owned another venue near Praterstern station, as well as a restaurant named after his children.

For many Viennese residents, Café Engländer was far more than just a café or restaurant. It had long served as a gathering place for artists, journalists, politicians, businesspeople and celebrities. Wukonigg himself often described his restaurant as a «theatre» where new stories unfolded every day – from morning coffee to late-night dinners.

The loss is especially painful for his family. The restaurateur is survived by his nine-year-old twin children.

Photo: social media