Confiserie Sprüngli on the World-Famous Parade Ground in Zurich is one of the most renowned and traditional pastry, chocolate and coffee houses in Switzerland. Sprüngli is considered an established meeting place for wealthy Zurich residents, bankers and businessmen around Bahnhofstrasse as well as for real connoisseurs, bon vivants and locals from the region. Club members from Zurich and members from all over the world who visit this vibrant and elegant Swiss Metropolis like to meet here. International customers appreciate Sprüngli for its exclusive chocolate specialties, exquisite cakes and tarts, and high-quality pastries.
Since its founding in 1836, Sprüngli has stood for perfect craftsmanship, the highest quality and exclusive specialities. The brand has made a name for itself worldwide and is particularly known for its handmade sweet delights, which are made using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. With a long history that is closely linked to the development of the Swiss chocolate industry, Sprüngli remains a symbol of outstanding confectionery art. The company combines tradition and innovation by regularly developing new creations, taking up modern trends and relying on its proven craftsmanship and the highest quality. An important trademark of the house is the distinctive attention to detail.
As is often the case with traditional houses, Sprüngli also has an amusing myth that has persisted for decades now. It is said that young men sitting alone in a café signal by turning their coffee spoon that they are available for wealthy older women. This story has established itself as an integral part of Zurich's urban legends, but when asked by an employee, it was dismissed as a mere anecdote. Yet it underlines the café's reputation as a meeting place for upscale society and gives it a touch of nostalgic elegance.
Coffee and cake or even a Zurich-style lunch
A visit to a good Swiss confectionery or pastry shop is a special experience. Confiserie Sprüngli celebrates this pleasure at the highest level. Whether it's a traditional piece of cake, a perfect cake or a melt-in-the-mouth chocolate specialty — every lover of fine sweets will get their money's worth here. Classics such as the homemade spring cake, airy cream slices, the intensely chocolaty truffle cake or the famous apple strudel are particularly popular — all made from the finest ingredients and according to tried and tested recipes. The Matterhörn, which has unfortunately been removed from the product range, is sorely missed. In the winter months, we recommend trying the various Vermicelle creations — and in our opinion, Sprüngli offers the world's best marrons ice cream. Traditionally, a perfectly harmonizing coffee specialty or delicious hot chocolate is served — on request with cream or (our secret tip) with chocolate cream. If you prefer something refreshingly cool, we recommend the excellent homemade iced tea. By the way: The Swiss are considered world champions in iced tea drinking. For an authentic Swiss Znüni or Zvieri — the Swiss version of the morning or afternoon break — Sprüngli offers an exquisite selection of sweet delights, fresh sandwiches, crunchy salads and delicious pastry specialities that make every visit an enjoyable experience. Zum Z'Mittag Sprüngli offers a varied lunch menu with popular classics and new creations — perfect for an enjoyable lunch break in the heart of Zurich's District 1.
A true Swiss chocolate story
Confiserie Sprüngli was founded in 1836 by David Sprüngli when he took over the Vogel confectionary in Zurich. He soon began producing chocolate and sugar specialties with his son Rudolf, thus laying the foundation for one of the most renowned confectioneries in Switzerland. In 1859, they opened the shop on Paradeplatz, which from the outset became a social meeting place for the Zurich Society through its so-called “Refreshment Room.” Sprüngli was originally a single company that included both confectionery and chocolate production. Primary chocolate production was later continued under the name Lindt & Sprüngli, while the confectionery remained independent. In 1892, the separation took place, as a result of which the confectionery consistently focused on chocolate art, sugar specialties and artisanal pâtisserie, while Lindt continued to develop industrial chocolate production. In 1961, Sprüngli's production was moved to Dietikon due to lack of space. Since 1994, the family business has been run by brothers Milan and Tomas Prenosil in the sixth generation. Despite its remarkable tradition, Sprüngli always remains innovative and constantly adapts to change, while remaining true to itself in a unique and charming way.
A particular focus is on complex craftsmanship, which has been refined over generations. The Master Craftsmen at Sprüngli have many years of training and contribute their expertise to daily production processes. Whether Luxemburgerli, chocolates or grand cru chocolates — each product is precisely handcrafted, combining traditional processes with the latest findings. At selected times of the year, you can have Easter or Santa Claus treats personalized directly on site at Paradeplatz.
The specialties of Sprüngli
Luxemburgerli, chocolate and pâtisserie delights
The most well-known Sprüngli products are Luxemburgerli, a lighter and smaller version of macaron developed in 1957 by a young Luxembourgish pastry chef at Sprüngli. Today, Sprüngli produces several hundred kilograms of this popular sweet delicacy every day. The fine and light texture, the fresh ingredients and the variety of flavors make them an unmistakable trademark of the company. In addition to these characteristic Luxemburgerli, Sprüngli also offers a wide selection of handmade chocolates, truffles and fine pastries. Seasonal specialities for holidays and special occasions complete the range. In addition, the company creates exclusive gift boxes filled with exquisite compositions that are ideal for special and festive occasions.
Grand Cru Chocolates & New Creations
In addition to traditional recipes, Sprüngli has developed modern variations of its classics, including vegan and reduced-sugar products. An outstanding example is the Grand Cru Absolu chocolate, which is made exclusively from cocoa beans and cocoa fruit meat and therefore tastes particularly pure and intense. With the Grand Cru Batons Sprüngli also presents a new form of chocolate bars, refined with natural cocoa juice. These and other innovations testify to the constant efforts to meet the ever-changing requirements of a demanding customer base.
Sprüngli attaches great importance to the origin and quality of the cocoa beans used. The company sources fine single-origin cocoa from regions such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Ghana. Each origin is characterized by its own, unmistakable aroma profiles. In carefully coordinated roasting and conching processes, these nuances are specifically worked out in order to preserve the character of the respective region of origin. These results in special Grand Cru varieties with an intense, balanced taste.
Craftsmanship & details in production
In Sprüngli's production facilities, many work steps are still carried out traditionally by hand. This applies both to the production of chocolates and to the design of delicate decorations on cakes and patisserie specialities. The hand-twisted flutes, a popular aperitif pastry, are another example of the uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship. In cafés, too, great attention is paid to details: cappuccino foam and desserts are lovingly decorated to offer guests a harmonious culinary experience.
Sprüngli - A story with a future and growth
In the beginning, there was a strategic miscalculation with a happy outcome
When David Sprüngli opened the shop on Paradeplatz in 1859, he speculated that the future Zurich main station would be built at this central location. In fact, however, the station was built at a different location, which initially caused uncertainty. Despite this miscalculation, Paradeplatz proved to be one of Zurich's most important transport hubs and Bahnhofsstraße developed over time into one of Switzerland's most exclusive shopping streets — a happy turn for Sprüngli, whose business still benefits from this location today.
Sprüngli Paradeplatz site comprehensively renovated in 2024
The parent company on Zurich's Paradeplatz has developed into an institution over the decades and continues to be a popular meeting place. After extensive renovations, the Café & Restaurant on Paradeplatz opened its doors again in 2024. On the upper floor, guests can enjoy a wide range of culinary offerings, ranging from extensive breakfast options and fine pastries to exquisite desserts. The historic character of the house is retained, while modern accents provide a contemporary look. In addition to the counter area, Sprüngli operates a café bar on the ground floor and a charming outdoor area directly along Bahnhofstraße, which invites you to relax, especially in the months summer. Sprüngli now operates 35 branches, including in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the United Arab Emirates. The newly renovated is particularly well known Café & Restaurant at Paradeplatz in Zurich, which opened in 1859 and, after extensive modernization, Shines in New Splendor in 2024. The interior combines historic elements with contemporary design: Fine materials such as Italian marble, oak herringbone flooring and elegant mirrors give the traditional house a modern, traditional coffee house charm.
Sprüngli International
Sprüngli is also represented at airports such as Zurich, Munich and Vienna, making the brand accessible to an international clientele. In 2017, a boutique was added at Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Since 2021, there has also been a cooperation with Swiss International Air Lines, which allows passengers to enjoy Sprüngli specialities on selected routes. This global expansion is evidence of the desire to be able to offer exclusive products to demanding customers in all regions.
Sprüngli online with worldwide ordering option
With the digital transformation, Sprüngli has continued to invest in online retail and operates a high-quality online shop where gourmets around the world can order chocolates, truffles and Luxemburgerli. Thanks to international shipping, the products can be easily delivered to numerous countries, which brings the experience of Swiss confectionery art beyond national borders.
Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability
Sustainable projects and raw material procurement
Sprüngli is strongly committed to sustainable production and attaches great importance to social responsibility. According to the Sustainability Manifesto, the company is minimizing its environmental footprint through energy-efficient production processes, recyclable packaging and reducing food waste. Cooperation with responsible suppliers ensures high-quality raw materials and fair working conditions. For example, Sprüngli supports cocoa cooperatives in Ghana, Ecuador and Venezuela and invests in health care programs for plantation farmers and their families.
In addition, the company supports projects such as Akwaaba in Ghana, Salud Sur del Lago in Venezuela and Salud Esmeraldas in Ecuador to sustainably improve living conditions in the growing areas. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the characteristic Sprüngli bags go directly to these initiatives. When procuring cocoa, Sprüngli works closely with partners who value sustainable farming, fair prices and environmentally friendly methods.
Energy Efficiency and Food Waste
To reduce its environmental footprint, Sprüngli uses cutting-edge technologies and strict controls. The production and storage of products require continuous cooling and precise temperature management — factors that are regularly optimized to keep energy consumption as low as possible. In 2014, Sprüngli signed a voluntary agreement with the federal government to constantly increase energy efficiency.
In the fight against food waste, the company ensures that overproduction is avoided and that remaining stock is used sensibly. Fresh products such as cakes, pastries and Luxemburgerli are produced in quantities that are optimally tailored to daily demand. Leftover goods go to non-profit organizations or are reused for other creative purposes.
Partnerships and cultural engagement
As a promoter of art, music and culture, Sprüngli maintains close partnerships with renowned events and institutions. These include Zermatt Unplugged, the Lucerne Festival and the Baloise Session. The common values — high quality standards, lived creativity and the will to create unforgettable experiences — form the basis of these collaborations.
In addition to cultural events, Sprüngli also supports educational initiatives and social institutions to raise awareness of traditional crafts and sustainable business. This Commitment Ranges from Sponsoring Selected Events to Organizing Workshops in Which Children and Young People Get an Insight into the Art of Chocolatiers and Patissiers.
Conclusion
Confiserie Sprüngli stands for a unique combination of tradition and modernity. With a focus on the highest quality standards and using first-class raw materials, the company creates incomparable delicacies that have significantly shaped the reputation of the Swiss chocolate industry. The Comprehensive Range — from Famous Luxemburgerli to Grand Cru Chocolates to Seasonal Holiday Creations — is evidence of centuries-old craftsmanship that is constantly evolving and adapting to today's requirements.
Whether in elegant cafés, at renowned cultural events or in the in-house online shop: Sprüngli conveys a sense of enjoyment, finesse and sustainable awareness. The Commitment to Fair Working Conditions, Environmentally Friendly Processes and the Cultivation of Art and Culture Underlines the Claim to Embody Excellence in Every Respect. Confiserie Sprüngli therefore wants to remain a landmark of Swiss confectionery craft in the future and inspire connoisseurs around the world.
