The Schwedenbombe turns 100 this year. What began as the sweet idea of a small Viennese confectioner has become an enduring Austrian icon—and a beloved symbol of nostalgic indulgence.
Exactly a century ago, in 1926, the Schwedenbombe (literal translation: Sweden bomb) was born in Austria. Behind this creation was Viennese confectioner Walter Niemetz, who, together with his wife Johanna, developed a sweet treat made of whipped egg whites and sugar on a crisp wafer—all enrobed in chocolate. The inspiration came with the help of a Swedish friend, whose contribution is still honored today in the name “Schwedenbombe.”
Niemetz trademarked the brand in 1934, and the first Schwedenbomben were sold wrapped in shimmering gold foil. A hundred years later, this delicate confection remains one of Austria’s most beloved classics—an enduring symbol of craftsmanship, nostalgia, and sweetness.
The history of the Schwedenbombe has not always been marked by success. At the beginning of the 2010s, Niemetz-Manufaktur ran into financial difficulties. More than 40,000 fans bought up the stocks to prevent the end of the beloved treat. The outcry was effective: Heidi Chocolat AG took over the company in 2013 and continued production in Wiener Neudorf, outside of Vienna. They currently produce 250,000 pieces per day and are packed by hand. Courses are also offered on how to make the the popular desserts yourself, with around 12,000 people taking part last year.
A century after the first Schwedenbombe, supermarket shelves are unimaginable without it in all its variations. And whenever a new pack is opened, one question inevitably arises: chocolate or coconut?
