Golden days before they end

More about the book

These little cafés, inns, Branntweiner, and bars—often referred to as dens—remain, where time seems to stand still. Passing by, one might hear laughter through the half-open door, yet few venture inside. Often, these establishments make headlines for fights or stabbings among patrons during drinking sessions. Klaus Pichler (photographer) and Clemens Marschall (writer) chose to enter these spaces to document their unique worlds. Pichler captures the guests and the daily dramas, while Marschall interviews the owners for their insights. For many, these bars are vital social hubs where conversations flow and community thrives. They function as substitute families with their own rituals, where barter trades are common, and newcomers must earn their place. Once accepted, patrons bond over drinks, often from early morning until late at night. The interiors often reflect a bygone era, with furnishings dating back to the 1960s, and some customers have frequented these spots for decades. The only indication of time's passage is the loss of patrons. Pichler and Marschall embarked on a journey to document these fading refuges for an aging drinking generation. Through their explorations in Vienna, they discovered many of these bars in decline, ultimately creating a poignant tribute to these establishments that have profoundly impacted their customers' lives for years, now facing extinction.