The Zotter Chocolate Experience takes place at the Zotter chocolate factory, located in southern Austria, not far from the city of Graz. It’s an excellent and sweet stopping point for those planning to start their trip in Vienna and continue from the city towards Carinthia (read about recommended accommodations in Carinthia). The factory offers tours throughout the day (at fixed times), so you can enter the factory and taste the best of Zotter’s chocolates.
The Zotter Chocolate Experience – General Information
The Austrian chocolate company Zotter (Zotter Schokoladen Manufaktur) was founded by Josef Zotter in 1999 in a small village named Bergl in the south of the state of Styria. It is a family business that has, over the years, become a true chocolate empire and is now considered one of the finest chocolate producers in the world.
Every year, about 300 tons of cocoa beans and 150 tons of cocoa butter are processed in the factory, ultimately becoming 600 tons of exceptionally delicious chocolate. The company’s products are organic and have a Fairtrade seal.
The company produces about 400 different types of chocolate for eating and drinking. The chocolates are very diverse; there are some with nuts, fruits, and alcohol, as well as vegan chocolates.
The “Chocolate Theatre” – A Tasting Tour
The Zotter Chocolate Experience is called the “Chocolate Theatre,” where you take part in a real chocolate show. Throughout the 90-minute tour, you will learn about the entire world of chocolate, from the farmers in the field to the production of the wonderful treat.
While you hear facts and see how the chocolate is made through the factory’s large glass windows, you can taste about 160 different types of chocolate! You will also finish with a hot and sweet chocolate drink.
What exactly is included in the Zotter factory tour?
- Cocoa Cinema: An educational film about the farmers in Latin America who grow the chocolate.
- From Cocoa Beans to a Snack: An interactive display where you’ll learn about all the stages of chocolate making – from roasting to the finished product. You can taste the chocolate at its various production stages.
- Bean Roasting Center: Taste roasted cocoa beans from different countries.
- Coffee Bean Tasting: Taste freshly roasted coffee beans.
- Nougat Fountain: Taste nougat directly from the fountain.
- Chocolate Fountains: Taste liquid chocolate in various flavors.
- Aroma Room: In this section, you can test your sense of smell and guess the ingredients in different chocolates.
- Labooko Cracker: Taste rich cocoa blends and colorful chocolates with fruit.
- Balleros Roulette: A variety of chocolate types in small metal pots that spin rapidly.
- Online Hot Chocolate: The world’s smallest cable car will serve you a hot chocolate drink.
Many more surprises await you during the Zotter tasting tour!
Watch the tour as part of the Zotter Chocolate Experience
Zotter’s “Edible Zoo” (Zotter Essbarer Tiergarten)
As part of the factory, there is an organic farm with animals like mountain cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, deer, wallabies, llamas, alpacas, pigs, chickens, and more. Some of the animals are in the farm’s petting corner, and some are used for the adjacent restaurant. The farm also grows fruits and vegetables, which are also used for the dishes served in the factory’s restaurant. The farm is particularly experiential and suitable for children of all ages.
At the end of your visit, you can buy chocolates in the factory shop as a souvenir of the wonderful experience.
Other Essential Information for Visiting the Zotter Chocolate Experience
Please note: It is recommended to arrive with good, closed-toe walking shoes for walking inside the factory.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (the last tour starts at 5:00 PM).
- Closed on Sundays and holidays.
Cost:
The entrance ticket is for the day and includes the factory tour and a visit to the zoo.
- Adult: €21.90
- Youth (11-17): €17.90
- Child (6-10): €13.90
- Child (4-5): €7.90
- Toddler (0-3): Free
It is highly recommended to book tickets for the tours in advance (the price for booking on the website is discounted). You can book tickets directly from the factory’s website.
Address
Bergl 56, 8333 Riegersburg
Map:
Other Attractions in the Area
A short drive from the Zotter Chocolate Experience is a beautiful old castle called Riegersburg Castle. The drive to the castle from the factory takes about 5 minutes and is a very nice addition to a visit to this area. You can read more detailed information about the castle in the article we have prepared.
