Felsenkeller

“Cool, dark cellars,” you might think, “perfect for storing Weimar’s brewing history.” You’re standing before the Felsenkeller, a place that has quenched Weimar’s thirst since 1792. Its very name, “rock cellar,” hints at the cool caverns carved out long ago. The Felsenkeller isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Weimar’s brewing heritage. Originally part of the Weimar Stadtbrauerei, the Felsenkeller began its journey as a storage space for the city’s beer. In 1875, Ludwig Deinhardt, a brewer with roots in Franconia, acquired the brewery and its accompanying cellars. He recognized the potential of the Felsenkeller. It wasn’t just a place to store beer; it was a place to make it. He began brewing on a small scale in the cellars, continuing a tradition that endures to this day. The main building, constructed with Ehringsdorfer Travertin, has a fascinating, if slightly murky, history. While some claim it was designed by Clemens Wenzeslaus Coudray in 1885, the architect had already passed away in 1845. Regardless of its designer, the building became a popular destination, drawing locals and visitors alike until the 1950s. The Felsenkeller experienced a revival in 1990, reopening as Thuringia’s first Gasthausbrauerei. In 2005, the Geiger family took ownership, breathing new life into this historic location. They even revived the Deinhardt Bräu brand, offering a variety of beers brewed on-site. You can see the gleaming copper kettles in the restaurant, a testament to the Felsenkeller’s ongoing brewing tradition. The Felsenkeller has not only witnessed Weimar’s history but has actively participated in it. It continues to offer a taste of the past, one freshly brewed beer at a time.