Brewery of Dresden since 1858. That’s quite a statement isn’t it? We’re standing before Feldschlösschen Brewery a true Dresden institution.
Feldschlösschen is more than just a brewery. It’s a symbol of Dresden’s brewing tradition. It is a guarantee for ground-based beer culture. Its history is long. It reflects the city’s own story.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Dresden in 1644. The ruler Johann Georg I allowed a farmer, Anna Nehlin, to serve beer and wine. This happened at the foot of Hahneberg. Later in 1684 Dietrich von Bosse bought the farm. He built a small palace “Schlösschen im Felde”. Hence the name Feldschlösschen. By 1730 Feldschlösschen was a popular spot. It had a dance hall, bowling alley, and summer garden. People came from far and wide to enjoy themselves here.
Disaster struck in 1813. The Feldschlösschen was destroyed in the battle of Dresden. But it was rebuilt in 1819. Leonhard Meisel took over in 1838. He established a lager beer brewery. This brewery was in Dresden’s southern suburbs. This is the Feldschlösschen Stammhaus today.
In 1858 Feldschlösschen Brewery has been THE BREWERY DRESDENS.
The Aktienbrauerei zum Feldschlösschen was founded twenty years later. The company faced bankruptcy in 1883. But new management quickly turned things around. In 1891 new buildings were needed. The medieval-style tower was built. It still stands today. It once held a large water tank. It also housed the machine room and technical equipment.
Feldschlösschen products earned recognition. In 1894 they received the Royal Saxon State Medal. The brewery became a royal court supplier. More awards followed. In 1909 Feldschlösschen received Dresden’s highest honor. It got the Golden Medal of the city.
The bombings of 1945 heavily damaged the brewery. But production resumed in June 1945. In 1960 the brewery became part of VEB Dresdner Brauereien in the GDR. Later it was known as VEB Feldschlösschen Brauerei.
After German reunification renovations took place. The Feldschlösschen Stammhaus was renovated in 1991 for 6 million DM. Traditional rooms were created on three floors.
Feldschlösschen became part of the Holsten Brewery in 1992. In 1995 it was renamed Feldschlösschen Aktiengesellschaft, Dresden. Holsten was acquired by Carlsberg in 2004. Feldschlösschen then belonged to the Carlsberg Group. In 2011 Carlsberg sold Feldschlösschen to TCB Beteiligungsgesellschaft.
Feldschlösschen is known for sponsoring local events. These include the Jazz Spring, the Dixieland Festival, and the SemperOpenairball. The “Pichmännel-Oktoberfest” began in 2013. It attracts thousands of guests.
Feldschlösschen produces a variety of beers. The main product is Feldschlösschen Pilsner. Other beers include Feldschlösschen Export and Feldschlösschen Urbock. They also brew old Dresden beers. These include Dresdner Felsenkeller Pilsner and Coschützer Pils.
Feldschlösschen Urbock won gold at the World Beer Awards in 2013. It was named Europe’s Best Bock Lager. Feldschlösschen Naturradler was the best Radler in Germany in 2017.
As we stand here remember Feldschlösschen’s resilience. From its humble beginnings to its current success. Feldschlösschen has truly become a Dresden landmark.