Brewing in Freiberg boasts a rich history. Here we stand before the Freiberger Brauhaus GmbH. Silver discoveries propelled Freiberg into a bustling town. Mining created thirst. Beer sales became a profitable venture.
In 1266, Heinrich der Erlauchte granted Freiberg exclusive rights. Only Freybergisch beer could be sold in Saxon mining areas. This was quite the decree.
In 1850, local citizens and innkeepers united. They formed the “Commun-Brauhof” cooperative brewery. By 1898, it transformed into the “Bürgerliches Brauhaus Freiberg AG”. Today, the Freiberger Pils embodies this brewing tradition. It has been going on for more than 160 years.
The new Freiberger Brauhaus was built in 1995. It replaced the old brewery in the town’s heart. Currently, over 150 employees ensure the Saxon brewing tradition continues. The source of Freiberger’s brewing art never runs dry.
Curious to peek behind the brewery scenes? Take a Brauhaus tour. These tours offer an entertaining and informative journey. You can learn about Freiberger Pils, from raw ingredients to the final product. During the one-hour tour, watch the brewmaster at work. Glimpse into the brewhouse and bottling plant.
After the tour, sample Freiberger’s diverse beers. The variety might surprise you.
The Freiberger Brauhaus AG celebrated its 150th anniversary between 1999 and 2001. They launched Freibergisch Export. Also, they produced Freibergisch Schwarzes Bier and Freibergisch Diät-Pils. They even brewed Freibergisch Jubiläums Festbier.
In 2001, two new 1,500 hl pressure tanks were installed. Each was 18 meters tall and 3.6 meters wide. Each weighed 17 tons.
The Freiberger Brauhaus is part of the Radeberger Group. It belongs to the Oetker Group. In 1863, the Freiberger Brauhaus was the first brewery in Saxony. It brewed a Pilsner-style beer. It was called “Freiberger Böhmisch”.
After World War II, Freiberg fell within the Soviet occupation zone. In 1948, the brewery became a state-owned enterprise. Later, it belonged to the VEB Getränkekombinat Karl-Marx-Stadt.
After the end of the DDR, the Eichbaum-Brauereien AG took over. In 2000, it became part of Actris AG. Actris AG was owned by SAP founder Dietmar Hopp. During this time, a new brewery was built. It was located on the northern outskirts of the city. The old brewery on Stadtring was abandoned. Only the brewery tavern remained.
The Radeberger Group acquired the company in May 2006. This sale was backdated to January 1, 2006. The Radeberger Group already owned three Saxon breweries. In 2006, Freiberger produced over one million hectoliters for the first time.
The highlight of the year is the Freiberger Brauhausfest.
Freiberger offers brewery tours with beer tasting. These are available Monday to Friday from 3 PM and Saturday from 10 AM. Reservations are required.
The Freiberger Brauhaus continues its long-standing tradition. It blends tradition with modern brewing. The commitment remains. The Freiberger Brauhaus offers a taste of Freiberg’s heritage.