Imagine three houses merging to form the Sternbräu we see today. This gastronomy complex stands in Salzburg’s historic center. It bridges Getreidegasse and Griesgasse. Let’s uncover the story of this iconic place.
Sternbräu boasts four restaurants and two inviting gardens. Its history stretches back centuries. The first mention of this brewery inn dates to 1542.
Originally, the building complex consisted of three houses. One stood on the second city wall. It was later counted as a separate house. A goldsmith, Hartel, owned the first building in 1408. The smith tradition continued until the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1542, a Pierprew was recorded. Hanns Riexinger was named as the owner.
Philipp Tunzler acquired the “Wührthsbehausung bei dem gulden stern” in 1636. The name refers to the Sternbastei built by Archbishop Paris Lodron. This bastion was built into the Salzach riverbank. It was removed after 1860. The name of Sternbr\u00e4u does not refer to the biblical star.
In the 17th century, the Stockhamer family took ownership. They already ran the Stockhamerbräu in Getreidegasse. Matthias Wilhelmseder gained ownership in 1743. He built a richly decorated Baroque chapel on the first floor. After his bankruptcy, Johann Ernst Antretter and Kordula Hierl restored the Sternbräu.
During the 19th century, Sternbrauerei successfully resisted brewery closures. In 1876, the cellars moved to Riedenburg. In 1887, Sternbrauerei transformed into a corporation.
The brewery relocated entirely to Riedenburg in 1907. This allowed for expansion and modernization. Master builder Jakob Ceconi designed the buildings. The brewery produced beer here until 1956. “Josefibier” and “Rupertibier” were locally famous. In 1972, the 54-meter-high chimney was demolished. Next to the brewery was the Alte Sterngasthaus. It had a chestnut-filled garden. It also included a wooden Salettl and Rosi, the down-to-earth tenant. From January 2013 to October 2014, the area underwent reconstruction. However, the historical parts were preserved.
After relocating the brewery from the city center, a passage to Griesgasse was created in 1909. In 1929, Österreichische Brau AG acquired Sternbräu. They comprehensively renovated it. Sternbr\u00e4u sustained heavy damage on April 24, 1945.
In 2012, Sternbr\u00e4u offered 780 seats in four restaurants. These were Sternbr\u00e4u, La Stella, Braumeister, and Abendstern. There were also 670 seats in the two gardens. Besides gastronomy, the venue hosted various evening events.
A nearly two-year renovation started on January 7, 2013. The entire area closed during this time. A large part of the building was demolished. During construction, about 30 meters of the late medieval Salzburg city wall were uncovered. Parts of a defensive tower were also found. Both were integrated into the new building. On October 1, 2014, Sternbr\u00e4u reopened under the same manager.
The beer isn’t brewed on site anymore. After more than 60 years, Stern Bier is back on tap. Hofbr\u00e4u Kaltenhausen in Hallein brews it. Stern Bier is best described as Kellerbier or Zwicklbier. It has 4.6% alcohol. It is blonde and naturally cloudy.
In the SternLounge, Sternbr\u00e4u serves a special beer aperitif. It mixes Stern Bier, Campari, and a slice of lemon.
So, when you raise a glass here at Sternbräu, remember its rich history. From its humble beginnings to its modern-day form, it is an important piece of Salzburg.