Ever wondered what a snuff factory smells like? Today, standing before the document Schnupftabakfabrik, we are about to find out. This isn’t just any building. It is one of the largest complexes of Regensburg townhouse architecture from the Middle Ages. Its history mirrors Regensburg itself. It changed from a noble residence to a merchant building and finally to the document Schnupftabakfabrik.
Inside the document Schnupftabakfabrik, three original rooms await us. They offer a glimpse into Regensburg’s industrial past. The Bernard AG company once operated here. For almost 200 years, they produced fine tobaccos. This factory wasn’t just any factory. Before World War II, it was Germany’s largest snuff factory. Around 350 people worked here.
The “Alchemist’s Kitchen” is a highlight. This is where the magic happened. Here, workers created fine mixtures of sought-after varieties. Names like Pariser and Saarbrücker filled the air. Later, “Schmalzler” and “Aecht Bayerischer Brasil-Tabak” joined the ranks. “Schmalzler Franzl” was a popular brand. The snuff was so popular that the factory boomed.
The rooms in the document Schnupftabakfabrik retain their original features. The lighting is the same. Most importantly, the smell remains. It provides an authentic experience. It is a sensory journey back in time.
The document Schnupftabakfabrik showcases the art of tobacco production. It takes you from raw tobacco delivery to the packaging of the final product. It also tells the story of Bernard AG. It was Germany’s first snuff factory. Georg Otto Christlieb was the director of Bernard company. His collection of snuff boxes and glasses is now in the Historical Museum. It highlights the culture of snuff.
Visiting the document Schnupftabakfabrik requires a guided tour. You can purchase tickets at the Tourist Info on Rathausplatz. Group tours are available with advance booking. The phone number is 0941 5073442. You can also email museumsfuehrungen@regensburg.de.
Tickets cost 8 Euro for adults. Reduced tickets are 5 Euro. Families can enter for 16 Euro. There is a fee of 70 Euro for closed groups in German or English. School classes pay 50 Euro. Please note that free entry on the first Sunday of the month does not apply here.
The document Schnupftabakfabrik offers more than just a tour. It provides a whiff of history. It connects us to Regensburg’s rich past. The building shows the changing times. From noble residence to bustling factory, it all happened here. As we leave, remember the aroma. Remember the “Schmalzler Franzl”. Remember Regensburg’s unique industrial heritage at the document Schnupftabakfabrik.