How long has the Zum weißen Fuchsschens story unfolded?
Right here before you stands Zum weißen Fuchsschens a Düsseldorf landmark. Its history stretches back to at least 1640. Records show the property at Ratinger Straße 28 was already known as “Im Fuchsschens” then. It’s likely that Altbier was brewed and sold there even then. However the beer wasn’t sold under the name Fuchsschens Alt until 1848. The brewery’s distinctive fox emblem on the building facade replaced a house number.
Theodor and Louise König bought the brewery and inn in 1908. They cleverly used the fox emblem. A new prominent sign over the entrance officially established “Brauerei im Fuchsschens.” World War I halted operations. Tragically Theodor König didn’t live to see its 1930 reopening. His family continued running the brewery. World War II brought further devastation. Bombing destroyed the brewery.
Peter “Pitter” König and his wife Johanna reopened the establishment in 1950. It became a popular hangout. Prominent figures like Gustaf Gründgens Joseph Beuys and Konzernchef Flick were patrons. After Peter König’s death in 1972 his wife and son continued the legacy. In 1995 Peter III the fourth generation took over. He modernized the brewery and expanded its event schedule especially for the Düsseldorf Carnival.
Zum weißen Fuchsschens is integral to Düsseldorf’s traditions. They even had a large tent at the Düsseldorf Kirmes funfair. However they canceled it in 2011. Stricter safety regulations after the Loveparade tragedy were the reason. They returned in 2012 at a new location.
Today Zum weißen Fuchsschens brews its famous Altbier. They also offer a wheat beer called Silberfuchsschens and a stronger Christmas beer. Since 2017 Fuchsschens Pils is also available. The brewery uses traditional methods while still modernizing. The beer is distributed locally. They maintain a strong connection to Düsseldorf’s heritage. It’s a testament to resilience and enduring popularity. The building continues to represent the rich history of brewing in Düsseldorf.