Our history

The history of our traditional brewery

Braeu am Berg is a traditional Austrian beer, its history goes back to the 17th Century. The brewery site at Frankenmarkt was first mentioned in 1626 and over the years there have been many changes – unchanged however is the high quality of our traditional Austrian beer.

Geschichte

Traditional beer brewing since 1626

The market town of Frankenmarkt in Upper Austria has a long beer brewing tradition. The first documentation of a brewery in this region dates from the time of the 30 Year War (1618-1648). According to ancient historical references Oswald Froehlich’s local inn already included a brewery in 1626.

A hundred years later, in the 18th Century, there were already three brewers in Frankenmarkt, and it seems that Simon Seinfellner was the master brewer at Braeu am Berg. He was followed in 1773 by Franz Foettinger. The Braeu am Berg brewery was destroyed by fire in 1903, and was taken over by the Offenhuber family, who rebuilt it.

In 1950 the brewery was taken over by the Wild family and at this time was producing 6,000 hectolitre yearly. After the death of Franz Wild jun. it seemed as if the days of the brewery were numbered.

August Starzinger II rescued the brewery

August Starzinger II took over the Braeu am Berg brewery in 1985 and rescued it from ruin.

In a period of just four years he managed to double the brewery’s output to 12,000 hectolitre p.a. In 1987 the brewery was completely renovated and state of the art machinery was installed.

In 2015, having completed his BA studies in brewing and beverage technology, Victor Starzinger, grandson of August and son of Ludmilla, took over the brewery. Master brewer Heinrich Hirsch is in the third generation responsible for the brewing process. His father (from 1962) and his grandfather (from 1927) were his predecessors and he continues to ensure the high quality of this traditional Austrian beer.

Geschichte

Development of the brewery since 1985

1985

Acquisition of the brewery by August Starzinger II

1986

Construction of the fermentation cellar und purchase of the brewery inn

1987

Renovation of the brewery and construction of the storage cellar 2

2000

Purchase of the brewery villa

2008

Conversion of the Bräu Stöckl from office to dwelling

2010

Renovation and modernisation of storage cellar 1

2015

IFS-certification and Victor Starzinger takes over

2016

The Bräu am Berg Märzen and Bräu am Berg Hefeweisse were awarded the CULINARIX Gold for the best Märzenbier by selected beer sommeliers as part of the special Bierland show in Upper Austria!

2020

The family-run private brewery was pleased to receive a prestigious award at one of the world’s best renowned beer competitions. At the BrauBeviale in Nuremberg, the Bräu am Berg Märzen was awarded the Bronze medal as part of the European Beer Star 2020. This makes Bräu am Berg Märzen one of the best beers in the world.

2022

The decision was taken at Bräu am Berg to apply for the quality seal of the initiative of ‘Austrian Private Breweries – 100% independent’ – a symbol of the Austrian art of brewing. It characterises beers which are derived solely from Austrian private breweries which maintain their regional and individual brewing traditions without focusing on a global brand strategy.