Dusseldorf's Old Beer (Altbier) Walk (Self Guided), Dusseldorf
Just as London has given us Porter, Dublin – Stout, Burton – the original (English) IPA, and Cologne – Kolsch, Dusseldorf has contributed to the world of beers its signature Altbier. They say, Dusseldorf and Altbier go together like onion rings and blood sausage. Curiously enough, though, this delicious, cool-fermented and malty brew, ranging in color from dark brown to copper, is not particularly well-known outside of Dusseldorf itself.
Despite the lack of widespread recognition, Dusseldorf's Altbier is certainly well appreciated and ubiquitous throughout the city. The name “alt” literally means old. The Altstadt (Old Town) in Dusseldorf is the epicenter of local beers and undoubtedly the best starting point to sample Altbier. Nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, the Altstadt is packed with 300 or so bars and pubs, each peddling Altbier as their primary beverage.
The bulk of the country’s Altbier is both brewed and drunk right here. It's no wonder that there are several legendary breweries venerated as local landmarks.
Uerige Brewery – their Altbier is one of the oldest, extremely distinctive and the most bitter of all the alt varieties produced in Dusseldorf.
Schlüssel Brewery – the history of this brewpub, the smallest of the four traditional breweries in the Old Town, goes back a few centuries.
Im Goldenen Kessel - The Schumacher Brewery – translating as “The Golden Kettle”, this is one of the oldest bastions of Dusseldorf beer production.
Kürzer Brewery – this “new kid on the block” opened its doors only in 2010.
Im Füchschen Brewery – the “Little Fox”, deeply rooted in tradition, has been around since 1640.
If you feel like a bit of pub crawling, while in Dusseldorf, do it in style with the help of our self-guided walking tour.
Despite the lack of widespread recognition, Dusseldorf's Altbier is certainly well appreciated and ubiquitous throughout the city. The name “alt” literally means old. The Altstadt (Old Town) in Dusseldorf is the epicenter of local beers and undoubtedly the best starting point to sample Altbier. Nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, the Altstadt is packed with 300 or so bars and pubs, each peddling Altbier as their primary beverage.
The bulk of the country’s Altbier is both brewed and drunk right here. It's no wonder that there are several legendary breweries venerated as local landmarks.
Uerige Brewery – their Altbier is one of the oldest, extremely distinctive and the most bitter of all the alt varieties produced in Dusseldorf.
Schlüssel Brewery – the history of this brewpub, the smallest of the four traditional breweries in the Old Town, goes back a few centuries.
Im Goldenen Kessel - The Schumacher Brewery – translating as “The Golden Kettle”, this is one of the oldest bastions of Dusseldorf beer production.
Kürzer Brewery – this “new kid on the block” opened its doors only in 2010.
Im Füchschen Brewery – the “Little Fox”, deeply rooted in tradition, has been around since 1640.
If you feel like a bit of pub crawling, while in Dusseldorf, do it in style with the help of our self-guided walking tour.
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Dusseldorf's Old Beer (Altbier) Walk Map
Guide Name: Dusseldorf's Old Beer (Altbier) Walk
Guide Location: Germany » Dusseldorf (See other walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: ChristineS
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Germany » Dusseldorf (See other walking tours in Dusseldorf)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Author: ChristineS
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Bolkerstrasse (Bolker Street)
- Uerige Brewery
- SchlĂĽssel Brewery
- Im Goldenen Kessel - The Schumacher Brewery
- KĂĽrzer Brewery
- Kreuzherreneck Brewery
- Im FĂĽchschen Brewery (Brewery at the Little Fox)
1) Bolkerstrasse (Bolker Street)
Bolker Street is one of Dusseldorf's oldest streets, first built in 1384. At around 300 meters here are over 50 bars, pubs, and restaurants, owing to which the street is considered to be the heart of the "longest bar in the world", which is the nickname awarded to Dusseldorf's Altstadt (Old Town).
Bolker Street used to be a vital business, shopping, and residential destination. Back in the day, merchants and craftsmen settled here in great numbers and sold their goods. The city's first department store, on Bolker Street, was built in 1896 and further expanded in 1905. The store was destroyed during World War II and then replaced by the current Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse building.
Since the 1960s, many commercial outlets have been replaced by restaurants and bars. Presently, Bolker Street is a pedestrian-only area, lined with numerous eateries and watering holes, many of which offer outdoor seating, facing the street, all year round.
There are over 60 historical buildings on Bolker Street, including the Hausbrauerei Zum Schlussel Brewery, producing the legendary Schlussel-Alt beer since 1850. Opposite the brewery is the 1684 Neander Church; its churchyard regularly transforms into a beer garden on weekends.
Bolker Street used to be a vital business, shopping, and residential destination. Back in the day, merchants and craftsmen settled here in great numbers and sold their goods. The city's first department store, on Bolker Street, was built in 1896 and further expanded in 1905. The store was destroyed during World War II and then replaced by the current Schneider-Wibbel-Gasse building.
Since the 1960s, many commercial outlets have been replaced by restaurants and bars. Presently, Bolker Street is a pedestrian-only area, lined with numerous eateries and watering holes, many of which offer outdoor seating, facing the street, all year round.
There are over 60 historical buildings on Bolker Street, including the Hausbrauerei Zum Schlussel Brewery, producing the legendary Schlussel-Alt beer since 1850. Opposite the brewery is the 1684 Neander Church; its churchyard regularly transforms into a beer garden on weekends.
2) Uerige Brewery
Uerige Brewery is a brewpub in the old town region of Duesseldorf. The earliest record of an establishment on the site appeared in 1632. At that time, the location was run by a baker, Martin Putz, and an innkeeper, Dietrich Pfielsticker.
Uerige didn't become a brewery until 1862 when Hubert Wilhelm Curten bought and expanded the building. The expansion included narrow hallways, strange niches and haphazard additions that have given the brewery a unique appearance. It was Curten's proprietorship that also led to the naming of Uerige Brewery. In German, the word "uerige" means "grouch," which was a nickname bestowed upon the reportedly bad-tempered Curten.
The brewery was damaged during World War II but has been completely restored. It continues to use the gravity dispensing method from wooden casks for pouring its draught beers. The brewery is open to the public from 10 am to midnight seven days per week. Those above age 16 are welcome to enjoy the distilled beer and whiskey.
Uerige didn't become a brewery until 1862 when Hubert Wilhelm Curten bought and expanded the building. The expansion included narrow hallways, strange niches and haphazard additions that have given the brewery a unique appearance. It was Curten's proprietorship that also led to the naming of Uerige Brewery. In German, the word "uerige" means "grouch," which was a nickname bestowed upon the reportedly bad-tempered Curten.
The brewery was damaged during World War II but has been completely restored. It continues to use the gravity dispensing method from wooden casks for pouring its draught beers. The brewery is open to the public from 10 am to midnight seven days per week. Those above age 16 are welcome to enjoy the distilled beer and whiskey.
3) SchlĂĽssel Brewery
Schlussel Brewery is a brewery located in the heart of Duesseldorf. It occupies two houses on Bolkerstrasse, number 45 and 47. One of these dates to 1632 when it was called "Zu den drei Konigen" or, in English, "The Three Kings." The house was originally owned by Johann von Monheim.
The brewery was established in 1850 when Jakob Schwenger took ownership and opened a brewery and bakery. When brewer Josef Aders bought the place, he also purchased the house next door to create Schlussel Brewery. It was inherited by Karl Gatzweiler in 1936 and has remained in the Gatzweiler family since that time.
Schlussel, meaning "key," gets its name from the custom of keeping keys to the town gates in local public houses. Schlussel Brewery is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. The brewery remains open until midnight from Wednesday through Friday. Visitors can also take guided tours of the brewery on evenings and weekends. Advanced reservations are required.
The brewery was established in 1850 when Jakob Schwenger took ownership and opened a brewery and bakery. When brewer Josef Aders bought the place, he also purchased the house next door to create Schlussel Brewery. It was inherited by Karl Gatzweiler in 1936 and has remained in the Gatzweiler family since that time.
Schlussel, meaning "key," gets its name from the custom of keeping keys to the town gates in local public houses. Schlussel Brewery is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. The brewery remains open until midnight from Wednesday through Friday. Visitors can also take guided tours of the brewery on evenings and weekends. Advanced reservations are required.
4) Im Goldenen Kessel - The Schumacher Brewery
Im Goldenen Kessel, or "The Golden Kettle" in English, is a restaurant in Duesseldorf's old town. The former brewery has retained its old-world charm right down to the golden kettle that rests above the entrance. However, it has not retained the actual brewing of beer. Instead, beer is brought to the restaurant and put on tap for patrons to enjoy.
Im Goldenen Kessel has been owned by the Schumacher family for over 100 years. It was purchased by Joh. Matthias Schumacher from Carl Joseph Kurten in 1838. It was taken over by Schumacher's nephew, Ferdinand Schumacher, in 1871. It has been passed down through the generations ever since. The Schumachers also operate the Schumacher Brewery, which is the provider of the beers available at Im Goldenen Kessel.
The building was destroyed in 1942 by air raids but was rebuilt in 1948. It has been renovated and expanded many times over the years. The brewery has continued to innovate its beer while the building has enjoyed success in both brewing and gastronomy.
Im Goldenen Kessel is open from Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary.
Im Goldenen Kessel has been owned by the Schumacher family for over 100 years. It was purchased by Joh. Matthias Schumacher from Carl Joseph Kurten in 1838. It was taken over by Schumacher's nephew, Ferdinand Schumacher, in 1871. It has been passed down through the generations ever since. The Schumachers also operate the Schumacher Brewery, which is the provider of the beers available at Im Goldenen Kessel.
The building was destroyed in 1942 by air raids but was rebuilt in 1948. It has been renovated and expanded many times over the years. The brewery has continued to innovate its beer while the building has enjoyed success in both brewing and gastronomy.
Im Goldenen Kessel is open from Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary.
5) KĂĽrzer Brewery
Kurzer Brewery is a newer brewer in Duesseldorf. Established in 2010, Kurzer Brewery was opened by Hans-Peter Schwermin as a mini-brewery to rival some of the long-standing brewers in the region.
Kurzer Brewery uses glass barrels and exposed brick to create an ultra-modern atmosphere in the city's old town. Along with the on-site brewery, Kurzer offers standard bar fare like burgers, fish n chips and schnitzel.
This trendy bar is very popular with locals. Known as an Altbier brewery, the small establishment focuses on brewing the type of beer that found its start in the region. Altbier is a top-brewing beer that was first brewed in the Schumacher Brewery in 1838. It is a fruity, crisp beer that is only produced in eight breweries in the city.
Kurzer Brewery uses glass barrels and exposed brick to create an ultra-modern atmosphere in the city's old town. Along with the on-site brewery, Kurzer offers standard bar fare like burgers, fish n chips and schnitzel.
This trendy bar is very popular with locals. Known as an Altbier brewery, the small establishment focuses on brewing the type of beer that found its start in the region. Altbier is a top-brewing beer that was first brewed in the Schumacher Brewery in 1838. It is a fruity, crisp beer that is only produced in eight breweries in the city.
6) Kreuzherreneck Brewery
Kreuzherreneck Brewery is a brewery that focuses almost as much on music as it does on drinks. The brewery is located near old town but is much more modern than some of its kin in the heart of Duesseldorf. Established in 1954, Kreuzherreneck Brewery has been known to host concerts ranging from jazz to punk.
The tiny pub doesn't have a lot of decoration but it still manages to have a great deal of style. Much of that comes from the cozy atmosphere that allows for lively conversation or enjoying loud music.
The brewery offers a surprisingly large array of beers for its size. It also offers wine and numerous spirits, including specials like the salmiakki. Native to nordic regions, salmiakki is a salty liquorice liquor that should be tried in small sips as it is a potent and acquired taste. A local favorite is the Gedeck, which is an Altbier with a shot of salmiakki.
The tiny pub doesn't have a lot of decoration but it still manages to have a great deal of style. Much of that comes from the cozy atmosphere that allows for lively conversation or enjoying loud music.
The brewery offers a surprisingly large array of beers for its size. It also offers wine and numerous spirits, including specials like the salmiakki. Native to nordic regions, salmiakki is a salty liquorice liquor that should be tried in small sips as it is a potent and acquired taste. A local favorite is the Gedeck, which is an Altbier with a shot of salmiakki.
7) Im FĂĽchschen Brewery (Brewery at the Little Fox)
The Brewery at the Little Fox (Brauerei im Füchschen) is a legendary microbrewery in Dusseldorf's Old Town, committed to upholding the proud tradition of Dusseldorfer beer. Established as early as 1640, this iconic brewery has been refining its house specialty, Fuchschen Altbier, since 1848 using a family recipe that’s won acclaim for generations. Stepping into the brewery, you’re not just tasting beer but savoring history, with each sip tracing back through centuries of brewing expertise.
Throughout its storied past, the brewery has been resilient. Bought by Theodor and Louise Konig in 1908, it faced wartime hardship, with its cherished copper kettles removed during World War I, and was later rebuilt after being bombed in World War II. The brewery reopened in 1950 under Peter and Johanna Konig, and since then, the Little Fox has become a beloved fixture, drawing fans from all walks of life, including icons like Joseph Beuys and Udo Jurgens.
Today, the Brewery at the Little Fox remains one of only eight Dusseldorf breweries to craft Altbier on-site—a testament to its commitment to quality, tradition, and the unmistakable charm of Dusseldorfer craft beer.
Throughout its storied past, the brewery has been resilient. Bought by Theodor and Louise Konig in 1908, it faced wartime hardship, with its cherished copper kettles removed during World War I, and was later rebuilt after being bombed in World War II. The brewery reopened in 1950 under Peter and Johanna Konig, and since then, the Little Fox has become a beloved fixture, drawing fans from all walks of life, including icons like Joseph Beuys and Udo Jurgens.
Today, the Brewery at the Little Fox remains one of only eight Dusseldorf breweries to craft Altbier on-site—a testament to its commitment to quality, tradition, and the unmistakable charm of Dusseldorfer craft beer.
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