The popular pilgrimage and excursion destination Kloster Kreuzberg is getting a brand-new brewery. Increasing numbers of guests and pilgrims are making their way to the Kreuzberg – the "Holy Mountain of Franconia" located in the Rhön region. As Cardinal Faulhaber once poetically observed during his visit more than a century ago: "A long procession climbs the hill, most to the cross, nearly all to the stein." ("Den Berg hinauf wallt ein langer Zug, die meisten zum Kreuze, fast alle zum Krug.") The brewery, which has been part of the Franciscan monastery since 1731, now produces approximately 8,500 hectolitres of beer annually. To ensure that the roughly 500,000 visitors each year can continue to enjoy the renowned Kreuzberg monastery beer, extensive modernization is now necessary.

The historic brewery, which is the highest-elevated brewery in Bavaria, was last renovated in 1954. The previous brewhouse was already supplied by the Bamberg-based brewery equipment manufacturer KASPAR SCHULZ. Now, as part of a comprehensive modernization project worth several million euros, the Franciscan monastery is not only getting a new brewery building but also a brand-new, fully automated 25-hectolitre, three-vessel SCHULZ brewhouse made of stainless steel. From mid-next year, visitors will be able to admire the new system through large glass windows. In addition, KASPAR SCHULZ is supplying the milling system, a CIP unit, and the entire cellar area for this major project. The cellar will feature four open fermentation vats with a total capacity of 300 hectolitres. The well-known Kreuzberg monastery beer will also mature in 21 new lager tanks with a total volume of 1,250 hectolitres.

Following demolition of old buildings, the official groundbreaking ceremony for the architecturally striking new brewery took place on May 2nd. After completion of the structural shell, the new brewhouse and tanks from KASPAR SCHULZ will be installed. Soon after, brewing will resume – not only of the famous Kloster Dunkel, but also of other beers such as Pils, Christmas Bock, and Hefeweizen, all brewed under the monastery’s motto: “Faith and enjoyment.” In the future, the brewing process will be made accessible and transparent to visitors via an observation platform. A rooftop beer garden will also be created, allowing guests to enjoy regional dishes and fresh beer with stunning views.

About Kloster Kreuzberg
The Franciscan monks built their monastery on the 928-metre-high Kreuzberg in the Rhön in 1692 at a location that had long served as a pilgrimage site. A brewery was added in 1731, where the monks brewed beer themselves for centuries. Today, five Franciscan monks still live on the Kreuzberg. The brewery is now operated by five laypeople, as are the tavern and hotel – employing a total of 50 secular staff. During the early 19th century, the monastery was spared from secularization, which is why the brewery remains in Franciscan ownership to this day.

About KASPAR SCHULZ
KASPAR SCHULZ Brauereimaschinenfabrik & Apparatebauanstalt GmbH is a heritage-rich company based in Bamberg. Founded in 1677, the company has a long-standing reputation for excellence in machine and plant engineering. Known for its outstanding quality, innovative design, and technical advancements, KASPAR SCHULZ manufactures brewery and malting equipment, whisky distilleries, and special vessels. It is the only company worldwide offering a complete value chain from barley to high-end whisky refinement. In 2023, KASPAR SCHULZ received the TOP 100 award for the third time, ranking among Germany’s most innovative companies. That same year, the company was also honored with the Bavarian SME Award for its innovation and future-focused strategy.

Image credit: hjparchitekten PGmbB | Prof. Jürgen Hauck and Herbert Osel