History

Sternburg – A brand with a long tradition

1278

First documented mention of Lützschena referencing a “brewery in the manor estate between Elster and Mühlenteich“.

1822

Acquisition of the manor estate and brewery by Maximilian Freiherr Speck of Sternburg

The founder of the Sternburg Brewery and prominent businessman. A black-and-white portrait of Baron Speck von Sternburg.

Sternburg Founder and businessman: Freiherr Speck of Sternburg

In 1822, at the manor estate of Lützschena, a businessman from Leipzig returned from Bavaria with a vision: To brew the finest beer between Prussia and Alsace – creating a legacy that would be remembered even centuries later. Lützschena, today part of Leipzig, then experienced a significant economic growth and the brand’s success story began.

1882

Renaming to “Freiherrlich Sternburgsche Brauerei“.

1905

Historic black-and-white view of the large brewery with multiple buildings and chimneys.

Historical View: “Freiherrlich v. Sternburg’sche Brauerei“ in Lützschena

Sternburg kept growing, and over time, Lützschena moved closer and closer to Leipzig. In 1905, it became a tramway stop, and the brewery turned into a popular excursion destination.

1945

Two old vehicles are standing on an avenue, one is a truck full of barrels, the other is a car.

Sternburg delivery around 1912

In 1945 the war was over, the land reform followed, and three years later, the brewery was nationalized as public property. In 1966, our German Pils was awarded the gold medal at the Leipzig Spring Fair, marking a significant milestone for the brewery. This recognition boosted exports to the Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania, where demand steadily increased. At the same time, “German Pils“ became a standard offering on board GDR airlines and ships, reaching a wide audience.

1948

Transfer of ownership into public property.

1968

In 1968, the brewery joined the VEB Beverage Combine Leipzig and the export beer became one of the most highly regarded beer brands in the former GDR.

1980

A drawing shows a mascot-like figure in front of historic architecture, holding a medal.

Leaflet on the gold medal of the 1966 Leipzig Trade Fair

High demand required new technological measures. By 1980, eight reactors – each 23 meters tall – were already towering into the sky of Lützschena. Just ten years later, 500 employees were producing up to 500,000 hectoliters of premium German beer annually – a big milestone in the history of Sternburg.

However, the loss of traditional export markets led to a period of sharp sales decline. As a result, the brewery was relocated from Lützschena to the Leipziger Brewhouse and was eventually acquired by the Dortmunder Brau und Brunnen AG.

1990

Independent company: Sternburg brewery in cooperation with Stuttgarter Hofbräu

The Sternburg brewery GmbH becomes an independent company and retains its well-known, popular recipe.

1991

Despite a significant increase in production volumes over the past decade, the loss of traditional export markets led to a period of sharp sales decline. With the closure of the Lützschena brewery site in February 1991, Sternburg was acquired by the Sachsenbräu AG and the brewery is relocated to the production site by “Brau und Brunnen AG, Dortmund“ in Leipzig. As a result, Sternburg becomes a subsidiary of the Brau und Brunnen AG.

1992

Two beer labels from Sternburg beer bottles, one with green lettering and one with red lettering.

Brand relaunch of Sternburg Pilsener and Sternburg Export

In 1992 better times arrive, marked by a successful relaunch of the Sternburg Pilsener and Sternburg Export, positioning itself in the value segment without relying on advertising. Throughout this transition, the brewery retained its centuries-old tradition of quality and expertise for German beer, becoming the first brewery in eastern Germany to be certified according to the DIN ISO 9002 quality standard.

1993

After a successful brand relaunch, in the following year, Sternburg established itself as a price-volume brand in the value segment.

2006

As of January 1, 2006, Sternburg became part of the Radeberger KG group and holds a market-leading position in East Germany with nearly 10 % market share.

2022

The brand Sternburg reaches a major milestone, celebrating 200 years of history. Established in 1822, it looks back on a successful history as a traditional German beer.

Today

The Sternburg brewery with a view over Leipzig in the background. The sun is setting on the horizon.

Today, Sternburg looks back on over 200 years of history, throughout which it has consistently upheld its quality and rich brewing tradition. With its launch on the international markets, the Sternburg International GmbH​ is now taking an important new step in its development.

Rooted in German heritage and shaped by centuries of brewing craftsmanship, the brand continues to carry its legacy into the world – authentic, reliable, and proudly made in Germany.