Welcome to the Home of ZÄPFLE.
Immerse yourself in the world of Tannenzäpfle and discover what has made our brewery so special for over two centuries.
The story of Rothaus begins in 1791, when Martin Gerbert, the Prince-Abbot of St. Blasien Abbey, laid the foundation for the Rothaus Brewery. Its location in the heart of the High Black Forest, at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, was ideal: clear spring water, abundant wood from the surrounding forests, and proximity to an important trade route made Rothaus a lively meeting place.
After secularization in 1806, Rothaus became the Grand Ducal Baden State Brewery and remains a state-owned company to this day. Over the years, the brewery has overcome many challenges—from fires to technical innovations—while staying true to its core values: quality, local heritage, and craftsmanship.
A milestone came in 1956 with the introduction of Tannenzäpfle. The handy 0.33-liter bottle featuring the Black Forest maiden “Biergit Kraft” quickly became iconic and remains the hallmark of our brewery. It is brewed according to the German Purity Law, using our own spring water from seven sources and regional ingredients.
The ZÄPFLE Heimat invites you to experience this tradition up close: explore our interactive exhibition, discover fascinating details about the art of brewing, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Black Forest.
We wish you a wonderful time exploring—and, of course, enjoying our beers!
