Feldschlösschen has a reason to celebrate: This year Switzerland’s largest brewery proudly looks back on 135 years of corporate history. To mark this occasion, it is holding an Open Day in the castle in Rheinfelden on Saturday, 3 September 2011.
On 3 September the castle grounds in Rheinfelden are open to the public. Visitors will be able to experience a varied programme with a range of entertaining attractions; furthermore, they will have the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of Feldschlösschen. Entry to the Open Day is free. Under the motto “135 years of brewing tradition”, an adventure trail - the “Beer cult tour” – takes the visitors through the brewery. With their own beer passes, guests aged 18 years or over can visit ten fascinating stations on the art of brewing. In addition to interesting and entertaining facts on the company and Feldschlösschen’s various beers, the guests will receive a lot of information and background knowledge on the brewing process. The “Beer cult tour” is open from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Around 15,000 visitors are expected.
Tapping the first keg at 11.00 am
Within the grounds, marquees, bars, the Feldschlösschen chalet, and a beer carousel that is set up as a revolving bar, invite you to immerse yourself. The official tapping of the first keg will take place in the large marquee on the Schalanderplatz, directly adjacent to the brewhouse at 11.00 am; it will be introduced by TV presenter Sascha Ruefer. The first 135 litres of beer will be served free of charge. Subsequently, the Rheinfelden town band will deliver a musical message. Afterwards, the “Notenhobler” band will play beer festival music in the large marquee until 10.00 pm.
Fun and games
If you are looking for a special challenge, you can demonstrate your sporting and gaming skills in the beer fun zone. In addition to beer stein thrusting and beer stein lifting, human table football, rodeo riding and the classic “Test your strength” are on offer. Feldschlösschen’s dray horses are available for short carriage rides for our younger visitors; afterwards they can draw the Feldschlösschen horses at the colouring table.
A 135-year corporate history
Beer was brewed for the first time at Feldschlösschen in Rheinfelden on 8 February 1876. Back then, the two founders of the brewery, brewer Theophil Roniger and farmer Mathias Wüthrich, were predicted an uncertain future for their company. However, the sceptics were to be proved wrong: Several years after its foundation, Feldschlösschen had already become Switzerland’s largest brewery and it has remained in this position ever since. In particular the visionary selection of its location directly adjacent to the Bözberg railway line, which was opened in 1875, facilitated Swiss-wide beer deliveries by rail. The founders had “a calling” for brewing beer and this entrepreneurial spirit still lives on in the castle today. The Feldschlösschen beer is still brewed in the exceptional premises, which stem from the founding period. In the Feldschlösschen castle, the respect for tradition, in conjunction with a committed view towards the future, has survived for over 135 years.
Celebrate under the banner of brewing tradition
After the celebrations to mark the 125th anniversary ten years ago, it is once again time for a festival in the castle. With its Open Day, Feldschlösschen will express its strong regional connections as a long-established company. For over one hundred years, the Feldschlösschen Company has owed its success to its numerous fans and loyal consumers. Therefore, this event is intended to offer friends of the brewery an unforgettable experience. During the tour through the castle, visitors can follow the footsteps of the beer brewers. The various posts will be looked after by more than 150 employees. At a number of stations you can use your senses to experience and taste the raw materials, products and manufacturing steps.
An eleven-strong organising committee has put together a varied programme during the past few months. The anticipation of the upcoming event at Feldschlösschen has been noticeable for many weeks, CEO Thomas Metzger emphasises. “At Feldschlösschen, there is a strong team spirit, which is evident during the preparations for this event.”
Arrival by public transport
Feldschlösschen is easily accessible by public transport. The castle is located approximately seven minutes’ walk from Rheinfelden train station. Discounted special tickets can be bought at the ticket machines of the Northwestern Switzerland fare network (TNW). This does not include any surcharges for travel at night. Parking spaces are not available on the Feldschlösschen site.