The Brauhaus am Lohberg zu Wismar is a historic timber-framed brewery located by the Old Harbour in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Wismar, Germany. First recorded in 1452, it stands today as the only remaining active historic brewhouse in a town that once boasted nearly 200 breweries during its medieval Hanseatic prime. [1, 2, 3, 4]

During the 1400s, brewing beer was Wismar's principal and most lucrative industry. Records from 1464 indicate the town was home to 183 active breweries and roughly 150 hop gardens. Local beer was exported extensively across Europe—reaching markets in England, Scandinavia, Flanders, Portugal, and even lower India—bringing substantial wealth to the city. [1, 2, 3]

The brewery at Kleine Hohe Straße 15 (with its prominent gabled front facing the Am Lohberg street) was utilized for brewing by merchant Hinricus Noyte around 1452. Formally cataloged in old city registers as "Hinricus Noytes Brauhaus No. 1," it became famous for brewing Wismarer Mumme (or Wismarer Wumme), a dense, highly-prized strong beer with an alcohol content reaching roughly 10% ABV. Wismar's beer was so popular and competitive that neighboring Hanseatic rival Lübeck briefly enacted an official ban on serving it to protect their own local taverns. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Following the conclusion of the Thirty Years' War and the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Wismar fell under Swedish dominion. During this era of Swedish rule, the multi-story half-timbered building altered its function, transitioning from an active commercial brewery into a military supply store and storehouse (Provianthaus). By the early 20th century, the historic structure had shifted entirely into a general warehouse. [1, 2]

Commercial brewing in Wismar experienced a long, steady decline over the centuries; by the early 1900s, only four active breweries remained, and the very last historical outfit closed its doors in 1921. During the subsequent mid-century Soviet occupation era, all local brewing operations remained dormant, with the city's beer being trucked in externally. [1, 2]

The structure itself underwent initial structural restoration work starting in 1980. Following German reunification, Hamburg native Herbert Wenzel acquired the centuries-old Gothic and Renaissance building in 1994. A thorough historical restoration funded by urban development grants was completed, allowing the Brauhaus am Lohberg to officially reopen in 1995. This revival successfully brought traditional Hanseatic brewing methods back to the old harbor front after a multi-decade hiatus. Today, it serves house-made beers alongside rustic regional cuisine.