Altenberge Ice Cream Cellar

The listed building offers a glimpse into the cellar vaults of the former "Baiersche Bierbrauerei Gebrüder Beuing". The ice cellar was used in the 19th century for the cool storage of bottom-fermented beer. The fermentation cellar vault was built in 1860, and production of bottom-fermented beer began in 1861. After a devastating fire and two changes of ownership, brewing operations were contractually discontinued.

Since then, the Eiskeller in Altenberge has been of special scientific and historical importance and was listed in 1996. In an imposing pavilion built in 2004, visitors can learn about the brewery and take part in guided tours. In addition, numerous projects, lectures and conferences take place on the grounds. Only the lower ice cellar is not accessible from October to April, as rare and protected bat species inhabit this part of the cellar during this time.

Guided toursA tour of the underground ice cellar facility in Altenberge is only possible as part of a guided tour. Guided tours take place on the hour during opening hours. Groups and school classes can arrange guided tours and visits all year round.
HistoryIn 1860, the brothers Franz and Johann Hermann Beuing applied for the construction of a "Bavarian" brewery in Altenberge, which was approved without any complications. The production of bottom-fermented beer began as early as the following year. The benefit of the ice cellar: "The beer wort, the brew of malt grist and hops, had to be cooled down very quickly to cellar temperature so that the beer yeast could then ferment out in the fermentation vats in the fermentation cellar. This process took about eight days. The finished young beer was then transferred to storage barrels where secondary fermentation began. After about eight to twelve weeks, the beer has developed full maturity. In this process, sufficient coolness plays a decisive role, especially in the summer months, so that the beer does not "tip over" due to high ambient temperatures.
Ten years after the brewery was founded, it was equipped with a steam boiler and a steam engine
. From
1879, the brewery was also equipped with an artificial cooling system from the Linde company to supplement the natural ice cooling system. In 1890, the large storage cellar on the middle floor with the two-storey ice cellar above it was enlarged to form a four-storey total facility.
After a devastating fire (1927) and two changes of ownership (1929, 1930), the Germania Brewery and the private Rolinck Brewery contractually agreed to stop brewing.
In 1996, the building was declared a historical monument and placed under protection. The building's multi-storey structure is unique not only in Münsterland. As far as is known, it is also the only one of its kind in Europe. The lower storey has long been a roost for endangered bat species. Monument and nature conservation are combined in the Eiskeller Altenberge.