Ever since I started brewing beer in Switzerland back in 2017 and registered Fermento Brewery as a Swiss brewery, I’ve been fascinated by the growth and evolution of the local beer scene. Back in 2017, the number of Swiss breweries stood at 869 and as of 2025, the number has ballooned to over 1400. What a fantastic increase! I realised back in 2017 that the scene was growing. It was clear though that there was a growing scene. This increase represents not only a business expansion but it also means that there is an ever growing number of beer lovers that are interested to quality beers.
Taste and quality of Swiss beer have definitely risen. However, are Swiss breweries truly unique? Here are five surprising facts that’ll give you a fresh perspective on Swiss breweries!
Founded in 2000, BierVision Monstein in Davos (close to the famous ski resort and the world-renowned World Economic Forum) takes Swiss brewing to new heights—literally! As the highest-altitude brewery in Switzerland (at 1625 meters), it offers a truly unique experience. Brewing in a high-altitude environment, where oxygen levels are lower and pressure is different, presents challenges and opportunities for crafting distinctive beers. Some believe that this altitude influences fermentation and flavor, creating beers with a special character. However, I have not seen any proof for these assumptions.
Winter visits are ideal for skiers wanting to combine their passion for snow with a cold one, but it’s best to avoid the peak days of the World Economic Forum in late January, when Davos gets busy.
2. History in a Bottle — Switzerland's Oldest Brewery
Nestled in the canton of St. Gallen, near the tranquil Lake Constance and in the heart of the picturesque Appenzell region, lies Schützengarten — the oldest Swiss brewery, with origins dating back to 1779. This historic establishment is a testament to Switzerland’s rich brewing heritage, which has deep roots in the region. Over the centuries, the area around St. Gallen has been a center of brewing tradition, with monks and local craftsmen passing down knowledge that helped shape the local beer culture. Today, Schützengarten stands as a symbol of these centuries-old traditions, committed to delivering well-crafted, traditional beers that reflect the region’s natural beauty and cultural history.
The name “Schützengarten” has a fascinating origin. It refers to the location where the brewery was originally established—a place with a shooting range (“Schützen” in German), where local hunters and marksmen gathered and practiced their skill. The term “Garten” (garden) evokes a sense of a communal space or grounds; together, the name can be translated as “Shooting Range Garden.” This historical background adds a layer of local authenticity and community spirit to the brand, tying it to the local landscape and social customs that have been part of life in St. Gallen for generations.
The brewery is renowned for its classic, traditional beers, focusing more on quality and heritage than innovation. Its beers are mainly available in the Canton of St. Gallen and may not be well known among Swiss people from other cantons. Schützengarten thus represents Switzerland’s deep-rooted brewing traditions and combines historical charm with craftsmanship.
3. The Largest of the Swiss Breweries and More Than Just a Pretty Castle
Feldschlösschen, with its iconic castle brewery in Rheinfelden (in Switzerland, not Germany!), might seem like the quintessential Swiss brewery with a deep-rooted tradition. Founded in 1876 by Theophil Roniger, it began as a modest operation with just 16 employees but quickly grew into an industry leader. Today, Feldschlösschen accounts for roughly 35% of the Swiss beer market, making it by far the largest brewery in the country. Its long-standing presence has helped solidify its reputation among Swiss consumers, especially since many of the national festivals and large-scale events are sponsored by Feldschlösschen, reinforcing its status as a trusted brand.
While it is now part of the Danish multinational Carlsberg since 2000, the brewery continues to brew in Switzerland, maintaining a significant local production footprint. The backing of a global corporation certainly provides stability and resources, which help ensure the brand’s strong presence across the country. This corporate support allows Feldschlösschen to maintain widespread distribution and visibility, making it a go-to choice for many Swiss drinkers who rely on the known brand—what they expect and find comfort in.
Hürlimann Brauerei, once based in Zurich, holds a notable place in brewing history, especially for its scientific contributions to yeast research. Founded in 1836 by Albert Hürlimann, the brewery remained in the family for five generations and was a leading name among Swiss breweries. Today, the Hürlimann brand lives on under Feldschlösschen. This company’s reputation is built on its founder’s pioneering work in yeast development, which significantly advanced brewing science.
They produced beers with high alcohol content, notably Samichlaus Classic, a Doppelbock with 14% ABV— an extraordinary feat of brewing mastery. While Hürlimann was renowned for its scientific approach and high-quality beers,
it’s worth noting that the original high-alcohol recipe, which is quite exceptional, is no longer produced under the Hürlimann brand. The recipe has been acquired and revived by an Austrian brewery, Schloss Eggenberg. Today, Hürlimann is a historically significant name that once pushed brewing boundaries but no longer makes its signature high-ABV brews.
Last but not least, we’re proud to be part of the vibrant Swiss brewing scene at Fermento Brewery. Since our founding in 2017, we’ve dedicated ourselves to elevating beer’s status and connecting it with great food. We believe that “Exceptional beers deserve equally exceptional food”. and our passion is to make beer approachable and enjoyable in every context where taste and quality are important. We want to show that beer is not just a casual drink, but can be a versatile accompaniment to good food and special moments.
We’re the first brewery in Switzerland to systematically combine beer and food through a dedicated beer and food pairing approach. Sharing our knowledge via our beer blog and recipe blog, we aim to show that beer can be enjoyed with friends and family, at home or at dining establishments, alongside a variety of dishes and occasions. Our goal is to demonstrate that beer isn’t just a casual drink—it’s a versatile companion to good food and memorable moments.
Supporting this approach is our team’s strong academic and professional background in microbiology, biochemistry, and fermentation science. Our expertise in yeast and fermentation allows us to craft beers with complex flavors, balanced profiles, and consistent quality. It also enables us to explore innovative brewing techniques and ingredients, pushing the boundaries of what Swiss craft beer can be. By combining culinary principles with scientific knowledge, Fermento Brewery strives to elevate beer beyond its traditional role and contribute to a more refined appreciation of this age-old beverage.
Cheers to Swiss Brews: A Heritage of Innovation and Flavor
Switzerland’s brewing scene is booming, and as consumer preferences shift toward quality and flavor, Swiss breweries are rising to meet the challenge. From historic traditions to innovative high-altitude brewing, the landscape is diverse and full of surprises. Whether you’re exploring the oldest breweries, visiting spectacular alpine breweries, or enjoying modern craft beers paired with delicious food, Switzerland has something to offer every beer enthusiast.
At Fermento Brauerei, we’re proud to be part of this evolving story—brewing, sharing knowledge, and celebrating Swiss beer culture in all its forms. So, keep exploring, tasting, and enjoying the rich brewing heritage and dynamic future of Swiss beer.