A Tour of German Chocolatiers

                                        
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As the birthplace of many of our holiday traditions, Germany is a popular destination for many people throughout the month of December. We thought we’d give you a quick tour of some of the foremost German chocolatiers so that you can add them to your next vacation itinerary. And if you don’t have a trip planned, sit back, relax, and enjoy our trip through Germany!

When you start your trip in southern Germany, you’ll begin with Reber chocolates. Founded in 1865, Reber is one of Germany’s foremost chocolatiers. Located in Bad Reichenhall, the headquarters of Reber offers one of the famous Reber cafes as well as the factory itself. If you can’t make it to Bad Reichenhall, there are also shops in Munich and Salzburg to enjoy. As soon as you see that infamous red awning, you’ll know that you’re about to enter into one of the sanctuaries of German chocolate.

To the west/southwest of Bad Reichenhall comes Waldenbuch, home of Ritter Sport. Founded by Alfred & Clara Ritter in Bad Cannstatt in 1912, Ritter Sport has become known for its chocolate squares. Born of a desire to provide chocolate that can fit in the pocket while still weighing as much as historically rectangular chocolate, Ritter Sport has become more ecologically-minded through the years. As a first confectionary company to be successfully involved in the Eco-Audit Regulation, the headquarters for Ritter Sport is a must-do stop on your German tour.

Travel west and slightly north, and you’ll come across Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Here, Leonard Monheim founded Trumpf chocolates in nearby Aachen in1857. As the years went by, Trumpf became bigger and more popular, moving to its first chocolate factory in Bergisch Gladbach in 1903. In 1986, through a series of mergers, Trumpf became known in trade as Ludwig Schokolade. This multi-national company is a perfect way to see modern chocolate making at its best.

Speaking of Aachen, it’s home to another famous chocolate factory that bears mentioning. Lindt chocolates, while Swiss in origin, are some of the world’s most famous chocolates. In 1950, to try to keep up with demand, Lindt opened their German factory here in Aachen. Visiting this chocolate factory is a great way to continue your tour through the chocolates of Germany.

Northeast of Dusseldorf, you’ll find the small city of Herford. This quaint town embodies classical Germany, and is also home to Ludwig Weinrich Schokoladen. Founded in 1895, Ludwig Weinrich became known first for its lines of biscuits and shortbread, then later for its chocolate lineup. It now is popular for its line of products that are Organic and/or Fair Trade in nature. The factory on Zimmerstrasse in Herford is still the same one that Ludwig Weinrich had built in 1898, simply expanded over the years. This beautiful building simply must be on your list of German chocolatiers to tour.

As you continue your travel northwards, you’ll come to the town of Bremen. Known as the home of Beck’s Beer and the Mercedes-Benz SL-models, Bremen is also home to the delectable chocolates known as Feodora. The Feodora company has been making chocolates for more than 100 years. Princess Feodora, the sister of the last empress of Germany, loved the chocolates so much that she granted the company permission to use both her name and the royal coat of arms in 1910. Now, as one of the premier chocolatiers of Germany, Feodora is a great stop on your tour of German chocolate companies.

While you’re in Bremen, there’s another exquisite chocolatier that you must visit, Hachez. In 1890, Joseph Emile Hachez formed the Hachez Chocolate Company of Germany. Using the finest ingredients, particularly cocoa from Ecuador and Venezuela, Hachez specializes in Cocoa d’Arriba and Maracaido chocolates. When you visit their Westerstrasse headquarters, you’ll discover the secret behind these luscious confectionary delights.

This tour of German chocolatiers has taken you throughout Germany and has hopefully sparked your interest in learning more about many of these manufacturers. And, of course, the best way to learn more is through the sense of taste! So pick up your favorite German chocolates today, and maybe call your travel agent to schedule your own tour of German chocolatiers.

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