The eventful history of our hotel
The Hotel Hofbräuhaus in Bodenmais looks back on a history of over 500 years, which is closely interwoven with the fate of the town of Bodenmais and its inhabitants. Come with us on a journey through time and get to know the people who shaped this hotel.
1522: the “Königliches Hofbräuhaus” brewery
In the middle of the 15th century, silver was found on the Silberberg mountain near the settlement of Bodenmais. This helped the small village prosper economically, and it received special privileges. In 1522, Bodenmais was finally declared a “completely free mining town”. The numerous miners had to be fed and entertained, so the brewery opened in the same year.
The Fruhstorfer era
In 1887, the brewery was bought by the merchant Dresely, and three years later, his son Josef took over the running of the brewery together with his wife, Maria Wölfl. Josef Dresely died in 1895, leaving the brewery to his widow. When she married the brewer Nikolaus Fruhstorfer a year later, a new phase that we call the “Fruhstorfer era” began. The couple expanded the brewery with a restaurant and guest beds – the Hotel Hofbräuhaus was born. Maria Fruhstorfer died in 1928.
Hard times and reconstruction
After the death of Maria Fruhstorfer, the family-run inn experienced hard times. The global economic crises at the end of the 1920s also hit the tranquil town of Bodenmais. In 1929, the Fruhstorfer family had to give up the brewery, and two years later, a devastating fire destroyed large parts of the inn. It took a great deal of effort and perseverance, but everything was rebuilt and even extended.
After the Second World War, Bodenmais developed into one of the best-known health resorts in the Bavarian Forest. The municipality built an outdoor pool, spa house, and indoor pool. The numerous tourists who visited Bodenmais liked to stay at the Hofbräuhaus. In 1973, Oskar and Irmgard Fruhstorfer added a large extension to the Hofbräuhaus, making it one of the largest hotels around.
A wellness hotel in the Bavarian Forest
In 1996, Oskar Fruhstorfer Jr took over the Hotel Hofbräuhaus with his wife Angelika, leading it into the 4th generation. The two invested heart and soul in the renovation and conversion of the hotel. Over the years, they created a spa hotel with a large pool and sauna area and a wonderful view of the Bavarian Forest mountains.
2022: a new chapter
In May 2022, we, the Wittmann family, took over the Hotel Hofbräuhaus and its entire team. We have a long-standing friendship with the Fruhstorfer family, and it is both an honour and a challenge for us to run the business, which has been family-owned for generations. The Fruhstorfer family will continue to advise and support us.