A visit to the original headquarters of Schierker Feuerstein, a herbal liqueur produced in the Harz village of Schierke since 1908 according to a secret family recipe, including a tasting and shop.
Schierker Feuerstein is a high-proof herbal liqueur that has been produced for more than a century in Schierke, a Harz mountain village on the edge of the Harz National Park. The recipe dates to 1908, when pharmacist Willy Drube, who ran the town's 'Pharmacy of the Red Foxglove,' developed a blend of invigorating herbs intended to relieve the stomach complaints of visiting spa guests; the brand was formally trademarked in 1924 and the herb preparation still takes place at the original Schierke headquarters today. Visitors can stop at the fan shop to learn about the liqueur's history and pharmacy origins, sample the current lineup, which includes the classic 35 percent ABV liqueur, and pick up bottles as a distinctly Harz regional souvenir. The stop pairs naturally with a day in Schierke spent hiking toward the Brocken or riding the narrow-gauge steam railway, since the village is one of the main trailheads into the Harz National Park.
| Duration | 30-45 minutes |
|---|---|
| Booking | Individual visits to the fan shop are generally possible during opening hours; guided tours should be arranged in advance directly with the distillery. |
What is included
- Access to the fan shop and small exhibit on the liqueur's history
- Tasting of Schierker Feuerstein and related products
- Background on the herbal recipe developed in 1908
Good to know
- Operator
- Schierker Feuerstein
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Herbal liqueur produced at its original 1908 headquarters in Schierke
- Recipe developed by a pharmacist to relieve the stomach complaints of spa guests
- Tasting of the classic 35% ABV liqueur and related products
- Located in a Harz National Park trailhead village
- A distinctly regional souvenir tied to over a century of local history
Tips for visiting
- Pair the visit with a hike toward the Brocken or a ride on the narrow-gauge steam railway from Schierke
- Arrange a guided tour in advance directly with the distillery for a fuller history of the recipe
- Buy a bottle as a regionally distinctive souvenir not widely available outside the Harz
- The liqueur is high-proof (35% ABV); taste in moderation before continuing on to a hike
- Confirm current opening hours before visiting, as they can vary seasonally in this small mountain village
When to visit
Year-round, though most visitors combine it with a warmer-weather Harz hiking day
Accessibility
The shop and small exhibit area are step-free; confirm accessibility of any guided tour route directly with the distillery.
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Frequently asked questions
How old is the Schierker Feuerstein recipe?
The recipe dates to 1908, developed by a Schierke pharmacist, with the brand formally trademarked in 1924.
Is the liqueur still made in Schierke?
Yes, the herb preparation still takes place at the original headquarters in the village today.
Can I combine this with other Harz activities?
Yes, Schierke is a common starting point for hikes toward the Brocken and for the narrow-gauge Brocken steam railway.