Zum Franziskaner, Stockholm

Zum Franziskaner is a historic restaurant and beer hall located at Skeppsbron 44 in Gamla stan (Stockholm's Old Town). It was founded on 23 December 1889 by Mrs. Augusta Engelbrecht as a branch of the Stockholm restaurant "Zur Himmelsleiter". The establishment originally advertised itself as a Bierhalle serving "genuine German Bier from Munich". The current building, designed by Fredrik Dahlberg and built by Carl Smith, was completed in 1910, and much of the Art Nouveau interior from that period—including Jugend-style lamps, stucco work, and wood paneling—remains intact. The restaurant is sometimes affectionately called "Zum" (pronounced "sum") by locals. The name "Zum Franziskaner" derives from the German Franciscan Order, a mendicant order following the rule of St. Francis of Assisi. While a legend claims the establishment dates back to 1421, when King Eric of Pomerania allowed monks to charge for food and drink, modern research indicates this is likely a myth; no continuous operation has been documented before the 19th century. The restaurant's own documents state "anno 1622", which a previous owner claimed was the year Zum Franziskaner was established at its current address. Today, Zum Franziskaner offers a Swedish-German theme with a focus on traditional Swedish and South German home-style cooking (husmanskost). The beer selection is carefully curated, featuring unpasteurized draft beers from small, independent breweries in Sweden and Germany, with a particular emphasis on the Franconia region around Bamberg. The restaurant also offers wines, snaps, and other spirits. The main dining room near the entrance from Skeppsbron serves as a restaurant, while further inside is "Zum Franziskaners Bakficka", a beer hall where self-dispensed beer (självrunnen öl) is available directly from the keg without driving gas. In July 2017, new owners took over the premises, aiming to preserve the historic and genuine character while developing the concept and interior. The restaurant continues to host traditional events such as Mårten Gås (St. Martin's Goose) in November and a Franconian Lenten festival starting on Ash Wednesday, as well as a Mardi Gras party on Shrove Tuesday. Zum Franziskaner remains a beloved institution in Stockholm, celebrated for its unique atmosphere and dedication to quality craft beer and classic cuisine.

Zum Franziskaner opened on 23 December 1889 at Skeppsbron 44 in Gamla stan, Stockholm, founded by Mrs. Augusta Engelbrecht as a branch of the restaurant "Zur Himmelsleiter". The establishment was originally a Bierhalle advertising "genuine German Bier from Munich". It operated in a 17th-century building that was later demolished. A new building, designed by Fredrik Dahlberg and built by Carl Smith, was completed in 1910, and Zum Franziskaner moved back in. Much of the Art Nouveau interior from 1910, including Jugend-style lamps, stucco, and wood paneling, has been preserved. The name "Zum Franziskaner" comes from the German Franciscan Order, a mendicant order following the rule of St. Francis of Assisi. A legend claims the establishment dates back to 1421, when King Eric of Pomerania allowed monks to charge for food and drink, but modern research suggests this is a myth; no continuous operation has been documented before the 19th century. The restaurant's own documents state "anno 1622", which a previous owner claimed was the year Zum Franziskaner was established at its current address. In July 2017, new owners took over the premises, stating that with the same name and location since 1889, it must be one of Stockholm's oldest restaurants. They aimed to preserve the historic and genuine character while developing the concept and interior. Today, Zum Franziskaner serves Swedish and South German home-style cooking, along with Swedish and Bavarian draft beers from small breweries, particularly in Franconia around Bamberg. The main dining room near the entrance from Skeppsbron is a restaurant, while further inside is Zum Franziskaners Bakficka, a beer hall where self-dispensed beer (självrunnen öl) is available directly from the keg without driving gas. The restaurant hosts traditional events such as Mårten Gås in November and a Franconian Lenten festival starting on Ash Wednesday, as well as a Mardi Gras party on Shrove Tuesday.

• 2017

  New owners take over in July, aiming to preserve the historic character while developing the concept and interior.

• 1910

  New building designed by Fredrik Dahlberg and built by Carl Smith completed; Zum Franziskaner moves back in.

• 1889

  Founded on 23 December by Mrs. Augusta Engelbrecht at Skeppsbron 44, Gamla stan, Stockholm.

Historic Swedish-German restaurant and beer hall with a focus on traditional cuisine and craft beer from small independent breweries.

• Swedish husmanskost

• South German home-style cooking

• Unpasteurized draft beer from small independent breweries

• Franconian beers

• Wine, snaps, and other spirits

1. 1zumen.sezumen.se
2. 2Events | zumen.sezumen.se
3. 3About | zumen.sezumen.se
4. 4Zum Franziskaner, Stockholm - Wikidatawikidata.org
5. 5Zum Franziskaner - Wikipediasv.wikipedia.org