Schou Brewery

Schou Brewery was one of Norway’s oldest and most significant breweries, with a history dating back to around 1800. It became officially known as Schous Bryggeri in 1837 after Christian Julius Schou took over the business. The brewery was a pioneer in the industry, notably being the first in Norway to produce bottom-fermented beer (Bayer beer) in 1843. In 1873, the operations moved to the Schousløkken area at the lower end of Grünerløkka in Oslo, where a massive industrial complex was constructed.

By the mid-20th century, the brewery entered into a close partnership with Frydenlund Brewery, eventually merging in 1977. Shortly after, the combined company was acquired by Nora Industrier (the parent company of Ringnes). When Schou Brewery finally closed its doors in 1981, it was the oldest existing brewery in the country. Today, the legacy lives on through the "Schous Pils" brand, which is still produced by Ringnes. The historic brewery site, known as Schouskvartalet, has been preserved and repurposed as a vibrant cultural hub, housing the Popsenteret museum, music rehearsal rooms, and the Schouskjelleren Mikrobryggeri, a craft brewery and pub located in the original 19th-century cellars.