History

Your host
with history

What began as a meeting place for the civic guard is today the stage for all of Pulsnitz. Over generations, we have evolved into the go-to destination for everything that makes life worth celebrating.
Old illustration with families in the restaurant and ordering from the waiter

From Shooting Range to Inn

  • 1467
    Founding of the Schützenbruderschaft (Marksmen’s Brotherhood) for the military protection of the town.
  • 1473
    Beginning of the Marienschießen (Marian Shooting Festival) in July. In the following years, a shooting festival was held annually.
  • 1658
    The Schützenbruderschaft receives the right to brew beer tax-free three times a year.
  • 1663
    Construction of the first Schützenhaus as a simple half-timbered building for storing weapons and shooting targets. The associated shooting range, then located outside the town walls, has been preserved as a festival ground to this day. At that time, two shooting festivals per year, at Pentecost and in July, became tradition.
  • 1758
    Destruction of the Schützenhaus in the Seven Years’ War. Reconstruction took place immediately after the war ended.
Old illustration with families in the restaurant and ordering from the waiter

Leased Restaurant and Hotel Operation

  • 1845
    The new Schützenhaus building in simple neoclassical style is completed. Construction took one year. A leased restaurant was opened, which is still located in the same rooms today. On the north side, a shady beer garden was created with linden tree plantings.
  • 1905
    Expansion and renovation in Art Nouveau style, incorporating a large hall, the Tunnelschänke, and a hotel floor. The distinctive architectural element becomes the small corner tower.
  • 1925
    Expansion through the addition of the “Hindenburgdiele” with the participation of the War Veterans’ Association. A small gas station is also incorporated into the complex.
  • 1947
    Dissolution of the Schützengesellschaft and takeover of the building by the Soviet Army as a supply depot.
Old illustration with families in the restaurant and ordering from the waiter

Pulsnitz Cultural Center and State-Run Restaurant

  • 1950
    Use as House of Textile Workers with meal service.
  • 1952
    Conversion to municipal cultural center with stage expansion for theater performances and establishment of a state-run restaurant. From now on, the town of Pulsnitz is the owner, and HO-Bischofswerda, Restaurant Division, is the operator.
  • 1958
    Arno Alschner becomes restaurant manager and, over the course of his tenure, a legend. The triumph of the “Bulgarian Schnitzel” in East Saxon gastronomy falls, among other things, during his creative period.
  • 1976
    The “Kulturhaus” was managed by several restaurant managers in succession: Gerhard Otto, Karl Teich, and Christa Großmann.
Old illustration with families in the restaurant and ordering from the waiter

Privatization After Reunification

  • 1990
    Purchase of the property by the Kühne family. Significant renovation and restoration work was carried out. This included the demolition of the hall’s interior, including the parquet floor, which meant that no events could be held from 1993 onward.
  • 1995
    Bankruptcy of the Kühne family and closure of the Schützenhaus for several years.
  • 1997
    Gerd Busch becomes the new leaseholder. Three years later, he acquires the Schützenhaus together with his son Dirk Busch. Both owners have since also been operators of the traditional inn.

The Busch Family

The Pulsnitzers

  • Takeover as leaseholder and later continuation under private ownership
  • Various maintenance work.
  • Replacement of the old heating system with modern gas condensing technology.
  • Conversion of the analog television system to digital technology.
  • Complete renovation of the dining room, removal of the old half-timbered imitation, restoration of the distinctive bar counter.
  • The former Tunnelschänke becomes a casino with bar and slot machines.
  • Installation of a combined heat and power plant that generates part of the electricity itself.
  • Due to inadequate foundation, the stage house was in danger of collapsing. A specialized company lifted the stage house while simultaneously reinforcing the foundations.
  • Complete renewal of the tap systems in the dining room and on the festival hall, including the keg cooling units.
  • Conversion of hall and stage lighting to LED technology including wireless control.
  • New addition as cold storage and freezer facility as well as for staff rooms.
  • Complete renovation and expansion of the main, hall, and dishwashing kitchens during ongoing business operations.
  • Installation of a second keg cooling box—six different beers are on tap from then on.
  • Installation of new main electrical distribution.
  • Reinvestment in our combined heat and power plant installed in 2013 due to total loss.
  • March: Restaurant operations are prohibited due to COVID-19 and resumed in May in compliance with hygiene regulations.
  • August: The entrance area to the Lindengarten is renovated.
  • October: Construction of a courtyard-side staircase as an additional emergency exit for the second guesthouse floor. Redesign of the entrance areas and staircase to the guesthouse.
  • November to December: COVID-related closure, a takeout service is offered.
  • The old “Heimatzimmer,” the hall cloakroom and lounge are completely renovated and converted into a modern dining room.
  • Installation of a photovoltaic system on the hall roof to produce 10% to 30% of daily electricity needs.

Over 25 years of hospitality, event and cultural operations, and accommodation in the gingerbread town of Pulsnitz!

Old illustration of couple dining in the restaurant