Faber Castell Experience

Faber-Castell – a German pencil dynasty and one of the oldest family businesses in the world.

Founded in 1761, Faber-Castell is one of the oldest industrial companies in the world and has been owned by the same family for nine generations. Today, the company is represented in over 120 countries, has its own production sites in ten and sales companies in 22 countries. With more than two billion pencils and coloured pencils per year and around 8,000 employees, Faber-Castell is the world’s leading manufacturer of wood-cased pencils.

At its headquarters, Faber-Castell offers various guided tour options

The unique ensemble consisting of factory buildings, mansions and parkland, created by Lothar von Faber and Alexander Count von Faber-Castell, is nowadays open to the public. Its special charm results from the juxtaposition of the past and future of a family company that became a global player.

Faber-Castell Castle

A tour through the Faber-Castell Castle brings the link between the spirit of industrial progress and the traditional values of the German aristocracy to life. The outer facade with its Roman-styled arches and columns alongside rounded and angular towers, has a medieval appearance. Inside, you cannot fail to be impressed by the varied styles, from
the Romanesque period, Gothic and Renaissance to Empire and Classicism, right through to Art Nouveau. There is also an exhibition on the history of the family and company covering more than 250 years of Faber-Castell.

“Old lead” Museum

With exquisite attention to detail, the historical rooms of the lead production plant in Stein near Nuremberg have been transformed into a testament to an exciting era in industrial history. The process of lead mining in the 19th and 20th centuries is brought to life over
two floors. The building on the bank of the river Rednitz, which dates back to 1848, is protected as a historical monument. It forms an intricate ensemble of levels and rooms from different eras.

“Wood-cased pencil” Production

About 500,000 wood-cased pencils are produced at Faber-Castell in Stein every day. How is a pencil made? Take a look behind the scenes of the “wood-cased pencil” production during a guided tour through the modern factory. You will be able to track the individual manufacturing steps and accompany the lead and coloured pencils on their journey through the raw pencil production, stamping, dip coating and sharpening.

Visitor Centre and Shop

With a total of 800 square metres, the new visitor centre is the starting point for experiencing the brand and the company‘s history. The interior design not only reflects the industrial Art Nouveau charm of the early 20th century, it also allows visitors to immerse themselves in the colourful world of Faber-Castell: a rainbow crayon ceiling consisting of approx. 32,400 individual colour pencils guides guests to the new flagship store, which at 200 square metres is twice the size of the former shop at the castle. There, the entire product range for writing, drawing and creative design as well as the exclusive assortment of the Graf von Faber-Castell Collection is presented. In addition, wines from the famous Castell estates are offered. Drawing tables invite young and old to try out artist‘s products
and writing instruments.