Holsten Brauerei, officially known as Holsten-Brauerei AG, is a major German brewing company founded in 1879 in Altona, a district of Hamburg. With roots stretching back well over a century, the brewery has grown into one of the most recognisable beer brands in northern Germany. In 2004, the Danish brewing giant Carlsberg acquired a majority shareholding in Holsten-Brauerei, integrating the historic Hamburg brewery into its global portfolio while preserving its strong regional identity. Holsten is best known for its lager beers, with its pilsner variety first developed in 1953. The brewery produces authentic North German-style beers that reflect the brewing traditions of the Hamburg region. Its straightforward, crisp lager styles have earned Holsten a loyal following both domestically and internationally, as the brand began exporting as early as 1952. The Holsten-Brauerei site in Altona is more than just a place where beer is made — it is considered a historical landmark within Hamburg. The brewery has also been associated with long-running local events, including a tradition that started in 1997 taking place on the brewery grounds. As part of the Carlsberg Group, Holsten continues to represent Hamburg's brewing heritage on a global scale.