Castell Salmon
The original fish ponds at Griestal

The original ponds at Griestal

History

Situated in the picturesque Allgäu at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, Griestal has a rich heritage of producing fresh and smoked fish for more than eight decades.

Tradition in the Bavarian Alps

Aviation pioneer Count Wulf-Diether zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, married to renowned actress Luise Ullrich, brought the Castell fish farm and Delikatessen in Griestal into the family. This marked the beginning of the Alpenland brand and established a lasting legacy in the region.
Located 750 metres above sea level, our Griestal fish farm benefits from crystal-clear, ice-cold spring water that flows from the property's natural wells. Historically we focused on rainbow trout and char; now we are expanding to include salmon, broadening our capabilities while retaining the farm's unique charm.
Nestled in the heart of Allgäu at the foot of the Bavarian Alps, the farm has produced some of the finest fresh and smoked fish for more than eight decades. Its rich history is intertwined with the Castell and Faber-Castell families, who have always prioritised high-quality products and a commitment to excellence.
Our smokehouse embodies core values of:
  • sustainability
  • uncompromising quality
  • regional authenticity
  • time-honoured traditions
Through traditional smoking techniques, gentle processes, and skilled manual craftsmanship, we create some of the finest smoked fish delicacies.
The Castell family's legacy of successful entrepreneurship and sustainability has been handed down through generations. The names Castell, Faber-Castell, and Wedel represent premium products and enduring brands. The family crest symbolises an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to high-quality standards while respecting the environment.

From the archive

  • Count Wulf-Diether zu Castell-Rüdenhausen beside his aircraft
    Count Wulf-Diether zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, aviation pioneer.
  • Trout in the ponds at Griestal.
    Trout in the ponds at Griestal.
  • The Griestaler Forellen delivery van.
    The Griestaler Forellen delivery van.
  • Fish in the old smoke ovens.
    Fish in the old smoke ovens.

The Generations of Castell Fish Farm

Count Wulf-Diether zu Castell-Rüdenhausen and his wife Luise Ullrich

First Generation

Wulf-Diether and Luise

Count Wulf-Diether zu Castell-Rüdenhausen and Luise Ullrich together began what would become a well-respected family tradition in the Bavarian Alps.

Michaela Rosemeyer Countess zu Castell-Rüdenhausen and her husband Professor Bernd Rosemeyer

Second Generation

Michaela and Bernd

The farm was later passed to their daughter, Countess Michaela zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, who, along with her husband Bernd Rosemeyer, continued the family legacy for over twenty years.

Count Casimir von Wedel, Count Andreas von Faber-Castell and Count Anton von Faber-Castell

Third Generation

Casimir, Andreas and Anton

In 2008, the Castell fish farm and Delikatessen were passed to Count Anton von Faber-Castell and Count Andreas von Faber-Castell. In 2018, Anton's two cousins, Count Casimir von Wedel and Countess Daisy Rosemeyer zu Castell-Rüdenhausen, joined the team and began planning the modernisation of the historic fish farm.

Castell's Alpine Heritage

  • Our historic farm embraces regional traditions.
  • Powered by the unmatched purity of Griestal's natural springs.
  • Embracing new aquacultural challenges of sustainable salmon farming.
  • The Castell and Faber-Castell names stand as markers of enduring excellence.
  • Innovating with respect for our past, we lead towards a sustainable future.
Marron on a Gräflich Castell'sche Delikatessen crate.
Marron on a Gräflich Castell'sche Delikatessen crate.

The people behind the project

Meet the team planning and building the farm.

MEET THE TEAM