The Ritter Sport factory is located in Waldenbuch, Germany which is about 15-30 minutes from USAG Stuttgart. (Markus Mainkan (Adobe Stock))
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When I was a kid my family and I lived in Stuttgart, Germany for a few years. We were introduced to many new treats like Nutella® and Kinder Eggs, which have both remained lifelong favorites. Another treat that my family enjoyed was Ritter Sport chocolates.
While factory tours are not offered, there are a few other ways to enjoy the headquarters and learn more about the brand. (JCM (Adobe Stock))
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Even after we moved back to the U.S., my Dad would bring bars of chocolate back from his business trips. Now, Ritter Sport can be found in the U.S. alongside Hershey and other American brands.
Ritter Sport is a family-owned brand that was founded in 1912. It first operated in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt but moved to Waldenbuch in 1930 after they outgrew their space.
Why are They Square?
In 1932, co-owner Clara Ritter proposed that they make a chocolate bar that could fit in a sports jacket pocket without breaking. It became known as Ritter’s Sport Schokolade.
During National Socialism times, Alfred Eugen Ritter, the other co-owner, did not join the NSDAP. Because of this, the company did not receive allocations for cocoa, and had to switch to producing non-cocoa based items. They temporarily closed beginning in 1940.
Cocoa supplies returned in 1950, and Ritter Sport resumed production.
In recent years, Ritter Sport has dedicated itself to sustainable practices like supporting cocoa farmers with sustainable cultivation, a switch to recyclable packaging, using certified sustainable cocoa and becoming a carbon neutral company. (PhotoFed (Adobe Stock))
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In recent years, Ritter Sport has dedicated itself to sustainable practices like supporting cocoa farmers with sustainable cultivation, a switch to recyclable packaging, using certified sustainable cocoa and becoming a carbon neutral company.
The Ritter Sport factory is located in Waldenbuch, Germany which is about 15-30 minutes from USAG Stuttgart. While factory tours are not offered, there are a few other ways to enjoy the headquarters and learn more about the brand.
Chocoshop and Factory Outlet
One of my favorite places in the Stuttgart area is the Factory Outlet for Ritter Sport. When you walk in, you’re met by display after display of Ritter Sport chocolate. There you can find every flavor chocolate bar they produce and some souvenirs. If you visit ahead of Christmas, you can find Advent calendars. Visit before Easter and you’ll be able to pick up their Easter specials.
The best part is the back room where the extra fun deals can be found. This is the factory outlet section where you can purchase mystery bars, test flavors and bulk bags of mixed flavors. If you have family visiting and they want to take some chocolate home, this is the best place to look.
One of my favorite places in the Stuttgart area is the Factory Outlet for Ritter Sport. (EWY Media (Adobe Stock))
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I still remember some of the test flavors we purchased from the outlet section. I keep hoping to see them in stores because they were so good!
Upstairs above the Chocoshop, you will find a mini museum about Ritter Sport. It takes you through the history of the brand and the production of chocolate.
You can also book an experience to make your own chocolate bar! They offer workshops for children and adults, each starting at 20 euros per person.
Museum Ritter
You would think this museum is dedicated to the chocolate brand, but surprisingly it’s an art museum! The co-owner, Marli Hoppe-Ritter, is an avid art collector and decided to open the museum in the fall of 2005. Because Ritter Sports are famous for being square, the theme of the museum is square or geometric in recent and contemporary art.
Marli Hoppe-Ritter’s art is on display in temporary exhibitions throughout the year. They also host themed exhibitions.
Museum Cafe
While visiting Ritter Sport, I highly recommend a stop at the Museum Cafe! The menu is filled with lots of yummy food, both sweet and savory. Breakfast is served all day, and the coffee is from a roastery in nearby Böblingen. Try the Gescmolzene Original Ritter Sport Schokolade (hot chocolate). Go to ritter-sport.com/de/waldenbuch here for information on operating hours and fees.
