Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
America's first commercial pretzel bakery, offering interactive tours, hands-on pretzel twisting, and delicious fresh pretzels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
America's first commercial pretzel bakery, offering interactive tours, hands-on pretzel twisting, and delicious fresh pretzels.
"A must-stop for pretzel lovers and history buffs, offering a fun, affordable, and tasty glimpse into baking history."
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours can sell out! Book online or call to guarantee your spot for pretzel twisting fun.
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Affordable tours ($5-$6 per person) make this a great value for families and groups.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Twist Your Own Pretzel
Tour Activity
Get hands-on and learn the art of pretzel twisting from the pros. A fun, memorable, and delicious experience for all ages!
Historic Bakery Tour
Bakery Interior
Step back in time and discover the history of America's first commercial pretzel bakery, founded in 1861. Learn about traditional methods and the evolution of pretzels.
Freshly Baked Soft Pretzels
Gift Shop/Sales Counter
Savor warm, tasty soft pretzels made with authentic recipes. A must-try treat that perfectly complements the historical experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Hands-On Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours can sell out! Book online or call to guarantee your spot for pretzel twisting fun.
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Affordable tours ($5-$6 per person) make this a great value for families and groups.
🥨 Taste the Freshness
Don't miss the warm, soft pretzels for sale – they're a delicious highlight!
📜 Get Your Certificate
Become an 'official pretzel twister' and get a certificate to prove it! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours can sell out! Book online or call to guarantee your spot for pretzel twisting fun.
💰 Budget-Friendly Fun
Affordable tours ($5-$6 per person) make this a great value for families and groups.
🥨 Taste the Freshness
Don't miss the warm, soft pretzels for sale – they're a delicious highlight!
📜 Get Your Certificate
Become an 'official pretzel twister' and get a certificate to prove it! +1
🛍️ Gift Shop Treasures
Stock up on hard pretzels, Wilbur chocolate, and unique souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for its engaging historical tours and the fun, hands-on pretzel twisting experience. The affordable pricing and delicious, freshly baked soft pretzels are major highlights, making it a highly recommended stop for families and pretzel lovers alike. Some minor points of feedback include the saltiness of certain pretzels and a desire for more sample options.
"This place was awesome. The tour was awesome and the staff was great. They were great with the kids and the pretzel tying exercise was great. The history of the place was so cool.
The pretzels were really good, both the soft pretzels and the hard pretzels. The prixefor the soft pretzels are amazing at just $2.00 a piece and on top of that you could get a buy one get one free coupon from the local map. Overall this is a must stop and is so much fun."
John Sproul
"A GREAT tour! We learned a lot about pretzel making. I made a pretzel out of a pile of dough. I'm not sure if I could do it again. The soft pretzels available for sale at the gift shop were warm and tasty. If are in the area this is a must visit at only $6.00 a person."
William McIntyre
"Soft pretzels are one of my favorite things in the world, but I also love any pretzel really ... so when we decided to make a day trip to check out Lititz, PA, this is my top priority on the itinerary. The history all around the building in placards and given on the short and sweet tour were all informative and very interesting. Rolling and twisting your own pretzel was very cool as well. We spent quite a lot between ourselves and grabbing things for family in the store as well, because everything looks so good, and so far the few things we've tried back home have been great. Try the soft pretzel for sure! Being from Philly I've never met a soft pretzel I don't like, but theirs was very unique tasting compared to a philly street pretzel. Phenomenal."
Mike Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The bakery is located at 219 East Main Street (Route 772) in Lititz, Pennsylvania. It's easily accessible by car, and Lititz is a charming town to explore. Parking is generally available nearby.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery is located in Lititz, PA, which is a short drive from Lancaster, PA. Many visitors combine a trip to the bakery with exploring Lancaster County.
Lititz is best reached by car. If you're coming from further afield, you might fly into Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and then rent a car.
Public transportation options directly to Lititz and the bakery are limited. Driving or ride-sharing services are the most convenient ways to reach the location.
Absolutely! Lititz is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially from cities like Philadelphia or Baltimore. The pretzel bakery is a central attraction.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tours are very affordable, typically around $5-$6 per adult and $5 per child. Children under 3 often get in for free. It's best to check their official website or call for the most current pricing.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak times or weekends, as tours can sell out. You can usually book online or by phone.
The bakery is typically open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. However, tour availability and hours can vary, so checking their official schedule is advised.
Yes, the tour is designed to be interactive and enjoyable for all ages, from young children to adults. Kids especially love the hands-on pretzel twisting.
Yes, you can visit the gift shop to purchase freshly baked soft pretzels and a variety of hard pretzels and other snacks without taking the tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour is about an hour long and includes a historical overview of the bakery, a demonstration of traditional pretzel twisting, and a hands-on opportunity for visitors to twist their own pretzel. You'll also get to sample a fresh soft pretzel. +1
The process is demonstrated and guided, making it accessible for most people. While twisting your own pretzel can be a bit tricky, it's part of the fun and learning experience!
The tour itself is typically around 25-30 minutes, but the entire experience, including the historical context and hands-on activity, can take up to an hour.
Yes, Lititz is a charming town with other attractions like Wilbur Chocolate Company, unique shops, and restaurants. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Recording during the tour might not be allowed, but you can usually take photos of the historical aspects and the bakery itself. It's always best to ask your tour guide for clarification.
🍽️ 🥨 Food & Dining
You can buy freshly baked soft pretzels, which are a popular item, as well as a variety of hard pretzels in different flavors and styles. The gift shop also offers other snacks and treats.
Reviews consistently praise the soft pretzels as warm, tasty, and unique compared to other styles. They are often described as a must-try item. +1
The gift shop often sells Wilbur chocolate products, which are a local specialty, along with other packaged snacks and souvenirs.
Lititz has several charming cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines, so you can easily grab a meal before or after your pretzel tour.
Information on specific dietary options like gluten-free or vegan pretzels is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the bakery if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture moments of you twisting your own pretzel, the historic bakery interior, the freshly baked pretzels, and the charming exterior of the stone building. The gift shop also has unique items for photos.
While recording might be restricted, taking photos of the historical elements and the pretzel-making process is generally permitted. Always confirm with your guide.
Lititz itself is very picturesque with its historic architecture, quaint shops, and charming streets, offering plenty of photo opportunities beyond the pretzel bakery.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most shots. If you're interested in capturing details, a camera with a good zoom lens can be useful for the bakery's historical artifacts.
Generally, the main restriction is on recording video during the tour. Otherwise, be respectful of other visitors and the historical setting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Parents will appreciate the educational aspect of learning about pretzel history, and everyone can enjoy the freshly baked soft pretzels available for purchase. The gift shop also offers souvenirs that kids will love. Consider combining your visit with other family-friendly spots in Lititz, like the Wilbur Chocolate Company.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the tour, you can purchase delicious soft pretzels for just a couple of dollars, which is a great deal for a tasty snack. The gift shop also has affordable souvenirs. This makes it an ideal stop for those looking to experience a unique attraction without breaking the bank.
🥨 Foodie Explorers
Beyond the soft pretzels, the bakery offers a variety of hard pretzels and other snacks in its gift shop, perfect for sampling or taking home. Exploring the culinary history of America's first commercial pretzel bakery provides a rich and satisfying experience for any foodie.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of America's First Pretzel Bakery
The tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the early days of pretzel production. Visitors learn about the traditional methods used, including the importance of lye in creating the pretzel's signature crust and flavor. The hands-on experience of twisting dough into the iconic shape connects modern visitors directly to this long-standing culinary tradition.
Beyond the tour, the bakery continues to produce both soft and hard pretzels, with the gift shop offering a variety of these treats and other local goods. It's a place where history is not just learned but also tasted, making it a unique destination for foodies and history buffs alike.
The Pretzel Twisting Experience
Participants are given a portion of dough and guided through the steps, from rolling it out to the final twist. While it might seem simple, achieving the perfect pretzel shape requires a bit of practice, making it a fun challenge for visitors of all ages. Successfully twisting your own pretzel often earns you a certificate, adding a playful souvenir to your experience.
This interactive element is frequently highlighted by visitors as a memorable part of their visit, offering a tangible skill learned and a unique story to share. It transforms a simple bakery tour into an active participation in a centuries-old craft.
Exploring Lititz, Pennsylvania
Visitors can explore a variety of independent shops, boutiques, and eateries. A notable neighbor is the Wilbur Chocolate Company, offering another sweet indulgence. The town's atmosphere is often described as quaint and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed day trip or a weekend getaway.
Beyond the shops and bakeries, Lititz has a rich history that includes connections to Moravian missionaries and the Civil War. Strolling through the town allows visitors to soak in its unique heritage and enjoy its picturesque surroundings, making the visit to the pretzel bakery part of a larger, enjoyable exploration.
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