Over 320 years of pharmaceutical tradition for Berlin
History & Future
A Tradition That Endures
Trust is not built overnight. It grows over generations. The history of the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan begins in 1701, when pharmacist Balthasar Rechenberg received the royal privilege to establish our pharmacy. Originally located in the heart of Berlin – at Heidereutergasse, corner of Spandauer Straße – our pharmacy has accompanied generations of Berliners through all their highs and lows ever since.
The name 'Apotheke zum weissen Schwan' is inseparably linked with great figures in pharmacy and medicine. Above all, Valentin Rose the Younger, who followed in his father's footsteps as a pharmacist here and gained worldwide recognition for discovering sodium bicarbonate and the plant sugar inulin. His father, Valentin Rose the Elder, had previously become famous for discovering 'Rose's Metal', a lead-tin alloy.
Around 1840, none other than Theodor Fontane completed his training at the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan. The later grandmaster of German literature vividly describes this formative period in his work 'Between Twenty and Thirty...' – a literary testament to our history.
Milestones in Our History
Royal Privilege
Pharmacist Balthasar Rechenberg receives the royal privilege to establish the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan in the center of Berlin.
Center of Chemical Research
Valentin Rose the Elder acquires the pharmacy. His colleague Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovers the elements uranium (1789), zirconium (1789), and titanium (1795) here.
Renovation by Karl Friedrich Schinkel
The pharmacy building is renovated according to plans by the famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, creator of the Brandenburg Gate and the Altes Museum.
Theodor Fontane
The famous German writer completes his pharmaceutical training at our pharmacy and immortalizes this time in his literary works.
New Beginning in Rahnsdorf
After destruction in World War II, the pharmacy reopens in 1950 in Berlin Rahnsdorf under its historic name.
Launch of Mail-Order Pharmacy Service
The pharmacy expands its offering with nationwide mail-order medication service. Today, through aposchwan.com, we reach professional customers and patients throughout Germany.
The Jentsch Family
Gisela Jentsch (1991-2001) and Ina Jentsch (2001-2024) run the pharmacy with passion and establish the mail-order service in 2006.
New Owner
Pharmacist Katerina Petrovska takes over the pharmacy, combining the proven tradition with modern concepts of functional medicine.
Famous Figures from Our Pharmacy
For more than three centuries, important scientists, writers, and pharmacists have worked at the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan.
Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1743-1817)
Manager of the pharmacy, 1771-1780
The "father of analytical chemistry" discovered the chemical elements uranium, zirconium, and titanium here. As a professor at the University of Berlin, he shaped modern chemistry.
Valentin Rose the Younger (1762-1807)
Pharmacist and owner, 1791-1807
Discoverer of sodium bicarbonate and the plant sugar inulin. He continued the scientific tradition of his father, Valentin Rose the Elder.
Theodor Fontane (1819-1898)
Pharmaceutical apprentice, 1836-1840
The grandmaster of German literature completed his pharmaceutical training here and describes this period in "Between Twenty and Thirty."
Naturally Holistic – Today and Tomorrow
'The health of our customers is close to our hearts' – this guiding principle has accompanied the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan for over three centuries. Under the leadership of Katerina Petrovska, we honorably continue this tradition while adding modern approaches to holistic health promotion.
We place particular emphasis on natural active ingredients and naturopathic alternatives. As your local pharmacy in Berlin Rahnsdorf, we offer you individual consultation that goes far beyond dispensing medications – from personal care and delivery service to comprehensive health advice. Zum Online-Shop →
Professional Expertise
Licensed pharmacist with additional qualifications in epigenetics coaching and functional medicine.
Personal Care
Individual consultation that considers your entire life situation – like a good family pharmacy.
Holistic Approach
We combine conventional medical knowledge with naturopathic alternatives for your well-being.
“I don't just want to heal the sick, but help people stay healthy for a long time.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan
How old is the Apotheke zum weissen Schwan?
The pharmacy was founded in Berlin in 1701 and is therefore more than 325 years old. It is one of Berlin's oldest pharmacies still in existence.
Which famous figures worked at the pharmacy?
Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovered the elements uranium, zirconium, and titanium here. Theodor Fontane completed his training here (1836-1840). Valentin Rose the Younger discovered sodium bicarbonate.
Does the pharmacy also offer a mail-order service?
Yes, since 2006 we have operated a nationwide mail-order pharmacy service through aposchwan.com. We supply professional customers and private individuals, with a focus on naturopathy, infusion supplies, and individual formulations.
What makes the pharmacy different from other pharmacies?
In addition to our 325-year tradition, we combine classical pharmacy with functional medicine and epigenetics. We specialize in naturopathy, individual formulations, and infusion supplies. Our QMS has been certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 since 2004.
Tradition meets Modern — our Online Shop
Natural medicine, infusion supplies and individual preparations — shipped throughout Germany. Your reliable partner since 2006.