Business As Usual: 10 Of The Oldest Shops In The World (2024)

Many companies have been around for hundreds of years, serving generations and generations of patrons and establishing themselves as institutions in their local industries. The said companies are not just mere business ventures but are also historical landmarks, thanks to their many decades of existence. They don’t just offer products and services but rich stories of the past too.

The world’s oldest firm is the construction company of Kongo Gumi in Japan, which has been around since 578 – though it is now a subsidiary of another business. There are many more such firms in Japan, with at least seven operational for over 1,000 years. Such cases are not unique in the Asian nation, as there are more in other countries that have been around for hundreds of years, and they still welcome curious visitors.

10 Bochnia Salt Mine, Poland

A chapel in Bochnia Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world.

Bochnia is one of Poland’s oldest towns, a charming riverside community that hosts one of the world’s oldest salt mines and the oldest in Europe. It has been operational since 1248, and tourists can now peek at some of its underground chambers. Since the area is still operational, visitors can have a chance to meet working miners not possible in the other Polish salt mine of Wieliczka. A must-see attraction is Ważyn, Europe’s largest man-made underground chamber, with its microclimate believed to ease allergy symptoms and improve the health of those with respiratory tract diseases. Rich in history, anyone visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bochnia Salt Mine will have an exciting experience.

9 Gasthof Sternen, Switzerland

Gasthof Sternen is Switzerland’s oldest inn, serving patrons since 1227. Located in Wettingen Abbey, its original spot in Aeschenvorstadt “was a monument of unadulterated Gothic architecture.” Add its remarkable interiors and anyone who stayed and will stay in this establishment had and will have a good sleep. Its restaurant and halls have some parts from the 17th century. The first floor's foyer has lintel stones believed to be placed before 1460, and there's a Baroque door lintel from 1710. Stepping back in time has never been this good, and in Switzerland at that.

Related: 10 Oldest Hotels In The World (You Can Actually Stay In)

8 Casa de Ganaderos, Spain

Casa de Ganaderos is the oldest company in Spain, and it will help lovers of lamb meat have a tasty day. It is a cooperative of over 200 sheep farmers, founded by King James I of Aragon in 1218. Though the said industry was not as big during the medieval period, Zaragoza is still proud of this historic company that has been serving high-quality products for over eight centuries. Visitors to its headquarters can buy the Ternasco meat, considered one of the best lamb meat in Europe. Lovely, indeed.

7 Munke Mølle, Denmark

The flour mill of Munke Mølle by a river in Odense City, Denmark.

The flour mill of Munke Mølle was founded by monks in 1135 and continues to offer pastry needs. It is Denmark’s oldest company and is responsible for the production of two of the country’s best-known brands, Gluten Flour and Amo. The mill is now part of the Swedish agricultural cooperative Lantmännen, and its patrons can continue to expect high-quality bread and cake mixes. It has supplied royal courts and markets. As a well-established brand, those who want to try their hands at baking are assured of pastry paradise with Munke Mølle.

6 Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli, Italy

Italy’s Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli would delight lovers of big bells as this foundry is the oldest bell founding company in the world. Not even the owners know the firm’s exact founding date, but it’s believed to be around 1339 or earlier. They have produced bells for many churches, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The family business has a museum where guided tours await those who want to check out how bells are made. For whom do the bells toll? For curious travelers and history buffs who want to be in the birthplace of some historic bells.

5 The Royal Mint, United Kingdom

The Royal Mint prides itself as “the world’s leading export mint,” servicing an average of 60 nations per year. It was established in 886 and is the oldest company in the United Kingdom. The mint is a coin collector’s paradise, and those who want to see its collections can head to its museum. The Royal Mint Museum hosts the finest exhibits of all things minting. Anyone visiting it, even casual tourists, might be interested in being a numismatist while exploring. The museum has been around since 1816, itself a historical landmark aside from being the home of pieces of the past. Anyone is a royalty in The Royal Mint.

4 Monnaie De Paris, France

Monnaie de Paris is the oldest minting institution in the world.

Monnaie de Paris takes over The Royal Mint as the oldest minting institution in the world – and the oldest company in France. Established by Charles the Bald in 864, this establishment is in Hôtel des Monnaies, also a historical landmark built in 1775. It has a museum where guided tours take visitors back in time through coins, medals, and minting equipment. Its collection is proud not only of French coins but also other minted outputs from foreign countries. Visitors will be enticed to collect coins, too, after a day of exploring Monnaie de Paris.

Related: These 10 Oldest Buildings In Paris Are The Most Beautiful Landmarks

3 Staffelter Hof, Germany

“The older the wine, the richer its taste” is an adage that can be a motto of Staffelter Hof, a winery that has been around since 862. This German institution is all about fine wine, something they have perfected doing for over 1,000 years. Connoisseurs who want to get the most out of Staffelter Hof’s organic wine should stay overnight in its guest house, where comfort awaits them. Visitors should imagine this: after a hearty breakfast, the scenic vineyard will lure them into exploring it, so they will be inspired when the wine tasting happens. Old but gold.

2 St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, Austria

When tourists explore Salzburg, Austria, they should not miss a dining experience in St. Peter Stiftskulinarium, deemed the world’s oldest restaurant. The Michelin Guide praised its “nicely decorated interior” that complements delectable traditional Austrian and Mediterranean cuisine. It has distinct rooms, two carved into a fortress’ stone cliffs, giving that seemingly authentic medieval vibe. The restaurant was first documented in 803, and among those believed to have dined within its halls were Christopher Columbus and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Wow, indeed.

Related: These Are The Oldest-Known Restaurants In The World

1 Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, Japan

As previously mentioned, Japan is home to some of the world’s oldest businesses, like Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, established in 705. This hot spring destination is the oldest hotel in the world, so visitors are assured of superb services. Its hot springs have been flowing freely for over 1,300 years, offering rejuvenation to weary travelers. Those who want to get the most out of their onsen experience can book a room overnight, staying in traditional accommodations that exude relaxation. The old and the new blend well in the Japanese charmer of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan.