EXPERIENCE YOUR OUTDOORS.

A success story that began in the heart of Berlin

In 1910, the Berlin commercial councilor Max Graetz developed the first Petromax High-Pressure Lamp at
Ehrich & Graetz. Since Max Graetz was affectionately called "Petroleum-Maxe" by his Berlin friends,
the name Petromax was a natural choice for his innovative lamp. What started as a brilliant
engineering achievement in the German capital was destined to conquer the world and become one of the most well-known German brands.

The Petromax was a bestseller from the very beginning,
soon conquering the entire world and being produced in millions.
At a time when electricity was not yet available in every household,
this German innovation revolutionized lighting worldwide. In the 1960s, at least 80% of the lamps
were exported – a testament to the exceptional quality "Made in
Germany".

German roots that endure through generations

Since 1910, the name Petromax has stood for autonomous lighting,
self-determination, and independence under the open sky. The brand embodies
German engineering and precision – values that have lasted for more than a
century. Interestingly, the chrome plating was also a pioneering achievement of the Graetz company, as this type of
surface technology had not been fully developed until then.

Despite all the challenges of history – two
world wars, political upheavals, and economic crises – the Petromax brand
endured. After World War II, Graetz AG built a new factory in
Altena/Westphalia, where the Petromax was produced in large quantities.
This resilience speaks to the strength of a brand that meets real needs.

The rediscovery of a classic

In the early 2000s, Jonas Taureck was seized by a spirit of
Adventure, setting off with a friend from Germany to South Africa.
In 2000, after a breakdown with an old Magirus truck in the desert in the middle of Niger,
Jonas Taureck rediscovered the lamp icon. Instead of electricity, he found the forgotten High-Pressure Lamp HK500 in a brightly lit desert village in Niger.
That was the second birth of Petromax: Jonas Taureck brought the brand rights and production back
to Germany.

A strong brand for real Adventure

Today, Petromax is much more than just a lamp – it is
a way of life. The brand stands for quality that lasts generations, for products that enable real Adventure, and for German
craftsmanship that meets the highest standards. From the legendary HK500 to
modern outdoor equipment, every Petromax product embodies the
same values: reliability, durability, and the freedom to experience nature
unfiltered.

115 years later: tradition meets innovation

What began in 1910 in Berlin as a revolutionary light source has
developed into a strong German brand that inspires people worldwide to
real Adventures. Petromax combines traditional German
craftsmanship with innovative technology to create products that enrich life
outdoors.

Celebrate with us 115 years of German tradition, 115 years
of innovation, and 115 years of real Adventure. Because with Petromax, it’s not just
about gear – it’s about the passion for being outdoors, real
moments, and the freedom to discover your own wilderness.