Vauen‘s history begins in 1848 in Nuremberg, when Karl Ellenberger and Carl August Ziener established Germany‘s first wooden pipe factory. Their aim was to offer a more durable and elegant alternative to the clay pipes of the time, thus laying the foundation for a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. In 1901, their company merged with the Gebhard Ott pipe factory, founded in 1866, forming Vereinigte Pfeifenfabriken Nurnberg. In 1909, Otto Adolf Eckert created the brand name VAUEN, derived from the initials of “Vereinigte Pfeifenfabriken Nurnberg“.
In 1911, the now-famous white dot was introduced on the mouthpieces of their premium pipes—a distinctive mark that still denotes quality. The company also gained international acclaim, earning gold medals at several World Exhibitions between 1873 and 1906. Despite the destruction of World War II, Vauen rebuilt and reestablished itself as a leader in the pipe industry, always maintaining a strong family spirit. Alexander Eckert led the company until 1982, and in 2016 Martin Ramsauer joined, becoming co‑managing director in 2018. Around the same time, Julia Eckert, part of the sixth generation, entered the company in a strategic marketing role. In 2020, Alexander stepped back, entrusting full leadership to Ramsauer. Still today, Vauen thrives as a family-rooted brand that harmoniously blends tradition, innovation, and a deep passion for the art of pipe making.