What Makes Bamberg Germany a Special Beer Place?

Sample Rauchbier: The city is particularly famous for its unique Rauchbier (smoked beer), a style that derives its unique flavor from using malts that have been smoked over beechwood. This smoky aroma and taste is a hallmark of Bamberg's brewing tradition. Schlenkerla, Brauerei Spezial, and Mahr's Bräu are well-known for their Rauchbier offerings.

Visit the breweries and beer gardens: Sample the many styles of local beers, including the famous Rauchbier. Sample the hearty and tasty Franconian cuisine. Beer gardens are called “kellers” in this part of Bavaria. Several breweries have a Keller to visit in addition to their brewery pub. Most restaurants and kellers are also places to have lunch and dinner.

In addition to the breweries mentioned above, here are some more to check out: Brewery Faessla, Brauerei Greifenklau, Klosterbräu Bamberg, Ahörnla Brau, Brauhaus Zum Sternla, Brauerei Keesmann, Ambräusianum. There is more to search out, and the adventure can be yours.

In addition to the breweries, are some of the kellers to visit: Wilde-Rose-Keller, Fässla Keller, and Spezial-Keller are classic biergartens.

Visit and Tour Weyermann Specialty Malts: This malt factory is a source of great things that travel worldwide. Ask at your local brewery, and you may learn they use Weyermann malts to make beers you drink at home. Weyermann offers tours to learn about the malting process and how malt is made. Weyermann even has a test brewery on-site, and you can taste their beers in their tasting room and shop.

Visit the Franconian Brewery Museum or connect with a local beer expert. Franconia is the northern region of Bavaria, and some Franconians scoff at being lumped into Bavaria. Learn about the unique beer culture here at the museum. Or ask your FORA travel advisor to connect you with one of the local experts who are available to take you on a deep dive into Franconian beer culture.

Historical Significance: Besides the city's rich brewing history, there are many other cultural dimensions of Bamberg to explore. Visit the Neue Residenz Bamberg, a beautiful Baroque palace home to the Bamberg State Library. The library has a collection of books and historic artifacts. Bamberg was not bombed during World War II, so its impressive collection of medieval buildings is intact. It is a photogenic place, whether for its architecture or the huge range of public art on display.

Quaint Atmosphere: Winding cobblestone streets, islands and river crossings and beautifully built half-timbered buildings are everywhere in the center. It’s an inviting atmosphere with vibrant cafe life, perfect for leisurely beer tasting and exploration. Cafes are great places for coffee, breakfast and people-watching.

Tour the Countryside by Biking or Hiking. The “13 Brauerien Weg” or the 13 breweries path is a twenty-mile, signed route for hikers and bicyclists the traverses gorgeous rural viewscapes, villages and towns surrounding Bamberg. Some call this area the Franconian Tuscany.

If you want an even deeper understanding of Bamberg and what it offers beer-loving visitors, read the stories on my blog.

All of the breweries and beer gardens previously mentioned have great food options. Typically traditional Franconian fare such as sausages, schnitzels, roast meats paired with great salads and potato-based side-dishes. All tend to be casual and most have outdoor seating options in good weather.

• Brewery Faessla

• Brauerei Greifenklau

• Klosterbräu Bamberg

• Ahörnla Brau

• Brauhaus Zum Sternla

• Brauerei Keesmann

• Ambräusianum

Kellers are good-weather places that may offer both table service and self-service options. True kellers allow you to bring your own food in the self-service section (but not beer or other drinks). This can offer a great option for bringing a picnic or a snack like many of the locals do.

• Wilde-Rose-Keller

• Fässla Keller

• Spezial-Keller

Bamberg offers a delightful range of cafes perfect for a leisurely breakfast or just a coffee, treat or other refreshment paired with people-watching. International cuisine is also readily available if you want to explore for non-traditional options. And don’t forget the gelato before you turn in! Eiscafes are easily found and offer up all manner of flavors that you may never see again.

• Café Luitpold: A charming café with a cozy atmosphere and delicious breakfast menu. Many options, from classic German breakfasts to fresh pastries and coffee. Sit outdoors when the weather permits.

• Café am Dom: Features a panoramic view of the Bamberg Cathedral in an elegant café setting. Their menu features a variety of sweet and savory options, including regional specialties.

• Café Restaurant am Michelsberg: Located on the Michelsberg, a hill overlooking Bamberg, this café offers a peaceful setting for a coffee, drink or treat.

• Cafe Del Corso: I like a single dip of gelato in a cone to enjoy on the stroll back to the hotel each night. But frozen treat hounds can go crazy with the offerings here and at other Eiscafes.