Bamberg is the irrefutable choice for a base when exploring Franconia if beer is a driving force, especially for the first time visitor. However, for the repeat visitor or those with ample time, it’s worth considering staying in a variety of other Franconian towns. One place that is high on many “regular” regional tourist’s agendas but rarely the beer tourist’s, is Würzburg. Blessed with a castle perched on a grapevine-strewn hilltop, a grand palace and an assortment of architectural marvels, few walk away beyond impressed. Now, the beer tourist can be sure to find the best Würzburg beer and breweries not only in town but also its countryside.
stunning Würzburg
Würzburg is nestled in an area renowned for wine but there are a couple of breweries and beer-oriented restaurant/pubs to keep those so oriented quenched. Links below go to reviews of those I’ve been to.
Würzburg breweries:
Restaurants & Pubs:
Alter Kranen (Würzburger Hofbräu)
Gasthaus Holzapfel
Wirtshaus Lämmle
Anno Domini
Public transportation:
If that’s not enough for you and if you’ve made Würzburg a beery base rather than a day trip, there is plenty to explore in the beautiful countryside surrounding town. Though some are reachable by train, a few might mean taking a bus. The biggest dilemma will be picking out which breweries to head out to. While there are some definite must-do’s, picking your destinations might be influenced by the days of the week you are traveling and how much adventure you want to include in your public transportation experience. You’re going to have to pick your breweries wisely. This guide to the best Würzburg beer in the countryside will help you do just that.
the pleasures awaiting you outside of town
Details:
All of this information is available in much more detail on Beerwanderers so to keep this guide compact and easier to use while there, I will use links in case you need more information than a list. Contact info/opening hours/links to brewery websites/food/tasting notes are conveniently on these linked pages. I re-checked the opening hours in April 2024 but it’s best to reconfirm these times on the breweries’ websites or social media pages. When in doubt and if going to a village which is hard to reach, it’s always best to call ahead.
trains, buses & automobiles
Public transportation:
Before listing my suggestions for Würzburg area countryside breweries, I would suggest having a look at my how to get around pages below. The German transportation Apps (DB & VGN) are invaluable for not only your planning but also purchasing tickets. They are not data or battery hogs and are about as non-obtrusive as you will find.
The list of breweries will be split into three groups, determined solely by me as to the ease to reach them. (Please note, this post is about reaching the destinations without a car and with minimal walking. If you are driving or a beer hiker or biker, you can disregard this grouping and look at it as one big list.) Within each group, I will list them by town/village as occasionally there is more than one venue in a given place. Also, the name of the village will be important in finding your transportation route. I’m not providing bus routes or numbers as they change. With Würzburg as a starting point and the destination provided, you can easily sort it out with the DB App. Please note the VGN App does not cover this area.
Countryside breweries near Würzburg:
I will do it alphabetically rather than by my personal favorites. If it’s listed here, you can assume I like it. I am also only listing places that I have personally been to as I can’t recommend something I haven’t personally experienced. I will put an asterisk next to ones I feel have more merit. The links will go to my reviews of the places which includes beers I’ve had along with food. My focus is beer but food plays a big part in my beery travels.
some lovely natural settings in Lower Franconia
1) Easy Peasy:
Places which you have no excuse for not checking out providing you have time. Travel time is minimal with generally no connections involved. Perhaps most importantly, they have friendly opening hours which work with public transportation.
Lohr am Main
Marktheidenfeld * (two breweries and Biergarten)
Ochsenfurt (two breweries)
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (two brewery outlet restaurants & Biergarten)
Schweinfurt
Wertheim *
2) A little more elbow grease:
Places where you need to make multiple connections or opening hours aren’t so friendly or both. You can get there but it takes some forethought, especially if you want to get back the same day. You might have to do some walking, especially if you don’t plan well.
Distelhausen
Hausen bei Schonungen *
3) Not easy, the best things rarely are:
These places require more planning due to very limited public transportation or limited. So, some require an overnight stay. Generally speaking, it’s well worth staying overnight in places with an *. You won’t regret it when drinking at any one of them with the knowledge you are sleeping nearby. Some might otherwise require some walking to get back to your starting point.
Gnodstadt *
Kloster Kreuzberg*
Trossenfurt * (brewery & Bierkeller)
I hope The Pocket Guide to the Best Würzburg and its Countryside Breweries helps make your trip to Franconia a great one. If it’s helped you find some new places, please consider buying me a beer 🍺!
Going to Bamberg for the first time? Don’t leave home without The Pocket Guide to Bamberg’s Best Beer.
Are you interested in the countryside breweries around Bamberg? Please enjoy The Pocket Guide to Bamberg’s Best Countryside Breweries.
Interactive map of Franconian breweries:
Heading to Bamberg in the warmer months, don’t leave home without A Guide to Bamberg’s Best Beergardens.
Going to the Bierkeller is a true Franconian cultural institution. Which are the best? Check out the Franconian Bierkeller Guide.
If going to Bamberg during Bock season, check out The Bocks of Bamberg.
Want to know more about beer styles in Franconia? Enjoy ABeerC.
In Franconia, the food is as good as the beer: The ABCs of Franconian Food.
Prefer a guided beer experience in Bamberg.
