While Bamberg is the irrefutable choice for a base when exploring Franconia if beer is a driving force, the repeat visitor often seeks out an alternative for at least part of their exploration time. Forchheim tends to draw the more beer-oriented and Nürnberg, those perhaps more interested in history. Würzburg attracts tourists in hordes but they often miss the breweries that surround it. A total outlier in every sense is Schwäbisch Hall. A stunning medieval wonder laced with an array of architectural styles, it lies legally in Baden-Württemburg but remains historically and culturally Franconian. Need more convincing? Have a look at this guide to the best beer and breweries in not only Schwäbisch Hall but also the countryside surrounding it
Why Schwäbisch Hall?
Its relative remoteness from more popular tourist destinations is the only explanation of how a town this beautiful could be so unknown outside of its native country. While fully worthy of a visit in its own right, for the beer tourist it would be lower on the list of towns to visit. That said for those who return often and have seen a lot of more mainstream Franconia, it’s one that will not have you regretting making the effort to get here.
lovely Schwäbisch Hall
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 September 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.
Schwäbisch Hall breweries:
Brausschank Zum Löwen
Sudhaus an der Kunsthalle
Countryside breweries:
If that’s not enough for you and if you’ve made Schwäbisch Hall a beery base rather than a day trip, there are a few places to explore in the beautiful countryside surrounding town. Though some are reachable by train, a few might mean taking a bus. 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. This Schwäbisch Hall beer and countryside breweries guide will help you do just that.
the pleasures awaiting you outside of town
Public transportation:
Before listing my suggestions for Schwäbisch Hall area countryside breweries, I would like to suggest your 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 Schwäbisch Hall 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.
trains, buses & automobiles
Groupings:
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. The links will go to my reviews of the places which includes beers I’ve had along with food. Though my focus is beer, food plays a big part in my beery travels.
some lovely towns in Franconian Baden-Württemberg
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.
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.
Bad Rappenau
Feuchtwangen
Rot am See
Not easy, the best things rarely are:
Places which require a lot of planning due to very limited public transportation. Some require an overnight stay due to that or limited opening hours.
Distelhausen
I hope The Pocket Guide to the Best Schwäbisch Hall Beer 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.
Enjoy this 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.
