Why is Franconian beer unique?
Franconian beer is Germany’s trump card. Despite the greatest variety of beers in the noted beer destination, it was relatively undiscovered outside of the devoted beer travelers’ circle as recently as twenty years ago. Bamberg and smoke beer were the initial draw but the sheer plethora of beer styles and small regional breweries is what kept those first explorers coming back. I count myself as a relative early convert, having first visited Bamberg in 1997. I’ve had a lot of time to compile this Pocket Guide to Franconian beer and it will help you find the best beers in Franconia.
the many hues of Franconian beer
Where can you find Franconian beer?
The region is technically and legally the northern part of Bavaria but that hasn’t been for long enough to make any Franconian I’ve ever met admit it. To avoid arguments, it’s best to say Franconian beer is the best in Germany rather than Bavaria, though Bavarians may beg to differ. What can’t be disputed is there are more breweries and types of beer in Franconia, the most brewery dense per capita place in the world.
legal vs historical/cultural Franconia
Beerwanderers is an enormous resource on Franconian beer that is often daunting to not only newcomers to the site but also longtime fans. So, a number of Pocket Guides have emerged over the last two years to make the information more accessible. This all encompassing Franconian Beer Guide is an everything you need to know about the topic one-stop shop group of links.
What are Franconian beer styles?
Getting a handle on Franconian beer styles isn’t easy, partially due to the how distinctive even a given village’s beer is within what is already a relatively small area. Germans as a rule tend to be regional to begin with. Each area has their own sausages. We might find them all similar but don’t tell them that unless you’re ready to be corrected. Enjoy this Franconian Beer Styles Guide, but in a tongue-in-cheek way.
lovely Bamberg
Why explore Bamberg Beer & its Countryside breweries?
First time visitors to Franconia are likely to make their way to Bamberg for good reason. Not only is it a charming old world town full of half-timbered wonders but it’s also chuck full of breweries. Most discover Franconian beer initially in the form of Schlenkerla’s renowned smoke beer but it’s just the icing on the beery cake. If your time is limited, go no further and you’ll leave needing to return. With so much to choose from, you might want to have a look at:
The Pocket Guide to the Best Beer & Breweries in Bamberg
Many understandably fall in love with Bamberg and return regularly. To add to its allure, there are plenty of breweries in the countryside surrounding town that you can reach by public transportation. To get some ideas of where to go:
The Pocket Guide to the Best Bamberg Countryside Breweries
You could easily use Bamberg as your base every time you revisit Franconia but there are other towns you might want to consider. Discovering different towns makes exploration of further afield breweries that little bit closer. The towns listed are quite nice in their own right, regardless of beer pedigree.
Why discover Forchheim Beer & its Countryside breweries:
Though only 20 minutes from Bamberg, Forchheim makes another great base. It has three breweries of its own and many within striking distance by public transportation. It comes particularly alive in summer when their numerous Bierkellers both in town and in the countryside are open. If you need any further convincing:
The Pocket Guide to Forchheim & its Countryside Breweries
Why explore Nuremberg Beer & its Countryside breweries:
Though strict adherents of Bamberg might not like to admit it, Nuremberg is often the first port of call for many first timers. Its beer heritage is mostly historical and pales in comparison but there’s no denying its draw for lovers of WWII chronicles. Admittedly largely rebuilt, it is a stunning place none-the-less. I’m sure you’ll get thirsty while walking about the fairly large town so here you go:
The Pocket Guide to Nuremberg’s Best Beer
Unless you’re a huge fan of Rotbier, you will likely tire of the beer in Nuremberg. Have no fear, there are quite a few breweries in the outskirts and the town is a main hub on the public transportation network. Explore some of the possibilities here:
The Guide to the Best Nuremberg Countryside Breweries
It it worth exploring Erlangen Beer & its Countryside breweries?
If the “big city” vibe of Nuremberg doesn’t appeal to you, Erlangen is nearly a suburb due to all the trains passing between the two. It has a nice university town feel. Perhaps surprisingly, there’s not a ton of great beer but there are a few very choice ones outside of town:
The Pocket Guide to Erlangen & its Countryside Breweries
Why discover Bayreuth Beer & its Countryside Breweries?
Bayreuth is perhaps most noted for their Richard Wagner Festival but it has a long brewing history as well. While many of the old breweries have closed, there are a few remaining including one gem. There are also lost of pubs serving beers from nearby breweries which you don’t tend to find in other towns. Add to that, a nice cluster of countryside breweries around it, and Bayreuth is well worth spending a few days in.
The Pocket Guide to Bayreuth Beer & its Countryside Breweries
Why not discover Würzburg Beer & its Countryside breweries?
Würzburg certainly attracts its share of tourists. Nestled in the wine region of Lower Franconia, not many with a beery bent give it much consideration. If you’re traveling with a wine-lover, you can score some points. You’ll not go thirsty in town but if you venture outside, you’ll find some gems:
The Pocket Guide to the Best Würzburg & its Countryside Breweries
Is Schwäbisch Hall Beer & its Countryside breweries really Franconian?
This slice of Franconia in Baden Württemberg is generally missed and Schwäbisch Hall is a stunning reason to go there. In fact, once you do, you’ll be surprised you’d not heard of it prior. There’s a good brewery for some meals in town and enough excursions to keep you busy:
The Pocket Guide to the Best Schwäbisch Hall & its Countryside Breweries
Why not learn about Franconian Beer Gardens & Bierkellers being special?
One of the best reasons to travel to the region is summer is the chance to experience the unique Bierkeller culture. Locals love to sit outside in rustic settings, often bringing their own food. The beer just tastes better.
If you don’t want to leave of Bamberg to experience one:
The Pocket Guide to Bamberg’s Best Beer Gardens & Bierkellers
What is so special about Franconian Bock Beer?
If coming in the cooler months, you will be rewarded with Bock beer. These strong beers should be drunk with caution. The best place to experience them is at a Bockbieranstich or first Bock tapping:
Is Franconian Food really good?
Franconian beer is not the only reason to explore this marvelous region. The food is hardy and well-suited for beer. You’ll notice most of the breweries you go to are full of people enjoying the two together:
The ABCs of Bamberg & Franconian Food
If these Pocket Guides don’t completely quench your thirst for Franconian beer, this search for a brewery certainly should. You can search by town name, brewery name, county, transit hub or even an interactive map. They will help you find the best beer in Franconia. If it sounds like a lot to discover, it is but with some effort, even with occasional visits you can experience a lot like friend and Beerwanderers follower Ryan Pachmayer of Hop Culture.
I hope The Pocket Guide to Franconian Beer helps make your trip to Bamberg and Franconia a great one. If it’s helped you find some new places, please consider buying me a beer 🍺!
Please enjoy this interactive map of Franconian breweries:
Prefer a guided beer experience in Bamberg or the Countryside:
