Büchenbach is a small unassuming village not far from Pegnitz. It lies in the Fränkische Schweiz or Franconian Switzerland so it should come as no surprise that hiking trails cross through it. Most, however, even the hikers, come here to call in at the little Franconian brewing legend that is the town’s focal point.
Brauerei Herold
Marktstraße 29
91257 Pegnitz-Büchenbach
Tel: 09241-3311
www.beckn-bier.de
Pegnitz Station 6 km/irregular bus service
Opening hours:
Closed TuesdayDaily from 9
Output: 1200 HL
Founded in 1568, the Herold brewery is still in the same family’s hands and is the unofficial starting point of the Bierquellenweg with rooms available. It’s a nice old village pub with a particularly atmospheric bar area. The gravity dispense barrel is a welcomed sight.
My first time here, I enjoyed their tasty dark lager with their mixed meat plate. My hiking buddy said their Bratwurst was great, too.
Mixed meat plate is ample and their everyday beer is anything but
They have larger hot meals on Saturdays and Wednesdays and my second time there, I had a very nice Tafelspitz (a type of pot roast with horseradish sauce). My last time at the atmospheric pub was short as I embarked on a very long walk to Hintergereuth, some 20 miles away.
Atmospheric bar area and a tasty Tafelspitz
I finally got to spend a couple nights here and an highly recommend it. Though they only have hot meals a couple nights a week, they do butcher their meats so their cold meals are excellent too. I had another mixed meat plate one night and Haekepeter (raw beef and pork ground meat) another. Both were excellent. I also got to have their Maibock again and it’s a dark Bock to seek out.
Herold Maibock, Hackepeter & mixed meat plate
I finally made it to the brewery for a winter visit in mid-December 2022. It was well-timed to have their elusive Weihnachtsbock. It was a lovely dark brew and I picked up some bottles to bring home. If you can make it there this time of year, it’s well worth it.
Herold Weihnachtsbock
Beers: Beck ‘n Beer
Beer calendar:
Maibock from the middle of April
Weihnachtsbock from the middle of December
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