Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend is a small communal brewery in the Rhön-Grabfeld county of Lower Franconia. As the name suggests, it lies on the Brend River. It’s a small village with only a handful of notable buildings including the lovely Town Hall. It’s best to visit in June for their two-day Bierkellerfest.
the Town Hall & some half-timbered houses
Schönau an der Brend is easily reached by bus from Bad Neustadt an der Saale. However, it’s unlikely the average tourist would venture there outside of their two-day Bierkellerfest. If arriving by bus for the festival, it’s worth walking just up the street to see the Backhaus on Rhönstrasse. It doesn’t have a number but it’s between 31 and 27. Built in 1843 from local gabled quarry stone, it was completely renovated in 2005. They produce the local savory pies for the festival so you’ll see it in action. Interestingly, they bring the pies to the festival with a special bicycle fitted out to carry them. There are pictures you wished you’d taken. This is one.
Old Backhaus
Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend
Burgwallbacher Str. 5
97659 Schönau an der Brend
Neustadt (Saale) Station 12 km/regular bus service
Opening hours:
Bierkellerfest in June
Output: two times per year/March & November
History
Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend has a storied history as brewing rights were granted in 1446. The first recorded mention of their brewing dates back to 1551. The current quarry stone/half-timbered structure dates is from 1851 but it was was renovated from 1986 to 1991. They installed a wood-fired oven in 1993. Often known as Gemeindebrauhaus on current branding and on maps. It’s a beautiful old building to behold. Unfortunately, the interior of the brewery was not open during the festival, though they may have let me have a look if I’d asked. They certainly were friendly enough. This isn’t unusual as it takes more manpower but it does make a visit more interesting if you can wander in. Aside from this, it was a super well-run festival.
a lovely riverside setting
Schönau an der Brend Bierkellerfest 2026
The Bierkellerfest was in a lovely setting. On the gently flowing Brend River, the cave Keller wall provided not only shade but also a cooling effect. So, even though it was a hot day, we felt entirely comfortable all day due to the strategic seating. It was a compact area so getting food and beer was easy. Furthermore, live music from a small stage rounded out the picture.
an excellent Hausbräu
The beer
Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend Hausbräu was an amber malty brew, yet it still which managed a refreshing quality. They served it quite cold and perhaps more carbonated than I generally like, but on a hot day, it hit the spot. It warmed up quickly enough so you could appreciate the full flavor.
The food
Schönau an der Brend Bierkellerfest has the usual grilled meats like Bratwurst and Steaksemmel. They also had a good selection of cold snacks but I was unable to sample them.
typical grilled meats
Baked goods
The Schönau an der Brend Backhaus provided the most sought after food item: Zwiebelplootz. This their dialect for Zwiebelkuchen. Onion cake in these parts resemble pies, a bit like an onion pizza. This particular variety was really loaded with them so quite moist. There was a line for them as they were having a hard time keeping up with the demand. Part of the reason was they were delivered by bicycle from up the road. I was too hungry to wait so got Mehlkloss with Gurkensalat. This local dish featured fried dumplings topped with cucumber salad. It was refreshing but I think I’d have been happier with just a big bowl of the cucumber salad.
two very local traditional foods
Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend Bierkellerfest is a great event in a super spot. I would have to say it’s one of my favorites of the communal brewery festivals so far. It’s also quite easy to get to so I would happily return next year.
Beers on tap: Dorfbrauhaus Schönau an der Brend Hausbräu.
Beer calendar:
check their website for events
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