Gleichamberg Brauhaus Brauhaus is a small historical communal brewery best visited during its biennial Brauhausfest. It’s located in Gleichamberg, a picturesque village nestled in the rural Hildburghausen county of Thuringia. First mentioned in 1100, it’s home the Church of St. Nikolaus featuring a medieval tower. The Dorfplatz is a simple but pleasant town square with a half-timbered town hall and fountain. It’s got a handful of pretty half-timbered buildings as well as the classic Thuringian gray slate. It’s also part of the municipality of Römhild. Hildburghauseen is rich in communal breweries. Across the border from Lower Franconia and part of the Fränkischer Reichskreis, it’s included here as it’s historically and linguistically tied.
Gleichamberg sights
Gleichamberg is not located on a major bus line. You can use a stop at a nearby village on the line between Hildburghausen and Seßlach. So, I took the bus to Bedheim, which conveniently had their Back & Brauhausfest the same day. You can either walk along the fairly low traffic roads or seek out bike paths or hiking tracks. I found a track which was under construction but passable. It looked like it would be quite nice at some point.
lovely rural route to Gleichamberg from Bedheim
Along the 5 km route, there are nice views of the Grosser and Kleiner Gleichamberg “peaks,” as well as a lot of horses. It was pretty dug up at points and I was happy it had been dry. It could have been a bit muddy otherwise.
Gleichamberg views
Gleichamberg Brauhaus
98630 Römhild (Bedheim)
map
Bad Rodach Station 15 km
Opening hours:
Not open to the general public outside of the biennial Brauhausfest.
Output: ?
History
Gleichamberg Brauhaus has a brewed tradition dating back to 1774. Housed in an 18th century half-timbered building alongside the village Backhaus, it’s scenically set on the Dorfplatz. The connection between baking and brewing is an ancient one that is well-documented. There are few places to see this more clearly in modern times than in Thuringia. The brewery members were very friendly and offered a tour of the brewery on arrival. The volunteer members completely renovated the interior between 2019 and 2022. The stainless steel cool ship was a highlight.
Gleichamberg Brauhaus equipment
Brauhausfest 2026
Gleichamberg generally only has one festival per year. One year it’s the Brauhausfest, featuring the brewery’s beer and grilled meats. On alternate years, the Backhausfest is in full swing. Along with traditional Thuringian baked goods, they have beer from a larger Thuringian brewery. The festivals take place on the charming Dorfplatz. A live band rounds things our nicely.
a pleasant area & live music
The beer
Gleichamberg Brauhaus Hausbrauerbier was a malty treat, reminiscent of a Kölsch it its light refreshing palate. A low carbonation brew as expected in these parts, it had a lovely grainy palate. The semi-dry lingering finish had me going back for another.
Bedheim Brauhaus Hausbrauerbier
The Food
Gleichamberg Brauhausfest offered what appeared a tasty Spießbraten. It was unfortunately still rotating on the rotisserie. They kept pushing back the serving time, each time I asked. It was to be served with Treberbrot (spent grain bread). Since I still had to visit the festival in Bedheim, I had to forego trying this specialty. I made due with a very fine Bratwurst of the Protestant variety: coarse ground and roll sliced appropriately from the top. The Backhausfest in 2027 will feature the highly coveted baked items typical of the region. Unfortunately, the local beer is not part of the festival. I also missed out on the cakes in Gleichamberg. That dispensary didn’t open until closer to Kuchenzeit, 15:30 cake time.
traditional baked items, both savory and sweet, are a Fest highlight
Though my time at the Gleichamberg Brauhausfest wasn’t long, it was a festival I’d love to return to. It was a warm welcome despite my being an obvious foreign visitor. The offer to see the interior of the brewery was a great ice-breaker. I quite liked the beer and I was sorry to miss the Spießbraten. Something to look forward to next time.
Beers on tap: Gleichamberg Brauhaus Hausbrauerbier.
Similar communal brewery experiences in Thuringia can be found in Hildburghausen county.
Back to towns or brewery name.