What makes the Walberfest so special? Sometimes, it’s not about the beer.

The Walberlafest is perhaps Germany's oldest spring festival. Set high on a hill called the Walberla, it is certainly the most atmospheric. Hike around it before ascending for the most dramatic entrance.

Penning Bockbier

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Bockbier is an quaffable treat from the small countryside brewery whose Vollbier is legendary. This Bock has a gorgeous amber hue and rich malty palate with hints of caramel. The lingering bittersweet finish makes it moreish at 6.5%.

Penning Festbier

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Festbier is a richly malty treat with some burnt caramel and a lingering semi-dry finish.

Penning Kräusen

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Kräusen is a refreshing unfiltered fruity later with floral hops in the nose and citrus hops in the semi-dry palate. The finish is a touch bitter for my tastes but this an interesting mix of traditional Franconia and the Craft Beer wave finally hitting here.

Penning unfiltered Vollbier

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Lagerbier is one of the top beers in Franconia and this is an unfiltered version with a fruity palate and lingering semi-dry finish. This might not fit neatly into any category but it's what makes Franconia special.

rocky outcropping, hill with church, dark beer, half-timbered house in reflection

The Walberla Undressed

The Walberla is a special hill in Franconian Switzerland. Just west of Forchheim, it offers great hiking opportunities and some fine small regional breweries surrounding it.

lush boardwalk trail, amber beer in mug, rural landscape

Connecting the dots between beery paradises

Beer Hiking Bavaria is a great guide that details 50 hikes in Bavaria which pass by or end at some of Bavaria's best breweries. This one-way route connects two beery paradises (the Fünf Seidla Steig® and Walberla).

Penning Märzen

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Märzen is true Märzen from the small countryside brewery whose Vollbier is legendary. This Märzen has a gorgeous amber hue and rich malty palate with hints of burnt caramel. The moreish finish is semi-dry and semi-bitter and makes this 5.5% brew dangerously drinkable.

Penning Maibock

Penning Hetzelsdorfer Maibock is a May treat from the small countryside brewery whose Vollbier is legendary. This Bock has a gorgeous amber hue and rich malty palate with hints of caramel. The lingering bittersweet finish makes it moreish at 6.5%.

hiking sign beer church

When nobody’s home in Hetzelsdorf

Beer Hiking Bavaria is a great guide that details 50 hikes in Bavaria which pass by or end at some of Bavaria's best breweries. This one near Forchheim in Franconia brings you to the local brewing legend in Hetzelsdorf, Penning-Zeissler.