Uniquely Bamberg: Historic Beer and Centuries-Old Breweries

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With nicknames like “The Rome of Germany” and “Little Venice,” you might be tempted to pack your bags for Italy instead of Bamberg. But hold on — that could change once you discover what makes Bamberg truly unique: its Smoked Beers.

These beers aren’t just any brews; they’re crafted using a centuries-old technique that’s been perfected over a thousand years. Today, Bamberg’s Smoked Beers are one of the main reasons people flock to this charming town. They make Bamberg a dream destination for beer lovers.

With more than 70 breweries in and around the city, brewing over 400 different types of beer, it’s hard to imagine wanting to leave if you’re a beer enthusiast. In fact, if you tried a new beer every day, you’d need to stay for over a year to taste them all!

Bamberg even has a brewery trail, guiding you through some of the best spots, like Fässla, Keesmann, Schlenkerla, Spezial, Greifenklau, Ambräusianum, and Klosterbräu. To get the full experience, I highly recommend hopping on one of the town’s guided tours.

And if you’re looking to make your beer adventure even more unforgettable, I’ve got a couple more experiences you definitely won’t want to miss.

Schlenkerla

According to popular opinion, Schlenkerla is the best place to visit in Bamberg for its famous smoked beer.

Schlenkerla is a historic tavern famous for its smoked Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier. This place has been serving up incredible brews since 1405 and is still run by the Trum family, now in its 6th generation.

What really sets Schlenkerla apart is its traditional Rauchbier, poured straight from the wooden barrel. The secret behind its unique smoky flavor? The malt is dried over an open flame, giving the beer a rich, smoky taste with just a hint of malt sweetness.

With its distinctive flavor and deep history, visiting Schlenkerla is an unforgettable experience. And it’s not just about the smoked beer — the tavern also offers a variety of other traditional beers, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Schlenkerla has been winning numerous awards for its smoked beer since 1984. It has received gold awards from several beer festivals, including the Stockholm Beer Festival, the Australian Beer Awards, and the World Beer Cup.

If you’re interested in trying one of Schlenkerla’s smoked beers, I recommend checking the announcements on their official webpage. It will give you details on their opening hours and any protocols they may have in place.

Finding Schlenkerla is easy. If you’re coming from Cathedral Square, it’s just a short walk — less than three minutes. Start at the eastern side of the square and look for a stairway. Go down the stairs and head straight northeast. When you reach the first intersection, turn right. Schlenkerla will be the third house on your left.

Franconian Brewery Museum

The beers of Bamberg, and Bavaria as a whole, are famous around the world. But have you ever wondered how these legendary brews are made? If so, you’ve got to check out the Franconian Brewery Museum.

The Franconian Brewery Museum is an interesting place, located in the historic vaults of the former Benedictine Abbey on the Michaelsberg. Founded in 1984 by a group of professional brewers, the museum features over 1,850 exhibits that take you through the fascinating journey of beer, from crops to mug.

As you explore, you’ll discover the authentic stages of brewing, including the brewhouse, malthouse, fermentation and storage cellar, ice cellar, cooperage, filtration, barrel filling, and bottling areas.

Spanning more than 1,000m² inside the stunning vaults of an old monastery brewery, the museum provides a great atmosphere to explore the rich history of this iconic drink. Each section offers new and interesting insights into the world of brewing.

Ground Floor: Here, you’ll find the Grist Mill (brewhouse) and Cooling Ship (beer distillery).
Level 1: This level is dedicated to beer culture and features a collection of beer mugs.
Level 2: On this level, you can learn about barrel and bottle filling, filtration, cooperage, and distillery.
Level 3: This level houses the Malt House and exhibits on commodities like hops and cereals.
Level 4: The final level showcases the fermentation process, storage cellar, and ice cellar.

Getting to the Franconian Brewery Museum from Domplatz is a quick walk. The fastest route is through Ob. Karolinenstraße and Michelsbergerstraße, and it should only take about 15 minutes. For more details on visiting, check out the museum’s official website.

Get the Best Out of Bamberg

Bamberg isn’t just a treat for your taste buds — it’s also a feast for your eyes and curiosity! This charming city has so much to offer, and the best place to start is its historic old town. There, you’ll find the iconic Old Town Hall, sitting like a true icon on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River.

From there, you can wander around and discover amazing little gems and beautiful sights, perfect for anyone who loves to explore. Once you’ve explored the city, head to the castles and palaces on the outskirts for more of Bamberg’s history, including a peek into the lives of the Prince-Bishops of Bamberg.

For more tips to make the most of your trip, check out my essential practical tips. Enjoy Bamberg!

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Uniquely Bamberg: Historic Beer and Centuries-Old Breweries

Schlenkerla

Franconian Brewery Museum

Get the Best Out of Bamberg

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