A road trip through FrĂ€nkische Schweiz runs 60â80 km from Forchheim through the Wiesenttal valley to Ebermannstadt and on to GöĂweinstein. The key detour is Hallerndorf (10 km west, Brauerei Rittmayer). By hire car a day trip is feasible; two days is better.
Before You Start
- Whoever drives, does not drink. Not a suggestion â the law.
- Plan the trip in pairs or groups with a rotating designated driver
- Alternative: stay overnight in a brewery village and do day trips on foot or bike
- Many cellars open afternoons only, not every day â check opening hours beforehand
- GPS navigation: many villages are tiny and addresses may not appear in all nav systems
The Route â From Forchheim Through FrĂ€nkische Schweiz
Forchheim is the natural starting point: well-connected by motorway and rail, with its own breweries, and perfectly positioned as the gateway to FrĂ€nkische Schweiz. The route follows the Wiesenttal valley to Ebermannstadt, through the villages to GöĂweinstein, and back.
Total distance: 60â80 km depending on detours
Time needed: 1 full day, ideally 2
Stop 1 â Forchheim (Starting Point)
Forchheim has several of its own breweries and the Kellerwald â the most famous beer cellar complex in the FrĂ€nkische Schweiz. In summer, up to ten cellars open simultaneously. For the Annafest (late July), it's the unmissable first address.
Accommodation: Hotels in Forchheim* â
Stop 2 â Hallerndorf: Brauerei Rittmayer
About 15 km southeast of Forchheim. The Kellerbier at Rittmayer is exceptional â one of the finest cellars in Franconia, with views across the landscape. Open summer afternoons.
Stop 3 â Ebermannstadt: Orientation Point
The "capital" of FrÀnkische Schweiz. Not a spectacular brewery destination itself, but a good point to refuel the car, restock supplies, and orient. The B470 through here is the main axis of the region.
Staying overnight: Hotels Ebermannstadt* â
Stop 4 â Small Breweries in the Wiesenttal
Between Forchheim and Ebermannstadt, the Wiesenttal valley contains several small breweries that are relatively unknown and therefore less crowded. Rather than naming specific ones that may or may not still be open: look for signs as you drive, ask in the village, follow hand-painted boards. That is the authentic FrÀnkische Schweiz experience.
Stop 5 â GöĂweinstein
The landmark of the FrÀnkische Schweiz is the baroque basilica on the cliff. Below: several guesthouses and breweries. The beer is good; the setting is spectacular. A good final stop before the return journey begins.
Renting a Car
Not arriving with your own car? Rental from Nuremberg or Bamberg is the most practical option. Nuremberg has more choice; Bamberg is closer to the region.
Compare Car Rentals â Check24* âWhere to Sleep
For a two-day trip: stay directly in one of the brewery villages. Many small breweries have guest rooms â sometimes bookable on their website, sometimes only by phone. For reliability: use Forchheim or Ebermannstadt as a base for day trips.
| Base | Advantage | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Forchheim | Train connection, own cellars, good infrastructure | Hotels* â |
| Ebermannstadt | Centre of the region, quieter, smaller | Hotels* â |
| Brewery village | Most direct experience, often cheaper | Contact the brewery directly |
* Affiliate link â commission to us, no extra cost to you.