FrÀnkische Schweiz, a limestone region between Nuremberg, Bamberg and Bayreuth, has the highest beer cellar density in Germany. The village of Hallerndorf alone has six active breweries. The best-known address is Brauerei Rittmayer (founded 1422), whose Kellerbier beer garden is considered one of Franconia's finest.
Quick Overview
- Area: ~2,400 kmÂČ between Bamberg, Bayreuth and Nuremberg
- 70+ active breweries â most family-owned for generations
- Main bases: Forchheim, Ebermannstadt, Pottenstein
- Best beer: Kellerbier / Ungespundetes direct from wooden barrel
- Best transport: car (many breweries unreachable otherwise)
- Best season: MayâSeptember (cellar season open)
What Is the FrÀnkische Schweiz?
FrĂ€nkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) is a landscape designation for the limestone uplands between Bamberg, Bayreuth and Nuremberg. Limestone cliffs, deep valleys, dense forest, small villages â and in every second village, a brewery. The name was coined by 19th-century Romantics who saw similarities with Switzerland in the scenery. The locals say: it's more beautiful than Switzerland, and the beer is better.
Our Top Brewery Picks
Brauerei Rittmayer â Hallerndorf
Rittmayer is one of the region's finest. The Kellerbier is exceptional: naturally cloudy, full-bodied, with a freshness you need on a warm afternoon. The cellar sits on a hill with spectacular views across the landscape. If you're making a single day trip into the FrÀnkische Schweiz, this is mandatory.
Address: An der Mark 1, 91352 Hallerndorf · Season: MayâOctober
Brauerei Hölzlein â Lohndorf
Lohndorf is a hamlet of perhaps eighty people. The brewery brews in small quantities; the cellar is dug into the hillside. Opening hours are irregular â call ahead or accept the risk of a closed door. The reward is worth it.
Brauerei Friedel â Schnaid
The MĂ€rzen here is what a good Franconian MĂ€rzen should be: clear, malt-forward, not too sweet, not too bitter. Beer cellar open in summer. Bringing your own bread is permitted.
Gasthausbrauerei KundmĂŒller â Weiher
Slightly larger and therefore more reliably open. The Kellerbier is the standout. Located directly on the B470 â easy to find on a road trip, convenient first or last stop.
Getting There
Honest answer: by car. Most worthwhile breweries are in villages with no train service. The regional railway runs to Forchheim and Ebermannstadt â from there many places are reachable by bicycle, but many more are not. A rental car from Nuremberg or Bamberg is the most practical option.
| Base | Arrival | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Forchheim | Train from Nuremberg (25 min) or Bamberg (10 min) | Hotels* â |
| Ebermannstadt | Train from Forchheim, car recommended | Hotels* â |
| Rental car | Most flexible option | Check24* â |
* Affiliate link â commission to us, no extra cost to you.
The Golden Rule
Whoever drives, drinks water. Travel in pairs or groups with a rotating driver, or book accommodation in a brewery village and explore on foot or by bike. Many of the best breweries are on marked hiking routes â that is not a coincidence.