Browse Breweries
Find out how to get there by train, bus, bike or car.
Message Board
Join our virtual "Stammtisch" for some lively conversation
Guest Book
Your Comments are always welcome.
Shop
Checkout our online store.
Interesting Links
Links you might enjoy
Link To Us
Link to the Franconia Beer Guide on your homepage.
The Breweries of Bamberg
In the Old Town
The central meeting point in the old town of Bamberg is the "Altes Rathaus" or the "Old City Hall." This is a beautifully decorated medieval building that is actually built on an island in the middle of the river Regnitz. The Obere Brücke (Upper Bridge) actually runs right through the building, while the Untere Brücke (Lower Bridge) runs past the Altes Rathaus to one side. On the west side of the river is the Altstadt or "Old Town."
 |
|
View of the Altes Rathaus looking east on
the Obere Brücke
|
The first place we are going to visit is a large old tavern that goes by the name of Schlenklerla.(Dominikanerstrasse 6, 96049) It is owned by the Brauerei Heller and serves as their tap house. They also use the Schlenkerla name on their beers and so that is pretty much how the world knows them. The actual brewery is a bit outside of the city center on the Stephansberg (not very far the the Spezial Keller).
 |
|
|
The Schlenkerla
|
|
Schlenkerla is most known for their Rauchbier, which calls itself a "Märzen" on the label but at just over 5% ABV it is a little on the light side compared to a typical Märzen. they also brew a Rauchweizen and an unsmoked Lagerbier, both of which are only available in bottles. In late fall they produce a wonderful Rauchbock for the cold weather. There are two large rooms: a low ceilinged cozy one on the left and a larger one with high ceilings on the right. And in the middle is a wide hallway with some tables and a small courtyard in the back.
Schlenkerla is closed on Tuesdays.
The other brewery in the Altstadt is the oldest brewery in Bamberg. It was founded in 1533 by the then Bishop of Bamberg. Hence the name, Klosterbräu ("Monastery Brew")(located at Obere Mühlbrücke 1-3, 96049 Bamberg). Their signature beer is a brown lager called, no surprise here, "Braunbier." It is lighter than a Dunkel, and a tad stronger than the typical beer (5.5%). They also brew a Dunkel named "Schwärzla" ("little black" -- its not quite a Schwarzbier ), a hoppy Pilsener ("Bamberger Gold") and in bottles, a dark wheat beer. In the winter they do a darkish Schwärla Bock (7%) and in the spring a Maibock that is a deceptively strong 7.7% ABV. Their Braunbier glasses are decorated with names and dates of 24 different Bishops of Bamberg, including some notorious ones that burned many heretics and witches at the stake.
 |
|
Kloserbräu
|
As you go in the main entrance, on your right is the regular pub and restaurant and on the left a small couple of rooms known as the "Braunbierstübla." In the middle are a couple of picnic style tables in a little open air courtyard.
The Klosterbräu pub is closed on Wednesdays.
 |
How to Get There |
Feedback?
We're very interested in your news, notes, comments and questions, so please feel free to contact the Franconia Beer Guide. Or you can add your comments to the Guest Book.
Website © 2002-2006 by Fred Waltman. All rights reserved. Content Copyright by the authors.