Drink artisan beer in Bavaria, Germany

Germany is known for beer, and Franconia (Bavaria) is the region known for the best beer, at least according to me. If you are looking to explore the German beer scene, this authentic beer guide is for you!

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Updated ago

Whatever you do, order a lagerbier.

The first real Franconian lagerbier I had was ironically, at a beer bar in Rome. A beer bar known for always hosting breweries from this very special area of Germany

Germany, a country globally known for beer history and culture has no shortage of tasty beverages. Franconia - Franken - Bavaria was always on my radar when I started my career in the craft beer indsutry, but I had no clue how great the beers were until a few years ago. Now I am hooked.

Most craft beer around the world is used with German malt and hops, so naturally to learn more about my favorite beverage I chose to go to source.

This list includes...

Breweries I personally visited during my trip to Bavaria

Breweries that brew beer that I have tasted and loved

Breweries that were recommended to me from my fellow beer friends

Brewery zur Sonne

@tanaschwarz

Not only did I eat and drink here, I also stayed over night in the inn located on the upper floors of the restaurant! I took the bus from Bamberg city center and found the brewery no problem! I left early in the morning and they even called me a cab to take me to train station. They serve classic Franconian lagerbiers paired with speciality foods.

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Brauerei Spezial

@tanaschwarz

A must when you are in Bamberg! This brewery and restaurant is also an inn with very affordable rates! They make rauchbiers as well as non-smoked traditional beers for easy, enjoyable consumption.

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Brauerei Greifenklau - Bamberg

@tanaschwarz

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Brauhaus Zum Sternla

@tanaschwarz

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Klosterbräu Bamberg

@tanaschwarz

Admittedly, I chose this brewery because I was searching for the best Schwarzbier (black beer) in the city, according to my research they served the best one! I was not disappointed! You can sit at large communal tables and warm up with a beer and sausage platters! I had the luxury of sharing a table with a local couple who spoke about Saturday's being the day when people living in the countryside come into the city to run errands and grab a pint!

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Wilde-Rose-Keller

@tanaschwarz

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Schlenkerla, die historische Rauchbierbrauerei

@tanaschwarz

Home to the famous rauchbier (smoked beer), it was clear that while this location had so much history, it was still a modern lunch spot for locals! I ate a more rustic version of spätzle, a potato dumpling dish with caramelized onions, which was very comforting on a 30 degree Fahrenheit day. The story goes that one must drink three rauchbiers in order to get accustomed to the smokey taste. I had one large pint and I was convinced after half a beer!

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Brauerei Eichhorn

@tanaschwarz

I wasn't able to visit this brewery but I have enjoyed their beer countless times, on draft, by the bottle, and at festivals!

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Brauerei Drei Kronen

@tanaschwarz

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Brauerei Knoblach Inh. Michael Knoblach e.K.

@tanaschwarz

This was the Franconian lager that introduced me to the region and this awesome side of the beer world.

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Brauerei Gasthof Griess

@tanaschwarz

I wasn't not able to visit the brewery during my visit but I always order it when I see it on tap!

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Zehendner Brauerei GmbH

@tanaschwarz

I have tried a number of their beers like the export lager, maibock, lagerbier, and their hefeweizen, all were exceptional.

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Gasthof Seitz/ Thuisbrunner Elch-Bräu/Elch-Whisky

@tanaschwarz

I regret not visiting this brewery in person, as their lager was one the tastiest beers I have had in a long time!

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Lindenbräu

@tanaschwarz

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Humbser und Freunde

@tanaschwarz

Fürth is only a train stop away from the Nuremberg and this modern brewery and eatery is well worth the trip. I ordered a classic spätzle, and egg-noodle dish with mountain cheese and fried onions on top and paired it with two different local beers that hit the stop after a long day of travel.

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Schanzenbräu Brauerei

@tanaschwarz

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tana Schwarz

Available for hire

Ciao ragazzi! I'm Tana, your Italian natural wine and craft beer expert. I moved to Rome, Italy for grad school and never looked back. I have a master's in sustainable food policy and have a decade of experience working hospitatliy, food and beverage. I am on a mission to visit every wine region in Italy and I frequently visit wineries, breweries and farms all over the country - now I want to share them with you all! Over the last decade I have lived and worked in Rome, Porto and Barcelona and I love finding small artisan wine bars, pubs and restaurants that support local and sustainable food systems. I made these guides to help conscious travelers seek out lesser known establishments where they can experience natural wine, artisan beer and delicious, responsibly sourced food.

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Bavaria, Germany