Episode 95 – Bamberg, Germany – Munich Side Trip

Bamberg, Germany is a Unesco World Heritage Site for one, and a brewer’s dream for another.  Bamberg is the birthplace for smoked beers (Rauchbier).  The malt is smoked by the brewery and then they brew a distinctive beer.  People come from around the world to partake, enjoy, and try to figure-out if they even like this style of beer.  The world most prestigious Rauchbier brewery is Schlenkerla, of which you can find in your local bottle shop.  In Bamberg, you can walk there from the train station, and grab a beer on-site.  Upstairs is has a full restaurant from the 1300s.  Yes, it is old, and that brings out its charm. Schlenkerla has a bigger smoked profile than another Rauchbier brewery, and that is Brauerei Spezial.  Across the street from Spezial is Brauerei Fassla, and both are within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the train station.  On of the most important landmarks in town is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall).  It is on an island in the middle of the river accessible by pedestrian bridges.  The Bamberg Cathedral is another non-brewery site in town.  It is up on the hill, and is a 13th-century church including the Bamberg Horseman statue & the marble tomb of Emperor Henry II.  To finish off your brewery tour visit Mahr’s brau and Keesman brau, which are across the street from each other.