Written by Franz Hofer
Hi everyone!
Last time I sent out a trio of blog posts, the northern hemisphere was melting. The same couldn’t be less true today in Vienna, where a blanket of snow has cast a hush over the city. Even if next spring or summer seems far away, it’s never too late to start planning your next beer travel adventure. If you prefer armchair travel, this German-themed trio has plenty for you, too.
Most folks who head to Germany for beer make a beeline for Bavaria, and with good reason. But German beer is much more than Bavaria. This trio introduces you to two large cities (Cologne and Dresden) and, via a beer hike, a regional brewery in the Black Forest (Rothaus). You can click on the links at the top of this email, or the ones right below.
Cologne and Its Kölsch: A Rough-and-Ready Guide
Dresden, Beer City on the Elbe
Rothaus: Beer and Hiking in the Black Forest
Here’s a brief intro to each post:
1. You know you’re in a place that takes its beer seriously when the name of the local beer style is the same as the local dialect spoken in the region. Kölsch is part of the very fabric of Cologne, as important as Carnival. This “pocket guide” takes you to a dozen Kölsch pubs within walking distance of Cologne’s majestic cathedral, including local faves like Päffgen, Malzmühle, and the Schreckenskammer (Chamber of Horrors). Why is it called the Chamber of Horrors? I’ll tell you that in the post, along with more stories that make these pubs more than just places to drink.
2. Florence on the Elbe. Onetime capital of Saxon dukes and kings. A skyline of spires and domes. And the city where Schiller composed his Ode to Joy. With its location on the Elbe and numerous renowned museums to complement its majestic architecture, Dresden is among Europe’s most striking cities. Chances are you’ll end up there at some point. And chances are you’ll be thirsty after exploring the city. Dresden is home to one of the largest brewing concerns in Germany (the Radeberger Group), but there’s much more if you know where to look.
3. Anyone with even a passing knowledge of German beer knows Rothaus, the Black Forest brewery with colourfully labeled bottles depicting a wholesome young woman in traditional dress. This scenic beer hike takes you through pastoral farmland and past a picturesque lake before returning to the brewery via brooding forests and the hamlet where Rothaus once sourced its brewing water. This is an easy hike you can do after the noontime brewery tour, a quick lunch, and a beer or two. And you’ll be back in time for a 7 p.m. dinner!
Last but not least, the “In Case You Missed It” section below includes a post on Christmas markets for a dash of seasonal cheer.
Happy reading, everyone!
Franz