The best 5 breweries and beer gardens in Bamberg: where smoke, hops, and history meet
A city built on barley and belief
In Bamberg, beer isn’t just something you drink — it’s a ritual, a heritage, and a reason to linger under a chestnut tree a little longer. With more breweries per capita than anywhere else on earth, this Franconian town is Bavaria’s quiet capital of beer. From smoky steins of rauchbier to hilltop kellers with sweeping views, here’s how to taste your way through Bamberg.
5th place: Ambräusianum – new brew, old soul (Score: 8.4/10)
Just steps from Schlenkerla, Ambräusianum brews its beer right in the heart of its copper-clad pub. Opened in 2004, it brings modern charm to traditional methods, serving Hell, Dunkel, and Bernsteinweizen alongside seasonal specials. Grab a table, watch the brewers at work, and savor beer at its freshest.
4th place: Mahrs Bräu – where the locals go (Score: 8.7/10)
In the Wunderburg district, Mahrs Bräu has been perfecting Kellerbier since 1670. Their "U" — an unfiltered, slightly cloudy lager — is served in half-liter mugs with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The taproom is lively, the food hearty, and in summer, the beer garden buzzes with Bambergers enjoying life the old-fashioned way.
🥉 3rd place: Spezial-Keller – sip with a view (Score: 9.0/10)
, Summer 2004.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Spezi-Keller_01.jpg)
Spezial-Keller offers one of Bamberg’s best panoramas — cathedral, river, rooftops all in one glance. Their beer comes from the Brauerei Spezial below, and whether you're sipping inside by the stove or out on the terrace, it’s a perfect blend of flavor and scenery.
🥈 2nd place: Brauerei Spezial – timeless warmth (Score: 9.3/10)
Just up Obere Königstraße, Brauerei Spezial offers another take on smoked beer — smoother, gentler, but just as steeped in history. Since 1536, they’ve been malting their own barley over beechwood fires. The tavern is a cozy gem with wood-paneled walls and a green-tiled stove that whispers of winters past. Their Bock in autumn is a must.
🥇 1st place: Schlenkerla – the cathedral of smoke (Score: 9.7/10)
Tucked just below the mighty Bamberg Cathedral, Schlenkerla is the soul of the city’s rauchbier tradition. Step inside the dim, vaulted tavern where beer flows from oak barrels and the scent of beechwood smoke clings to the air. Brewed since 1405, their Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier is an icon — dark, strong, and unforgettable. Order a Märzen or Helles Krausen and sit among the locals who’ve been drinking here for generations.
Where every pint tells a story
Most of Bamberg’s best breweries are clustered in the Old Town — easy to reach on foot. Save the hilltop kellers for afternoon or golden hour, when the light is low and the views are long. Spring through early autumn is beer garden season, but the taverns pour year-round. No matter where you go, remember: in Bamberg, every pint tells a story — and every keller invites you to stay a little longer. For those eager to uncover more tales of Bamberg’s brewing heritage, check out our tailored tours on Ciceru.com. Until then, let the flavors linger.
