Kellerberg hill

Station 12

Beer culture has a long tradition in Franconia. It is therefore hardly surprising that the region has the highest density of breweries in the world. Rock cellars were used to store beer and other agricultural products before modern cooling methods were invented. The cellars were driven into the hillsides near settlements. Since the tunnels in the Kellerberg were at a constant low temperature all the year round, they served as a natural refrigerator. The heyday of cellar construction in Franconia can be dated quite precisely to between 1850 and 1860. 

Taverns or beer gardens were often built over the rock cellars to avoid long transport distances for beer and food. Hence the phrase: "We're off to the Keller". You can still enjoy a beer over a large number of cellars, usually in the shade of trees, and sometimes also bring a snack along. As an alternative, many publicans also sell snacks and other meals.

Small, private cellars which used to belong to farmers and home brewers are located in the lower area of the local Kellerberg. Cellars of the historical breweries "Schwarzer Adler", later known as "Goldener Adler", "Sternwirtskeller", "Schwanenkeller" and "Hirschenkeller" can be found above them. The latter is the biggest cellar in the area with a large number of side passages.