Your Bamberg City Tour

Schlenkerla – The Historic Rauchbier Brewery

Bamberg’s legendary tavern‑brewery: Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier from wooden casks, in‑house maltings, summer beer garden in the Dominican courtyard.

Schlenkerla tavern frontage on Dominikanerstraße in Bamberg

Schlenkerla

Schlenkerla is Bamberg’s most famous brew‑pub, set in the Old Town at Dominikanerstraße 6, just below the Domberg. Here the city’s specialty, Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier, is poured in a time‑honoured setting. Locals and visitors share the snug wood‑panelled rooms; in summer the beer garden in the Dominican courtyard opens as well. [1][2]

What makes Schlenkerla special?

  • Rauchbier from wooden casks: Beer is drawn from oak casks at the bar—rare today and central to the house character. [1][2]
  • Own maltings: The smoked malt comes from the brewery’s in‑house malthouse—a distinctive combination with the cask‑serving tradition. [2]
  • Old‑Town atmosphere: Steps from Cathedral Square; easy to pair with Dom, Old Court and New Residence. [1][2]
  • Seasonal range: Beyond the classic Märzen, look for Urbock (autumn), Fastenbier (between Ash Wednesday and Easter) and Eiche Doppelbock (Advent/Christmas). [2]

A short history

The house is documented in 1405 as the inn “Zum blauen Löwen”, making it a long‑standing brewing and tavern site. The nickname “Schlenkerla” is traditionally linked to brewer Andreas Graser († 1905), whose swinging arm gait (“schlenkern”) allegedly earned the moniker that stuck. [1][3]

Today the tavern is closely tied to the Trum family; the Heller‑Bräu Trum brewery runs the outlet and brews the famed smoked beers. [3] It’s a pillar of Bamberg’s beer culture in the UNESCO‑listed Old Town. [1][2]

Experiencing Rauchbier

Rauchbier’s aroma comes from smoked malt. At Schlenkerla this meets gravity‑pouring from wooden casks: the cask is tapped at the counter and beer is served fresh. Many start with a Märzen; seasonal fans ask for Urbock, Fastenbier or Eiche when available. [1][2]

The guest rooms are traditional—dark wood, shared tables, lively but cosy. In warm weather, the Dominican courtyard provides sheltered outdoor seating. [2]

Plan your visit

  • Address: Dominikanerstraße 6, 96049 Bamberg (Old Town, near Cathedral Square). Coordinates: 49.89195 / 10.88486. [2]
  • Opening times & reservations: Check the official website; peak periods are lively—off‑peak hours are calmer.
    – schlenkerla.de [1]
  • Menu: Hearty Franconian dishes; find the beer & food menu online. [1]
  • On site: Consider arriving early or between main meal times for a quieter experience. [2]

Nearby

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