Sprache:Deutsch  
Menu

A Perfect Day Amid the Imperial Palace, Half-Timbered Houses, and Beer Culture in Forchheim

Forchheim, one of Franconia’s oldest cities, captivates visitors with a rich blend of history and lively charm. Picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone alleys, and the impressive fortress complex define the cityscape. A stroll through the old town is like a journey through more than 1,200 years of eventful city history.

Ein Reihe an Fachwerkhäusern, davor bunt blühende Blumen

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Old Town Tour 

Our day in Forchheim begins with a search for traces of the past through the historic old town center. At the tourist information office in the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace, we receive a brochure that guides us to hidden corners, significant buildings, and attractive photo spots. We walk along the imposing fortress, discover Kammerer’s Mill in the gem known as “Little Venice,” and stroll across Paradeplatz. Those who wish to delve deeper into history can join a guided Old Town tour, offered on Saturdays from April to October at 10:30 a.m. and on Wednesdays from April to October at 3:00 p.m.

 

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Boutique Shopping

After the historical discovery tour, there will be time for a leisurely stroll through the pedestrian zone. In many small, owner-operated shops, shopping becomes a personal experience. The mix of urban pedestrian zones, central squares, and winding alleys gives the city a special atmosphere and invites you to linger.

 

12:30 – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch break

For lunch, a regional specialty is a must: fresh fish from the Wiesent River, served at the Karnbaum delicatessen. Before preparation, the carp are traditionally kept in fish crates in “Little Venice.” Alternatively, the local restaurant in the pedestrian zone offers hearty Franconian cuisine.


2:00 – 3:00 PM – City Park

Forchheim’s city park stretches around the fortress complex. After lunch, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the green grounds. It’s especially worth taking a closer look at the exotic trees, some of which are over 100 years old and provide ample shade on warm days. The park offers the perfect setting for a short break or an ice cream in the sun.

 

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. – WALK OF BEER

In Forchheim, the “WALK OF BEER” takes the place of the famous Walk of Fame. This approximately 2.5-kilometer-long themed route dedicated to the history of beer leads from downtown to the Kellerwald. We start at the Hebendanz Brewery and follow the trail of three family-run breweries. Stars in the ground mark the stops in front of each brewery, and via QR code we gain fascinating insights into the city’s beer tradition and history.

 

5:00 – 7:00 PM – Kellerwald

The day culminates in Forchheim’s Kellerwald, where the fifth star of the WALK OF BEER is located. Among a total of 23 beer cellars, we experience the lively atmosphere in what is arguably the world’s largest beer garden. Under the shady canopy of leaves, we wind down the day in peace and enjoy hoppy beverages as well as Franconian cold and hot specialties.

Want more?

Brauereienvielfalt - Bierkeller

Beer Cellar Hike

A varied hike through the Kellerwald ends at the Schweizer Keller with a Franconian snack or a beer. The route offers beautiful views of the Wiesent Valley and then leads back to the upper cellars.

Duration: approx. 3 hours.


Culinary City Tour

Experience Forchheim’s culinary and historical highlights: a 1.5-hour walking tour with four stops featuring regional delicacies and sights—from bratwurst to pralines and Urrädla to Forchheim beer.

Duration: approx. 1.5 hours.

 

Via Forte – Interactive App

The family-friendly themed trail app Via Forte brings history to life interactively with augmented reality and 3D scenarios. Quiz questions and game scenes accompany the tour through the city.

Duration approx. 45 minutes.

Jörg Hentschel und Claudia Büttner