If you don't know Franconian Switzerland, you should definitely pay a visit to the area in Upper Franconia. The region extends in the triangle between the cities of Bamberg, Bayreuth and Erlangen and has a fantastically beautiful landscape. Dense forests nestle against extensive orchards, mountains with jagged rocks alternate with gentle valleys, small, crystal-clear rivers run through the lush meadows and one or two traditional mills invite visitors to enjoy homemade snacks and Franconian cuisine. The mountain peaks are adorned with palaces, fortresses and magnificent ruins with venerable churches and chapels. Athletes of all kinds will get their money's worth in Franconian Switzerland: a well-developed network of paths offers the perfect basis for long hikes, the forests are criss-crossed by forest paths and trails for cyclists and the high rocks are equipped with eyelets for climbers. You can canoe and kayak on Wiesent and Püttlach, and on particularly warm days the rivers invite you to jump into the cool water. In the middle of this idyllic landscape and in the shadow of majestic rocks is the Held Bräu, a traditional family-run brewery that attracts excursionists and guests with the finest beer and hearty food.
The Held Bräu has existed for almost 350 years and has been in the hands of the Polster family for just as long. With passion, dedication and expertise passed down from generation to generation, the brewers produce a balanced range of Franconian beers. There are year-round creations, including a wonderful light beer and the extremely popular dark Old Franconian farmer's beer , as well as seasonal examples for the holidays in the calendar year. Traditionally, Held Bräu brews a strong Bock during Lent, the contemplative Advent season and Christmas. With these specialty beers, the Held family remembers their own roots and the customs and brewing traditions of their Franconian homeland.
A piece of home is also the brewery's cozy dining room, which invites you to linger with its wooden furniture and classic Franconian furnishings. Especially in autumn and winter, the rustic room is a refuge from the harsh weather that sweeps through Franconian Switzerland in the cooler half of the year. In summer, visitors can sit down in the beautiful beer garden and enjoy the wonderful view as well as the delicacies from the brewery and kitchen. Large chestnuts cast their shadows on benches and tables and on warm summer evenings, live music accompanies the beer fun.
The Held Bräu from Oberailsfeld is a traditional family business with solid, down-to-earth beers that impress with their truly Franconian character. Find our favorites from the range here!
