Anyone who doesn't know Franconian Switzerland should definitely pay a visit to the area in Upper Franconia. The region stretches in a triangle between the cities of Bamberg, Bayreuth and Erlangen and has a stunningly beautiful landscape. Dense forests nestle next to sprawling orchards, mountains with jagged rocks alternate with gentle valleys, small, crystal-clear rivers run through the lush meadows and the odd traditional mill invites visitors to enjoy homemade snacks and Franconian cuisine. The peaks of the mountains are adorned with castles, fortresses and magnificent ruins with venerable churches and chapels. Sports enthusiasts of all kinds 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 with forest paths and trails for cyclists and the high rocks are equipped with eyelets for climbers. You can canoe and kayak on the Wiesent and Püttlach and on particularly warm days the rivers invite you to jump into the cool water. In the midst of this idyllic landscape and in the shadow of majestic rocks is the Held Bräu, a traditional family-run brewery that attracts day-trippers and guests with the finest beer and hearty food.
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 pale beer and the extremely popular dark Old Franconian farmer's beer , and seasonal examples for the holidays of the calendar year. Held Bräu traditionally brews a strong Bock beer for 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.
The brewery's cozy guest room is also a piece of home, with its wooden furniture and classic Franconian decor that invites you to linger. In autumn and winter in particular, 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 chestnut trees cast their shadows on benches and tables, and on warm summer evenings, live music accompanies the beer enjoyment.
Held Bräu from Oberailsfeld is a traditional family business with solid, down-to-earth beers that impress with their genuine Franconian character. Find our favorites from the range here!
