Brewing tradition meets family legacy at Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau. This is no ordinary brewery. It’s a journey through time and taste.
The Greifenklau’s story began long ago. It was first mentioned in 1585. The real brewing history started with Domherr Franz Friedrich von Greifenklau. He built a brewery and inn in the early 18th century complete with stables, a courtyard, and a garden. That garden with a view of Altenburg Castle is the beer garden you see today.
Franz Friedrich von Greifenklau died in 1729. The property then went to the Domkapitel. They decided to sell it. They also wanted to change the brewing rights to simple serving rights.
Later, Sigmund Brockard, a master brewer from Gleusdorf, bought the Greifenklau for 38000 Mark. He was the great-grandfather and grandfather of the current master brewers. The brewery was in bad shape. Until 1919, Brockard had his beer brewed at the Riegelhof brewery. Only after that was the Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau operational again. In November, they served a light bock beer with 16.4 percent original gravity.
Since 1981, the brewery has been owned by the third generation of the family. The current owner is Sigmund Brockard. He carries on the family tradition of using the same first name. The next generation is already at the kettle.
Today, the Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau extends under the beer garden. It has a sprawling rock cellar on three levels.
Step inside and feel the rustic atmosphere. The old inn has 80 seats. Laurenzi offers 65 seats. The brewery hall can accommodate 100 people. These spaces are perfect for family celebrations or tour groups. The Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau offers flexibility. Depending on the weather, your seats will be reserved in the guest rooms or in the beer garden.
Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau brews traditional beers. They also try new varieties and hops. As Bamberg’s highest brewery, you’ve certainly earned your beer here. The classic Lager and the new Helle are always on tap. A third seasonal variety rotates. The modern brewhouse allows them to maintain quality and try new things.
Since 1917, the Brockard family has owned the Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau. The third generation runs the Greifenklau together with their two children, the fourth generation. Their motto is to preserve the good old ways and add the important new things correctly.
Be sure to try the Greifenklau Lager. It’s a mild, easy-to-drink Franconian lager beer. Other specialties include Greifenklau Weizen and Bockbier. Bockbier is seasonal.
Don’t miss the annual Laurenzikerwa. Also a great time to visit is at the start of the strong Bock beer season. The Brauerei Gasthof Greifenklau is more than a brewery. It is a Bamberg institution. It’s a place where tradition and innovation meet. Here every sip tells a story.