Aufseß Kirchweih
Kerwa in the Guinness World Record Village for Brewery Density
About Aufseß Kerwa
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Aufseß — the Brewery World Record
Aufseß in the Upper Franconian district of Bayreuth (09472) is one of Germany's most remarkable villages: with around 1,300 inhabitants, it hosts four traditional breweries — Aufsesser Bräu (Brauereigasthof Rothenbach), Ketschauer Hof, Penning-Zeißler, and Stadter in the district of Sachsendorf. This results in one brewery per 375 inhabitants — a brewery density that is unmatched anywhere else in the world and immortalized in the Guinness Book of Records. In the Franconian Switzerland, a region already boasting the highest brewery density in Europe, Aufseß stands out as an absolute highlight.
Kirchweih as the Central Festival Week
The Aufseß Kirchweih traditionally takes place around the 3rd Sunday in September — in late summer, when the hop harvest has just finished and the days are still warm. Four days of festivities in the brewery inns and on the village meadow, accompanied by brass band music from local bands, Franconian pub cuisine (Schäuferla, Pressack, Sauerbraten, Bratwurst, Krautsalat), and of course, the beers from the four Aufseß breweries.
The Four Aufseß Breweries
- Aufsesser Brauerei / Brauereigasthof Rothenbach — the best-known of the four, with its own brewery in the valley, a beer garden on the Aufseß river, and 7 year-round varieties plus seasonal beers like Bock and Hopfentrunk (freshly brewed with fresh hop cones)
- Brauerei Ketschauer Hof — a small inn brewery with house beer made according to an ancient recipe
- Brauerei Penning-Zeißler — a family brewery with a full-bodied beer full of character
- Brauerei Stadter (Sachsendorf, district of Aufseß) — the fourth brewery in the municipality, often a stop on the Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail
The Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail
Those who use the Kirchweih as an occasion for a longer stay can walk the Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail — a hiking route that connects all four breweries plus the neighboring breweries in Hochstahl (Brauerei Reichold) and Heckenhof (Kathi-Bräu). A circular route through the Franconian Switzerland with a beer stop in each village — hiking five breweries in one day is not unusual in Franconia, but rarely so concentrated as here.
In the Franconian Switzerland Nature Area
The Franconian Switzerland, geologically a karst landscape with dripstone caves, castle ruins, and rock formations, is one of Franconia's regions for hiking and beer hiking. Aufseß in the Aufseß valley lies in a quiet side valley between Hollfeld and the Wiesent river — rural, idyllic, with the characteristic charm of beer garden culture. The Kerwa in mid-September marks the high season.
Aufseß Kerwa — edition 2026
Kerwa 2026 in Aufseß — the Five-Day Beer Week
From Thursday, September 17th to Monday, September 21st, 2026, the village of Aufseß celebrates its traditional Kirchweih. The four Aufseß breweries — Aufsesser Bräu / Brauereigasthof Rothenbach, Brauerei Ketschauer Hof, Brauerei Penning-Zeißler, and Brauerei Stadter in the district of Sachsendorf — play the leading role.
The inns are festively decorated during the Kerwa week, brass bands from the region provide accompaniment, and the Aufseß Vollbiers, Festbiers, and specialties (including the traditional Bock tapping in early autumn) flow abundantly. Due to the unique brewery density, the Aufseß Kirchweih is a must-attend event for every beer tourist visiting Franconian Switzerland.
Programme Aufseß Kerwa 2026
Program Structure Aufseß Kirchweih 2026
The detailed daily program will be published shortly before the Kerwa by the four breweries and the administrative community of Hollfeld. Based on experience, the Kerwa includes the following highlights:
- Thu, September 17th, 2026 — Kerwa Kick-off in the brewery inns, beer tapping, first band performances
- Fri–Sat, September 18th/19th, 2026 — Festival Operations in all four breweries simultaneously: Brauereigasthof Rothenbach, Ketschauer Hof, Penning-Zeißler, Stadter (Sachsendorf)
- Franconian Inn Cuisine: Schäuferla, Pressack, Bratwurst, Krautsalat, seasonal delicacies
- Aufseß Beer in full variety — Vollbier, Festbier, Bock beer preview
- Brass music from local bands
- Sun, September 20th, 2026 — Festival Sunday: traditionally the highlight of the Aufseß Kerwa (3rd Sunday in September), festive church service in the morning, Frühschoppen (morning pint), festival operations all day long
- Mon, September 21st, 2026 — Kerwa Monday: traditional closing in the brewery inns
Hiking tip: The Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail during the Kerwa allows for a relaxed transition between the four breweries.
Highlights Aufseß Kerwa 2026
- World Record Brewery Density — four breweries in a village of 1,300 inhabitants
- Five days of Kerwa with beer from Rothenbach, Ketschauer Hof, Penning-Zeißler, and Stadter
- Franconian inn cuisine at inn prices
- Brass music from local bands
- Aufseß Brewery Hiking Trail as a four-brewery round trip
Prices Aufseß Kerwa 2026
Free admission. Food and drinks available in the brewery inns and on the village meadow at Franconian inn prices — significantly cheaper than at large Bavarian Volksfests. A 'Seidla' (half-liter of beer) is typically between €3 and €4, and a 'Schäuferla' between €12 and €15.
Practical information — Aufseß Kerwa
Getting There
By Car: A70 or A9 to Bayreuth, then B22 to Hollfeld and continue to Aufseß. Parking available in the village center.
By Train: Nearest train stations are Pegnitz or Bayreuth, from there by bus or rental car.
From Nuremberg: Approx. 1 hour by car.
Admission
Free admission. Food and drinks available in the brewery inns and on the village meadow at usual Franconian inn prices — significantly cheaper than at large Bavarian Volksfests.
Tips
Book accommodation well in advance — the Kerwa attracts beer tourists from all over Germany and Europe. Recommendation: plan for two to three days, pack hiking boots, and visit each of the four breweries.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Aufseß Kerwa al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Aufseß Kerwa
Aufseß — Vier Brauereien im Dorf