Klosterbrauerei Mallersdorf Brewery Festival

A Brewery with a Globally Unique Tradition

The Klosterbrauerei Mallersdorf was founded in 1881 in Mallersdorf-Pfaffenberg, a market town in the Lower Bavarian district of Straubing-Bogen. The Poor Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family have been managing the associated monastery on Klosterberg since 1869. Since 1933, the brewery has been managed by a monastic brewmaster – a unique case worldwide. The current brewmaster is Sister Doris Engelhard, who brews for the approximately 500 sisters and employees of the monastery and has simultaneously become a legend in the Bavarian brewing scene.

Monastery Courtyard as a Festival Backdrop

The monastery courtyard, surrounding the old monastery buildings, serves as the festival backdrop. Beer garden tables are set up in the courtyard, along with snack stations offering classic Lower Bavarian tavern cuisine: sausage platters, roast pork, dumplings, and homemade sourdough bread. The beer comes directly from the monastery brewery – including the famous "würzige Klosterbier" (spicy monastery beer), which defines the house style.

Brewery Tours and Encounters

The Brewery Festival is also a rare opportunity to see the monastery brewery itself: tours are offered on this day, during which the nuns show the brewing kettle, the brewhouse, and the storage cellars. Those who are lucky may meet Sister Doris in person and ask her questions about the monastery brewery.

Corpus Christi as a Festival Day

The Brewery Festival traditionally falls on the Catholic high feast day of Corpus Christi, a public holiday in Bavaria. The day typically begins with a Corpus Christi procession through Mallersdorf-Pfaffenberg; afterwards, residents and guests from the Straubing-Bogen district and the wider region flock to Klosterberg.

Lower Bavarian Authenticity

With around 7,000 inhabitants, Mallersdorf-Pfaffenberg is a typical Lower Bavarian market town. Its location between Straubing and Landshut makes it easily accessible; at the same time, the character of Bavarian rural life has been preserved. It is precisely this setting that gives the Brewery Festival its special authenticity.