Under the splendid old chestnut trees the 'Erlanger Bergkirchweih' (the dedication of the mountain church) has been celebrated annually for more than 250 years. The Erlangen Beer Festival welcomes more than one million visitors each year to enjoy a wide variety of Erlangen beers and dishes. Visitors are invited to attend the Bergkirchweih (an event celebrating local produce) before descending onto the various pubs Erlangen has to offer.
The opening ceremony named the "Anstich" takes place in a different cellar each year, whereby thousands gather with the hope of getting one of the free beers available from the first barrel. From the festival it is only a 2 hour drive to the Stuttgart Beer festival at Cannstatter Wasen.
The Bergkirchweih Festival
The cellars of the Castle Hill are at the heart of the beer festival and are used by the local breweries to store their beer. Enjoy the cold beer out of steins - the typical Franconian beer mugs - which are served by waiters in traditional costumes.
Make sure you try the regional dishes like ox roasted on a spit, fried sausages, roast chicken or pretzel. The Erlangen Bergkirchweih has much more to offer than beer and food. The carnival presents lots of rides and booths, from traditional to high tech, and regional bands ensure a cheerful atmosphere.
Erlangen Beer Festival Dates: 24th May - 4th June 2012
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24 May 2012 - 04 June 2012
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