Senftenberger Felsenkeller & Häschaadä Keller
A couple of months ago when my wife and I went on a hike to the Senftenberger Felsenkeller, it was an experience to remember. Starting from Buttenheim station, the trail winds through picturesque landscapes, offering hikers a blend of nature’s tranquility and the region’s rich brewing traditions.
The Trail from Buttenheim
Our hike began at Buttenheim station, a charming starting point that sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Even though the path is not well-marked and moderately challenging, it's accessible for most hikers while still providing a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Following the charming creek Deichselbach out of Buttenheim the route takes you through Dreuschendorf passing by Meusel-Bräu. Sadly the Gasthaus has very limited opening hours if any. Locals are apparently Frühschoppen on Sundays after church, but bottles can be bought within normal office hours. As we ascended, we were greeted by a mesmerizing spectacle of birds of prey soaring above, adding a touch of wild beauty to the journey.
The view from the Senftenberger Felsenkeller
Senftenberger Felsenkeller is not just a natural haven; with their outdoor seating under the shade of chestnut trees, offer an ideal setting for family outings. The open spaces allow children to play and run around while adults converse and enjoy their beer. At the peak, hikers are rewarded with the sight of a lovely keller selling Hönig beers. Apart for the Posthörnla, a Rauchbier at 5,2%, the keller offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape, making the beer-tasting experience more memorable.
Another real charm lies in the array of private kellers dotted around the top of the mountain. These kellers are where local hausbrauers ferment and lager their Hausbräu, continuing a time-honored tradition. Hausbräu is young beer that is collected by “customers” in barrels or kegs. Often kept in the basement or another cool place of the collector, it then completes the fermentation and maturation. The tradition originally dates back to the 19th century when almost every brewery still produced its own malt. The farmers supplied the barley to be malted and received - in addition to payment - the right to purchase part of the beer made from their barley at a lower price. Today, anyone can have the young Hausbräu beer filled into their own barrels or kegs at certain schedules.
The inside of one of the private kellers showing both Hausbräu and commercial bottles
The Descent to Häschaadä Keller
After savoring the offerings at Senftenberger Felsenkeller, the descent was equally thrilling. A quick and exhilarating walk/run downhill led us to Hirschaid, where the beer journey continued at Häschaadä Keller. Here, we reunited with friends Jose and Jonathan, sharing stories and laughter over some excellent gravity-poured Knoblach Ungespundet Lagerbier, boasting a smooth 4.8% ABV. The unfiltered lager was the perfect end to a day filled with nature, exercise, and exceptional beers. Even though the keller is right next to the highway, when the talks got going I hardly noticed the noise from it.
Knoblach Ungespundet Lagerbier from gravity, Picture by: Jose Santos Caro
The Senftenberger Felsenkeller is more than just a hiking destination; it’s a celebration of Franconian culture and the region’s deep-rooted brewing heritage. From the stunning natural surroundings to the beers crafted by local hausbrauers, this place is a testament to the rich traditions and community spirit of Franconia. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a beer aficionado, or someone looking for a unique cultural experience, a visit to Senftenberger Felsenkeller is sure to entice you.
For more pictures of our day click the gallery below
