Adventure brief
Die Rotbierführung
Step beneath Nürnberg’s streets with Historische Felsengänge and trace the origins of the city’s famed Rotbier. This hour-long cellar tour offers a rare glimpse at brewing traditions dating back to 1303, ending with tastings of local brews and whisky.
In the heart of Nürnberg, Bayern, the underground world of the Nürnberger Felsengänge opens a doorway to one of Germany’s oldest brewing legacies. Established in 1303, the city’s brewing heritage is engraved in these labyrinthine rock cellars where tradition and craft converge beneath bustling streets. Historische Felsengänge invites visitors on a 60-minute journey into this subterranean network, delving into centuries-old methods that shaped the local beer culture.
The Die Rotbierführung guided tour offers an immersive walk through these cool, rough-hewn caverns that once stored and aged the distinctive Nürnberger Rotbier. This isn’t just another brewery visit; it’s a tactile encounter with history where rock walls echo tales of medieval brewing mandates and evolving techniques. Along the route, guides unpack how barley malt became central to regional brews following Nürnberg’s 1303 purity ordinance.
The experience culminates above ground with a sampling of the famous Rotbier at the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof. Here, visitors learn the nuances of hop and malt, tasting beers that carry the legacy of traditional recipes. To complete the adventure, the tour ventures into a whisky cellar, offering a contrast while highlighting the continuum of local craft spirit production.
Historische Felsengänge stands out as a distinctive cultural and sensory experience in Nürnberg's outdoor and urban recreation scene. It connects visitors not just to beer but to the city’s layered history below the surface. The combination of underground cellar exploration with beer and whisky tastings makes it a unique stop for travelers wanting authentic, place-based stories paired with handcrafted brews.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or a curious traveler, this tour bridges the gap between history, geology, and brewing artistry in a welcoming, focused adventure. It’s proof that outdoor adventure isn’t only in wild landscapes but also found underground in the rhythms of city traditions.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Wear sturdy shoesessential
The cellars have uneven stone floors and damp conditions; solid footwear is a must for safety and comfort.
- 02Arrive earlyinfo
Be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts to ensure a timely departure.
- 03Language options availableinfo
Tours are in German, but audioguides in several languages including English and French are offered for an additional fee.
- 04Age restrictions for tastingwarning
Beer and whisky tastings are only available to guests aged 16 and older, so plan accordingly.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Protect your feet on uneven stone cellar floors.
EssentialLight jacket or layers
Cellars remain cool year-round, sometimes damp and chilly.
spring|fall|winterEssentialReusable water bottle
Stay hydrated when spending time touring the city before or after the cellar visit.
summerValid ID
Required for guests participating in beer and whisky tasting (16+ age limit).
EssentialLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The medieval stone arches hidden within the cellar corridors, The small tasting boutique offering rare local brews and spirits
Local fauna
Common city birds like sparrows and pigeons near exit points, No wildlife inside the cellars due to urban location
Historic heritage
Nürnberg's brewing tradition dates back to 1303, marked by a city ordinance mandating barley malt as the sole brewing ingredient, laying foundations for its world-famous beer culture.
Mindful exploration
The site maintains careful preservation of the fragile rock cellars and promotes sustainable tasting practices to minimize environmental impact within this historic urban landmark.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Inside the vaulted rock cellar passages, At the tasting bar of Hausbrauerei Altstadthof, Whisky cellar shelves showcasing aged bottles
- Subjects
- Rough-hewn stone cellar walls, Traditional brewing equipment, Colorful bottles and tasting glasses
- Best times
- Late afternoon for natural light near entrance, Golden hour outside the brewery, Midday for interior ambient light
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Visitors under 16 can join the tour but cannot participate in the beer and whisky tastings.
Are the tours available in English?
Tours are conducted in German, but audioguides in multiple languages, including English, are available for an additional fee.
How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour involves walking through underground cellars on stone floors; moderate mobility is required but it’s generally easy.
Can the tour be booked for private groups?
Yes, private group tours at a fixed price are available and can be booked through their platform.
Is photography allowed inside the cellars?
Photography is typically permitted, but flash use may be restricted to protect the historic environment.
What is the best way to get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof’s inner courtyard at Bergstraße 19, Nürnberg, accessible by public transit or walking from central Nürnberg.