Under the Old Town: 700 Years of Nürnberger Rotbier — Cellars, Streets, and a Copper‑bright Tasting

NÜRNBERG CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Under the Old Town: 700 Years of Nürnberger Rotbier — Cellars, Streets, and a Copper‑bright Tasting

A compact, two‑hour guided combination walk that moves from the Altstadthof brewery through the Altstadt and into the historic Felsengänge, finishing with a tasting of the original Nürnberger Rotbier.

Under the Old Town: 700 Years of Nürnberger Rotbier — Cellars, Streets, and a Copper‑bright Tasting.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Nürnberg
Operator
Historische Felsengänge
Category
City Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

This compact, roughly two‑hour Kombiführung begins at the historic Hausbrauerei Altstadthof and threads through Nuremberg’s Altstadt before descending into the city’s cool, labyrinthine Felsengänge to explore how the original Nürnberger Rotbier was brewed and stored—ending with a tasting of the city’s traditional Rotbier.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE HISTORY

Altstadthof — the home of original Nürnberger Rotbier

The tour starts at the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof, the historic site where the original Rotbier was brewed; from here the beer was traditionally matured in the city’s underground passages.

THE ROUTE

A walk through Weissgerbergasse, bridges and market squares

The stroll leads along key Altstadt streets and landmarks—Weissgerbergasse, Kettensteg, Fleischbrücke and the Hauptmarkt—punctuated by stories of city and brewing history, hop and beer trade, and the role of municipal brewers.

THE UNDERGROUND

A descent into the Felsengänge cellar labyrinth

At the Albrecht‑Dürer monument the group enters the extensive, cool Felsengänge—an underground network long used for beer storage and maturation that forms a central, atmospheric part of the tour.

What the day feels like

What the experience feels like

The pace is unhurried: an hour of Altstadt walking—past timbered streets, bridges and the Hauptmarkt—followed by about an hour visiting the Felsengänge and the small Rotbierbrauerei, concluding with an on‑site tasting of Original Nürnberger Rotbier.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and who should reconsider.

1
History BuffsIdeal: concentrated local history about Nuremberg’s brewing past, city trade and landmarks presented in a short, informative format.
2
Beer EnthusiastsIdeal: includes the story of Rotbier, visits to the maturation cellars and a tasting of the Original Nürnberger Rotbier at Altstadthof.
3
Families with older childrenGenerally suitable for all ages, but best for children able to manage stairs and cool cellar conditions; the tour is described as für jedes Alter but requires mobility on stairs.
4
Visitors with limited mobilityNot recommended: the Felsengänge are not barrier‑free, feature stairs and uneven floors, and require being good on foot.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Total duration about 2 hours—approximately 60 minutes in the Felsengänge/Rotbierbrauerei and 60 minutes for the Altstadt walk. Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start to ensure a punctual departure.

What to Bring

Dress in layers and bring warm outerwear for the cellars (temperatures around 8–10°C). Wear comfortable, stable footwear suitable for stairs and uneven surfaces.

Language & Accessibility

The guided tour is conducted in German. The Felsengänge are not wheelchair accessible and include multiple staircases.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

About 2 hours in total: roughly 60 minutes in the Felsengänge/Rotbierbrauerei and 60 minutes for the Altstadt walking portion.

Where does the tour start and when should I arrive?

The tour starts at the Hausbrauerei Altstadthof; please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time so the group can depart punctually.

What language is the tour in?

The guided tour is conducted in German.

Are the Felsengänge cold?

Yes — the Felsengänge maintain cool temperatures year‑round, typically between 8 and 10°C, so warm clothing is recommended.

Is the tour accessible for visitors with mobility issues or pets?

No: the Felsengänge include stairs and partially uneven floors and are not barrier‑free; pets are not allowed.

Will there be a beer tasting?

Yes — the visit concludes at the small Rotbierbrauerei Altstadthof with a tasting of the Original Nürnberger Rotbier.