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The art of brewing at our beer hotel in Bavaria
Interesting facts about beer
Beer is among the most popular drinks in Germany – and rightly so, as the tradition of brewing beer goes back a long way and is deeply rooted in our region. Interestingly, in 2020 Germany ranked fifth among the countries that consume the most beer – behind the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, and Romania. When it comes to beer production, however, Germany is number one. We can certainly understand that at our beer hotel in Bavaria, as our family first discovered the art of brewing in 1628 and has been passionate about it ever since. To this day, we still love the craft of brewing and have now perfected our recipe. Naturally, we’re always hard at work experimenting with new varieties.
Do you actually know where beer originates from? No, it wasn’t the Bavarians who invented it! The origins of beer go all the way back to the fourth millennium BC. At our hotel with brewery in Bavaria, we’ve taken a close look at its history: it is believed to have come from what is now Iraq and was discovered by chance. According to legend, flatbreads made from barley and wheat were soaked in water – perhaps to make food easier to consume for the sick and elderly – and this mixture began to ferment. The dough developed an intoxicating effect, and beer was born.
In the year 1516, the Bavarian Purity Law was introduced, stipulating that only barley, hops, yeast, and water could be used in beer production. This was intended to protect consumers from certain ingredients such as aniseed, caraway, juniper, or even fly agaric mushrooms. At our beer hotel in Bavaria, we use only pure ingredients of the highest quality.
What does a holiday at a beer hotel mean? Wellness, culinary moments, and craft beer – all in one beer hotel.
Our rooms and suites reflect our passion for beer: some are located in the historic brewery building and are furnished with natural materials from the region. The offers and packages at our beer hotel are also entirely dedicated to the enjoyment of beer, providing irresistible benefits for anyone who loves the golden hoppy brew.
By the way: did you know that beer was illegal in Iceland until 1989? The reason was disputes with Denmark, as the Danes were seen as true beer drinkers. Since 1st March 1989, beer has been legal in Iceland – and that date is now even celebrated as Beer Day!
Sustainability at Winkler Bräu
Our brewery and hotel in Bavaria are committed not only to top-quality beer, but also to sustainable holiday experiences. For example, the transport routes for our beer are basically non-existing, as the brewery is located right within the building. The materials used in our rooms – such as oak flooring, hand-woven wool rugs, and linen and loden fabrics – also come directly from the region. The fresh spring water used to brew our beer comes from the Lengenfeld area, and the rest of the ingredients are also locally sourced. Regionality and sustainability are just as important in our restaurant: indulge in our authentic, regional slow food dishes.
Beer and wellness
Even the ancient Egyptian women knew: beer works wonders for the skin. Today, there are countless cosmetic products that harness the beneficial effects of beer. As an ingredient in shampoo, beer strengthens hair structure and gives fine hair more volume. A cream containing brewer’s yeast can help with blemished skin: the vitamin B6 in beer has anti-seborrheic properties and supports the skin’s natural healing process. With regular use, it can lead to a radiantly healthy complexion. At our beer and spa hotel, you can learn more about the healing properties of beer.
Beer gardens in Germany: a place of tradition
The first beer garden in Bavaria opened in 1812, when King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria allowed brewers to serve beer without the so-called “Krugrecht” (the exclusive right to sell beer in steins). Today, beer gardens are an integral part of everyday life – in the Upper Palatinate, in Bavaria, and throughout Germany. Here in Velburg, beer gardens line the streets. Locals and visitors alike enjoy gathering in the shady gardens with their iconic wooden benches, sharing a traditional Brotzeit (with bread, cold cuts, cheese, and more) or a hearty Haxn (pork shank), and sipping on a refreshing beer – or two. Naturally, our hotel also has its own beer garden!
A tasty and relaxing weekend at Winkler Bräu
Peace, relaxation, indulgence – you’ll find all of this at our hotel with beer garden. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of brewing and beer. But a weekend in Bavaria has even more to offer. Our beer hotel is nestled in the heart of the stunning Upper Palatinate Jura. It’s the perfect place for hiking or cycling through deep forests, discovering historic castles, or taking a refreshing dip in one of the natural bathing lakes.
Afterwards, we warmly welcome you to the QuellenReich Spa. Experience the diversity of the Upper Palatinate at our beer hotel. You’ll find offers to suit every taste right here.
How did we turn into a beer hotel?
Brewing flavourful and full-bodied beers is a heartfelt matter for us at our private brewery in the Upper Palatinate. The roots of our family business go all the way back to the distant year of 1628. Our passion for brewing has remained unchanged ever since, while fresh ideas and sustainable investments continue to drive our development forward.
For the exceptional beer served at our hotel, we use only pure, natural ingredients of the highest quality. We completely avoid artificial flavourings and rely on open fermentation. But these are by no means all the secrets that make us unique among the numerous private breweries in the Upper Palatinate and Bavaria.
Alongside comfort and relaxation, beer has always been at the heart of what we do – whether you’re enjoying a wellness weekend, visiting our Bräustüberl, or taking part in one of our brewery tours.
The long tradition of our hotel with brewery
Our hotel with beer and spa in Germany has a long history: for 600 years, we’ve been brewing delicious beers at our family-run private brewery. The deep-rooted brewing tradition in our region is evident not only at our Gutshofhotel Winkler Bräu, but also at several other beer hotels in the surroundings: there’s a beer hotel directly in Nuremberg, about 50 minutes by car from us, another in Regensburg, roughly 45 minutes away, and last but not least, a beer hotel in the Bavarian Forest, which can be reached in about an hour from our hotel in Lengenfeld.
