Aufseß is the municipality with the world's highest brewery density per inhabitant — four breweries for approximately 1,500 residents, one for every 375 people. The village has held this Guinness World Record since 2001. The four breweries — Rothenbach, Stadter, Reichold and Kathi-Bräu — are connected by the 13 km Brauereienweg hiking trail.
Aufseß — The Numbers
- Population: approx. 1,500
- Active breweries: 4
- World record: Highest brewery density per capita worldwide (Guinness since 2001)
- Region: Fränkische Schweiz, Bayreuth district
- Hiking trail: Aufseßer Brauereienweg, approx. 13–14 km, all 4 breweries
What Makes Aufseß Special
Four independent, family-run breweries in a municipality of fewer than 1,400 inhabitants. One brewery per approximately 340 residents — a ratio that is unmatched anywhere in the world. This was officially confirmed in 2001. It is not a marketing claim. It is the honest consequence of a brewing culture that has remained alive here for centuries.
The Four Breweries
Brauerei Rothenbach, Aufseß — Founded 1886, now in the seventh generation. Brews seven beers including a naturally cloudy Zwickl. Beer garden directly on the Aufseß stream. Brewery tours available.
Brauerei Stadter, Sachsendorf — Family brewery in the Sachsendorf district. One of the four Guinness record breweries since 2001.
Brauerei Reichold, Hochstahl — In the Hochstahl district. Brews Lagerbier, Zwickl, dark beer and Weizen. Accommodation available directly on the trail.
Kathi-Bräu, Heckenhof — In the smallest district, Heckenhof (~50 inhabitants). Seasonal beers including dark Bockbier (March–April). Historic estate building.
The Aufseßer Brauereienweg
Route Data
- Distance: approx. 13–14 km circular route
- Brewery stops: 4 (all breweries in the municipality)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 4–6 hours including stops
- Season: May to October recommended
The trail is officially waymarked and connects all four breweries. As a counterpart to the Fünf-Seidla-Steig, it is more compact and focused — with the particular awareness that you are walking through the world's most beer-dense municipality.