Forchheim currently has three clearly active city breweries: Neder, Hebendanz and Greif. Eichhorn is historically important to Forchheim beer culture, but it no longer operates as an independent brewery in Forchheim after 2022; the brand and beers such as Eichhorn Annafestbier are continued by Braumanufaktur Hertl. Even better known than the breweries themselves is the Forchheimer Kellerwald with 23 managed beer cellars, the heart of the Annafest.
Three active city breweries
Forchheim’s present beer landscape becomes clearer when production brewery, historic brand and Keller are separated. Neder, Hebendanz and Greif are the three active breweries identified in the current city sources. Eichhorn ended its own brewing operation in 2022; Braumanufaktur Hertl acquired and continues the brand. Eichhorn therefore remains important to city history but is not a fourth operating Forchheim brewery site.
Neder and Hebendanz on Sattlertorstraße
Neder and Hebendanz stand close to one another at the edge of the old centre. Both connect Forchheim brewing history with their own range and hospitality. Their proximity makes a town walk possible but says nothing about shared rest days or guaranteed kitchen times.
One of the two inns is enough for a first visit. Anyone comparing both should read the current operator information first and retain the old centre, town hall and walls as part of the day.
Greif
Greif produces on Serlbacher Straße and is present in the town and Kellerwald. The production site, drinks sales and a serving place on the cellar hill are different visit situations. The brewery’s site provides current information about access at each location.
Eichhorn as a historic brand
The closure of Eichhorn’s brewery in 2022 should be stated directly. The brand and individual beers can remain available because Hertl took them over. A beer carrying the Eichhorn name therefore does not prove active production at the former Forchheim address.
The Kellerwald
The City of Forchheim describes 23 managed cellars on the Keller hill. “Managed” is a municipal overview, not a daily live status. Each Keller is independently run and can have its own season, rest days, kitchen and beer suppliers.
The path climbs from the centre into the Kellerwald. An ordinary visit combines the old town with one selected Keller. Several serving places may be close together, but proximity does not create a tasting obligation.
| Part of visit | What it represents | Current source |
|---|---|---|
| City brewery | ongoing production and local beer | Neder, Hebendanz or Greif |
| Eichhorn | brand and brewery history | present brand owner |
| Kellerwald | seasonal serving culture | individual Keller and city overview |
| Annafest | major event in the Kellerwald | official organiser |
Annafest
Annafest takes place in the Kellerwald but transforms the area into a large folk festival with rides, music, hospitality and special transport. The 2026 edition has ended. The next announced dates are 23 July to 2 August 2027.
An Annafest visit differs from an ordinary Kellerwald afternoon. Accommodation and rail travel can be booked early; daily programme, traffic arrangements and particular serving venues follow closer to the edition.
Forchheim as an accommodation town
Forchheim lies on the railway between Nuremberg and Bamberg; regional trains reach Ebermannstadt. Hallerndorf and other rural destinations require their own final leg. The town suits a first trip when Kellerwald and a Wiesent valley day matter more than extensive late-night city options.