The Steigerwald sits at the border between beer culture and wine culture: the northern part is dominated by beer (near Bamberg), the southern part by wine (near Würzburg and the Maindreieck). The Aischgründer Bock from the adjacent Aischgrund valley is one of Franconia's best-known Bockbier styles.
Steigerwald at a Glance
- Hill country between Nuremberg, Würzburg and Bamberg
- Naturpark Steigerwald: oak forests, medieval towns
- Main towns: Gerolzhofen, Iphofen, Scheinfeld, Höchstadt an der Aisch
- Cultural position: transition zone between Franconian wine and beer country
- Beer highlight: Aischgründer Bock
Beer and Wine — A Franconian Special Case
The Steigerwald is one of the few areas in Germany where beer culture and wine culture exist without a clear boundary between them. In the northern Steigerwald, close to Bamberg, beer dominates. In the southern part, close to Würzburg and the Main valley, wine dominates. In between, there are Gasthöfe that serve both — depending on the village and the landlord's preference.
This is not a contradiction; it is the honest geographical boundary of two cultures that have met here for centuries. Anyone wanting to experience both within a short distance will find the Steigerwald rewarding.
The Aischgründer Bock
The Aischgrund — the valley of the river Aisch, which runs through the western part of Middle Franconia — is known for two things: its mirror carp (Aischgründer Spiegelkarpfen, with protected geographical indication) and the Aischgründer Bock. The Bock is a seasonal strong beer brewed by breweries in the region, released in autumn and at the start of the year. It is one of the best-known Franconian Bockbiers and worth seeking out in season.
The Naturpark Steigerwald
The Naturpark Steigerwald is known for its ancient oak forests and a landscape of castles and medieval market towns. Walking and cycling routes cross the park. Small breweries and Gasthöfe are scattered through the villages — not in the density of Fränkische Schweiz, but present enough that an afternoon's drive through the area will produce several encounters with local beer.