Under the splendid old chestnut trees, the 'Erlanger Bergkirchweih' (the dedication of the mountain church) has been celebrated annually for more than 250 years. The Erlangen Beer Festival welcomes more than one million visitors each year to enjoy a wide variety of local beers and dishes. Visitors are invited to attend the Bergkirchweih (an event celebrating local produce) before descending onto the various pubs the city has to offer.
The opening ceremony, named the "Anstich", takes place in a different cellar each year, whereby thousands gather with the hope of getting one of the free beers available from the first barrel. From the festival, it is only a 2-hour drive to the Stuttgart Beer festival at Cannstatter Wasen.
The cellars of the Castle are at the heart of the beer festival and are used by the local breweries to store their beer. Enjoy cold beer out of steins - the typical Franconian beer mugs - which are served by waiters in traditional costumes. Make sure you try the regional dishes like ox roasted on a spit, fried sausages, roast chicken or pretzel. The Erlangen Bergkirchweih has much more to offer than beer and food. The carnival presents lots of rides and booths, from traditional to modern.
The Erlangen Bergkirchweih has much more to offer than beer and food, though. The carnival presents lots of rides and booths, from traditional to high-tech, whilst regional bands ensure a cheerful atmosphere.
