Heckl Waischenfeld

Beer that’s only available here – beer has been brewed here since 1981. The taproom has a quaint, old-world feel; if you’re not keen on the atmosphere, simply hire a ‘Krug’ or, better still, bring your own glass and sit down with your drink right by the Wiesent. The beer prices are extremely reasonable and encourage you to enjoy more than one of these delicious hoppy drinks.

History

In Waischenfeld, the right to brew beer was granted as early as 1315 by King Ludwig of Bavaria – along with town privileges. A communal brewery at Vorstadt 2, dating from 1867/68, was used jointly by all the town’s innkeepers; the Heckel Brewery and Inn brewed there until 1981, when it moved to its own brewery on Zeubacher Straße.

The brewery is now owned by the Heckel brothers. Rainer Heckel brews the beer – and also works full-time at the ‘Krug’ brewery. The recipe has remained unchanged for generations. Annual production amounts to just 300 hectolitres – making Heckl one of the smallest breweries in Germany.

The beer

A single beer, available only here: light, cloudy, full-bodied with malty notes and distinct but not overpowering hops. If you don’t drink it on the premises, you can have it bottled in a container you bring with you – the local supermarket also stocks it in bottles.

Its unique character comes from being poured by gravity directly on the premises: the beer reaches the glass unadulterated, fresher than any bottled beer.

It is still brewed today in the historic communal brewery – using a wood-fired brew kettle.

Atmosphere

Five tables, no standing room, everyone sits where there’s space – strangers quickly become table neighbours. Packed to the rafters, especially on Friday evenings and when hiking groups stop by. Rustic, straightforward, no frills – “Franconia as it was 50 years ago”. Prices are traditionally written on the door.

⚠️ Be careful when leaving: there’s no pavement, you’re immediately on the road.

In summer, you can sit outside around the Kunigundenbrunnen on the opposite side of the street.

Opening hours

Practical information

Waischenfeld Brewery Trail

The Heckl Brewery is a stop on the Waischenfeld Brewery Trail – a walking route that connects the town’s breweries and runs directly alongside the Wiesent. Ideal to combine with a swim or a picnic by the river.