Spalt: Beer Culture, Old Town and Hiking Trails

Spalt can be explored through three areas of interest: the history of the old town, hops and beer, and hikes through the Spalt Hills. If you are looking for a hotel in Spalt, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests. Architectural and art history, activities related to brewing culture, and the varied landscapes along the circular trails offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Old Town, Church Art and History

The parish church of St. Emmeram tells the story of several phases of construction. It was built around 1150 to 1195 as the church of the noble collegiate chapter of St. Emmeram. Several alterations followed in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the interior was redesigned in the Baroque style. The church’s works of art include the late Gothic Spalatin Madonna. Originally located in Wittenberg Castle Church, it was given to Spalt, Georg Spalatin’s hometown. The history of the church building and the story of the Madonna’s origins thus offer two distinct historical perspectives.

The Spalt History Trail offers another way to explore the historic old town, either on a guided tour or independently. These two options differ in format, but both lead into the city’s history. While the History Trail focuses on the old town, the construction phases of St. Emmeram and the Madonna draw attention to specific historical and art-historical aspects.

Hops and Beer in Spalt

At HopfenBierGut, the world of hops and beer comes to life interactively across 1,200 square metres in a building more than 550 years old. The experience is open to all visitors. You can learn about hops and beer there before getting another look at the brewing process on a guided tour of the Spalt Municipal Brewery.

At the Spalt Beer Workshop, participants can brew their own beer under the expert guidance of the master brewer. If you would like to book this course, check availability and booking conditions beforehand, as they may change.

On the public tour of the municipal brewery, visitors watch the brewers at work and learn what makes Spalt beer special. This is followed by a tasting of various Spalt beer specialities. Public tours are scheduled year-round on Saturdays at 11 a.m.; booking by the previous day is required. Check the date and availability before your trip.

Another tasting opportunity is included in the regular HopfenBierGut tours, held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.: afterwards, visitors sample 0.2 litres of Spalt beer at the ProBierBar and receive the original 0.2-litre HopfenBierGut glass to take home. As the museum programme may change, check the tour details before travelling. The Saturday tour of the municipal brewery and the Sunday programme at HopfenBierGut have different times and tastings.

Circular Hiking Trails and Practical Information

Hiking is another option in Spalt: there are more than 20 circular hiking trails, which pass natural landmarks such as Schnittlinger Loch and Massendorfer Gorge, as well as Wernfels Castle. The circular trail through the Spalt Hills, recognised by the German Hiking Association, leads to scenic gorges and natural landmarks and passes castles and fortifications. Along the way, you pass through dark coniferous forests, bright mixed forests and open pine forests. The route also goes through church gardens with seasonal blossoms or red cherries, and landscapes shaped by hop cultivation. Thus, the circular trail brings forests, church gardens and hop-growing landscapes together.

Free parking is available at the historic Kornhaus for exploring the town; from there, you can set off to explore Spalt. Parking information may change, so check it before travelling. Together, the History Trail, the church, and the hops and beer activities offer cultural highlights, while the circular trails provide a different perspective on the Spalt Hills.

Discover more destinations: Heideck, Schwanstetten, Abenberg, Roth near Nuremberg, Thalmässing, Allersberg, Rednitzhembach, Rohr.

For the main travel overview: Roth.