If you want a contrast to the big festivals in the European capitals, and still want to go away for a good beer experience, I think the first Hallertauer Bierfestival in Attenkirchen, Bavaria could be a nice place to go.
It takes place on 28 -30 May, and it’s organized by the village community.
They promise 54 beers from 26 local breweries, including beers specially brewed for the festival.
Hallentau is German hop country, and while this looks like an idyllic spot, it is very easy to reach. 15 kilometers from Freising, home of Weienstephan, which is on the Munich suburban train system and a short bus ride from Munich airport.
There will be organized transport from Freising, details to follow.
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Beer served in 0,25L glasses! Thought that was treason in Bavaria…
On the other hand 54 beers in 2 liter steins is a bit much, even for Bavarians?
If you’re at the Munich festival, it’s mostly one beer per tent, isn’t it?
Yep, 1 beer per tent (and perhaps a “bonus” weissbier) is the normal at the Oktoberfest and most other bavarian beer festivals I know of.
But then, they are really not beer festivals but “volksfests” so this festival is certainly unusual. Sounds really nice though.
And there are at least 2 “traditional” bavarians fests at the same time, so you could combine it with either the Lohhofer Volksfest or the http://www.pfingstvolksfest-ingolstadt.de
Good spot! This does, indeed, look like a great festival. Not a convenient time for us this year, but maybe in 2011…
Seems to be a few festivals popping up over here, or at least lot’s that I’ve never heard about. There’s a Festival der Bierkulturen Köln-Ehrenfeld on the 15th-16th of May which, as well as some local breweries and beer shops, will feature Mikkeller as special guest. Not a massive beer festival in beer geek terms, but I think I could manage a trip for a day.
When the kids are leaving the nest in ten years or so, I imagine I’ll seek out a few of the more quiet festivals. Bring a few good books, relax and have a good time.