A Beer Tourist’s Guide To…Leipzig
We published a long-read on Leipzig in Ferment Magazine back in September – here are the highlights:
Dr Hops: Eight taps, 100 fridge beers and a focus on German craft – what more do you want? Dr. Hops sits at the southern end of the buzzing KarLi neighbourhood and represents the best of the city in every way. Aesthetically modern, the space hosts comedy shows, improv nights and pub quizzes (mostly in German). After a few local brews, you’ll be involved regardless.
Cliffs Brauwerk: A tiny subterranean brewery taproom in a smart neighbourhood near the RB Leipzig football stadium, Cliff’s is focused on small batch, seasonal beers. They are proud of their home: ‘Leipzig’ comes from the Slavic term for linden trees, and one of their yearly best sellers is a linden bark ale. Try something you’ve never had and ingratiate yourself to the locals.
Goldhopfen: Leipzig’s first bar dedicated to independent beer, Goldhopfen is a rough and ready city centre dive bar. Open late and stocking plenty of local options, it’s a great place to chitchat to the bartender and other patrons.
Bayerischer Bahnhof: Come for the Gose, stay for…also the Gose. Bayerischer Bahnhof is a most spectacular brewery in which to try the closest thing to the original style. The venue sprawls across a historic train station, the food offerings are local Saxon specialities, and you could easily while away an evening here imagining yourself in the 19th Century (though without actually catching the train, and also cleaner). Pro tip: get a takeaway Gose in a traditional long-necked bottle.
Gosenschenke Ohne Bedenken: Leipzig’s hidden gem, Ohne Bedenken is where it all (re) began. A beautiful interior gives way to a classic German biergarten, with plentiful Gose being splashed around. Constantly busy, it may require a reservation on weekends and you’ll want a serious session to ensure you’re enjoying Gose in its purest form.
Getränkefeinkost Leipzig: One of Leipzig’s biggest draws is its green space; it has several gorgeous parks that are perfectly set up for a picnic and a beer. Getränkefeinkost, at the north end of KarLi, is here for it: a bottle shop with a huge selection of local beer from Leipzig, the wider Saxony region and the rest of Germany. Grab a bottle, head to the grass and enjoy the sunshine.
Konich Heinz: No Leipzig experience is complete without drinking down in Connewitz, the city’s edgiest neighbourhood. The strip south of KarLi is saturated with dive bars, none more typical than Konich Heinz. Graffiti on the walls, games of pool loudly contested, and beer swilling all over the place – this is where the locals go, and so should you. For another similar experience, try Zwille a few doors down.