Beer Trail (Stroll #17)

Beer has been brewed in Wiehl-Bielstein since 1900, earning the town the honorary title of "Beer Village." The Beer Trail offers insights into the history of the local Erzquell Brewery and the art of brewing. It traces the origins of the ingredients used for centuries in accordance with the German Purity Law of 1516: barley, hops, and water.

The 13,4-kilometer circular trail leads hikers to the spring that supplies the water for Bielstein's beer. Hikers learn that malt, derived from barley, determines both the beer's color and flavor, as well as the secrets of hops and yeast.

The seven richly illustrated information panels along the trail also explain why Kölsch is brewed in the heart of the Bergisches Land region. Along the way, hikers on the "Beer Trail" learn the difference between top-fermented and bottom-fermented beers, discover interesting facts about beers from around the world, and are surprised to learn that even Kölsch and Altbier share a crucial characteristic. One side effect of the trail, however, cannot be ruled out: it can make hikers quite thirsty...

Part of the tour runs along the "Bergischer Panoramasteig" trail.

The trail has a total of 7 information panels. We thank Rainer Schmidt, who maintains the trail as a volunteer trail steward.

More information can be found here.