Weihenstephan brewery Germany

Day 66 Thursday 9 July 2026

We really slowed down the pace today.. this morning we drove 204km from Bamberg to Freising (just north of Munich) and found a lovely shady spot in a parking area next to the Weihenstephan Brewery. Founded in 1040, it is widely recognised as the world's oldest continuously operating brewery. Monks were brewing on the site long before most modern countries existed! We had fond memories of visiting here twice in 2018.. so we couldn’t resist coming back again.

 We first went for a walk into Freising. Founded in 739 A.D., Freising is the oldest town in Upper Bavaria. The prince-bishops of Freising ruled from the Domberg for more than a millennium, starting with Frankish travelling bishop Corbinian who became the first bishop and later patron saint of the diocese. According to legend, when Corbinian was attacked by a bear as he crossed the Alps, he managed to tame the wild animal so completely that it eventually carried his luggage willingly. The bear can still be seen on the town's coat of arms to this day.

Hence the bears statues scattered around the town and at the brewery.

We enjoyed a couple of beers and a plate of ribs for lunch. Finished off with a yummy apple strudel.

Then after a rest we thought we better take the opportunity whilst we are here and returned later to have another beer and a currywurst for dinner… cheers.