What is Altbier?

Altbier is a special type of dark, top-fermented beer that has its origins in and around Dusseldorf, a city situated in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Region along the Rhine River. Many of the best German Altbier breweries in Dusseldorf are located within walking distance of the city’s historic center. According to Düsseldorf Tourism, the term “Alt” refers to the “old” brewing method employed before technical refrigeration came into use. Before the invention of refrigeration, top-fermenting yeast was used to convert malt sugar into alcohol at temperatures ranging between 15 and 20°C. This meant that it was possible to brew beer even during the warmer months of the year. This method has been used for thousands of years.

Altbier drinking in Dusseldorf is a one-of-a-kind experience. While at a brewery, the drinking begins once the first beer is ordered, and it continues without so much as a nod to the server. One after another, smallish-sized, 0.2 liter glasses of dark beer are distributed to crowds of thirsty patrons from circular serving trays. The fresh beer is poured straight out of a barrel kept behind the bar. Once a glass is less than half full, a fresh beer appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and the server uses a black pencil to strike the coaster as a way of keeping tabs. In order to stop this buzz-fueled cycle, all one has to do is set the marked coaster on top of the glass. The server then counts the strikes, each mark representing one consumed beer, and presents a total amount due.

Top 5 Altbier Breweries in Dusseldorf

Füchschen

Füchschen Altbier has remained virtually unchanged since 1848. It is still made using a family recipe that goes back four generations. They use high-quality ingredients in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot, a Purity Law that dates back to 1516. This seventeenth-century microbrewery and alehouse also served up classic German dishes like crispy roasted pork shank.

Kürzer

Kürzer opened in 2010, which makes it the youngest brewery in Dusseldorf’s Old Town. It has an edgier vibe compared to other breweries on this list. It’s the kind of place that gets packed with college students on the weekends. Altbier is made using traditional ingredients but with new brewing techniques. It’s made in small batches and is served from a bar-top glass cask that chills the beer from tanks stored above the bar. It is a refreshing break from the more traditional German pubs in Dusseldorf.

Schumacher

Schumacher Alt is the oldest Altbier in Dusseldorf. It is still brewed according to its old family traditions. The special malt mix has a fine bitterness, well-rounded aroma, and beautiful amber color. For more than 175 years, Schumacher has been attracting locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to sip a beer while sampling the local cuisine. Don’t miss the daily food specials, which include fried black pudding with apples and suckling pig with fried potatoes.

Uerige

Uerige has been brewing beer in Dusseldorf’s Old Town since 1862. The brewery has several public rooms that vary in size and atmosphere. The Brauhaus can accommodate 150 people and has shiny copper vats and occasional live music. The Rittersaal can accommodate 100 people and features a rustic space that is decorated with historic beer mugs from the last 300 years. The public house also has an annex that is home to a distillery. It is permitted to drink liquor and fine spirits in the Stickum Bar. Don’t miss the food menu, which offers a wide range of hearty Rhenish dishes.

Zum Schlüssel

Zum Schlüssel has been brewing its original Schlüssel-Altbier for more than 170 years. During the summer, the beer garden overflows with patrons enjoying freshly-made beers. The food menu changes daily and offers tasty meals for lunch and dinner. For a classic dish, try the butcher’s platter, which includes baked black pudding, pork belly, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes.

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt

Dusseldorf’s Altstadt (Old Town) is where visitors can find plenty of Altbier. The neighborhood features over 200 bars and restaurants. It is a lively part of the city serving as a central meeting point for locals and visitors. It is an idyllic place to spend an afternoon shopping, people watching, socializing with friends, drinking beer and eating delicious German cuisine.

Altstadt has been a gathering place for some of Germany’s most famous artists, writers and musicians, including Joseph Beuys, Jörg Immendorff, Günter Grass and Reinhard Mey. German bands, such as Kraftwerk and Die Toten Hosen, have their roots here. The German punk scene came together on Ratinger Straße at the end of the 1970s. This neighborhood is steeped in German culture, and the people are friendly and open about their lifestyles.

© Düsseldorf Tourismus GmbH – Photo U. Otte

Altbier at Home

Altbier is growing in popularity outside of Germany. There is a category for German-Style Altbier in the annual World Beer Cup. Some versions of Altbier are available in specialty beer stores around the world. So, even if a trip to Germany is not possible, you can still sample the good stuff. Prost!

If you enjoyed the Top 5 Altbier Breweries in Düsseldorf, check out other European culinary adventures.