Beer Fests
The principle beer fest events
Liquid bread' as the Bavarians often lovingly refer to it, the typically German beverage was - apart from the more commonly drunk wine - consumed in the area as early as 1510. As can be expected, the provosts had secured complete control over the import of alcoholic beverages and regulated their sale when the first brewery opened in Berchtesgaden presumably by the early 1600s. At regular intervals throughout the summer months, nearly each community hosts a fest for some special occasion: from the 50th anniversary of a local volunteer firemen's association to a public fund-raiser in aid of some good cause, there's always a good reason to for the locals to dress in traditional wear and get together over a Mass (1 liter mug of beer). When you arrive in Berchtesgaden the tourist information nearest you would be happy to provide you with a current calendar of events.