If you're a fan of classic German beer styles, a trip to Düsseldorf is definitely worth it. Köln’s rival and neighbour is home to Altbier—a top-fermented, amber-coloured beer that is rich, malty, and perfectly balanced with a crisp, bitter finish. Unlike Cologne’s Kölsch, which is lighter and more delicate, Altbier is bolder in flavour and served in slightly larger 250ml glasses. On our recent trip, the Orbit team explored two of Düsseldorf’s most iconic Altbier breweries: Uerige and Schumacher.
Uerige – A Brewery Steeped in Tradition
Our first stop was Uerige, arguably Düsseldorf’s most famous Altbier brewery. Located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town), this historic brewery and beer hall has been producing its Altbier since 1862. The name “Uerige” translates to “grumpy” in the local dialect, a playful nod to the original brewmaster ‘uerige Willem’ (grumpy William).
Walking in was like stepping back in time. The interior is a labyrinth of dark wooden rooms and long communal tables packed with locals. The Köbes (traditional waiters) wasted no time in bringing us our first round of Uerige Alt, a beautifully complex beer with deep malt flavours, caramel notes, and a lingering hop bitterness.
We enjoyed a hearty lunch of classic dishes (more pork and cheese), perfectly complementing the beer. After lunch, we had the opportunity to tour Uerige’s brewing facilities. More modern than the tavern, the brewery has had a lot of upgrades and extensions over the years as you would expect. Seeing the copper cool ship up close was a fantastic experience, and it deepened our appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Düsseldorf’s most famous beer.
Schumacher – Düsseldorf’s Oldest Altbier Brewery
Our next stop was Schumacher, another legendary name in Düsseldorf’s Altbier scene. Founded in 1838, Schumacher holds the title of the city’s oldest Altbier brewery, and its flagship beer, Schumacher Alt, is widely considered a benchmark for the style. Schumacher Alt was the inspiration for Orbit’s Altbier ‘Neu’ (last brewed in 2024 and named after the Düsseldorf Krautrock band ‘Neu!’) and is the one we tried that we still felt was closest to our own in taste and appearance.
Schumacher’s Altbier was slightly smoother than Uerige’s, with a rich malt backbone, nutty undertones, and a refined bitterness. We enjoyed a few rounds while soaking in the afternoon atmosphere, where locals and visitors alike gathered around wooden tables.
Düsseldorf’s Altbier Culture – A Must-Visit for Beer Enthusiasts
Düsseldorf’s Altbier culture is something every beer fan should experience.
Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just curious to explore German beer beyond Pilsner and Kölsch, a trip to Düsseldorf is a must. And if you can’t make it there just yet, you never know, we might brew Neu again in the future...