Geological History Meets Brewing Tradition
Geological History Meets Brewing Tradition
The Berg Brewery in Ehingen-Berg is the 25th information center of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Global Geopark. During the official opening ceremony, it became clear just how closely the regional art of brewing is linked to the natural features of the landscape.
Caves, fossils, and impressive rock formations – for many people, these are what come to mind when they think of the UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb. The new Geopark information center at the Berg Brewery in Ehingen-Berg shows that beer, too, can tell a story about the landscape. This long-standing family-owned business is a special addition to the network: for the first time, the regional art of brewing takes center stage at a Geopark information center.
The information panels and exhibits at the new visitor center illustrate the interplay between Earth’s history, the landscape, and human activity. A large geopark panel in the outdoor area complements the information on display.
The official inauguration was attended by brewer and certified master brewer Ulrich Zimmermann, Dr. Diana Kohlmann, chief administrative officer of the Alb-Donau district, Mayor Alexander Baumann, and representatives of the geopark. Ulrich Zimmermann is pleased that his brewery is part of the network. He sees his business as “a piece of the mosaic in a large network.”
Water and Soil as the Foundation of the Art of Brewing
The water used for brewing at the Berg Brewery comes from a well 198 meters deep, located about four kilometers from the brewery. The brewing barley also comes from local farmers. Water, soil, and their quality are thus important natural foundations of the brewing craft. They demonstrate how closely geology is linked to regional agriculture and the economy.
That is why Ulrich Zimmermann believes it is important to emphasize these connections more during brewery tours. Visitors should not only learn about beer production, but also about the landscape and its natural resources. His goal: “We want to help people realize that our homeland is worth protecting.”
Dr. Diana Kohlmann emphasized the importance of the information center for educational work. Preserving tradition also means breaking new ground without forgetting one’s roots. “We are therefore making a further contribution to educational work in the region,” the Chief State Official emphasized. This also includes teaching people how to consume alcohol responsibly.
Ulrich Ruckh, chairman of the UNESCO Global Geopark Schwäbische Alb, aptly summed up the connection between the art of brewing and the landscape: “Beer is the landscape in a glass.” The new information center demonstrates that the concept of a geopark encompasses not only nature and geology but also culture, craftsmanship, and living traditions.
With the addition of the Berg Brewery, the network of the UNESCO Schwäbische Alb Global Geopark has grown to 25 information centers that bring different aspects of the region to life.
560 Years of Brewing Tradition – and a Look into the Future
Beer has been brewed in Berg since 1466. The new information center combines this long brewing tradition with the region’s geological history and highlights the importance of water, soil, and regional raw materials for the craft of brewing. With the addition of the Berg Brewery, the network of the UNESCO Swabian Alb Global Geopark has grown to 25 information centers that bring different facets of the region to life.
