Alexander Herrmann Welcomes Families to Experience the Flavors of Germany

I’ve always enjoyed a chance to take a deep dive into German cuisine, particularly when those experiences take place in a location as charming and culturally rich as Bayreuth. German cuisine goes far beyond beer and pretzels, and if you are raising a family of budding foodies, then you’ll definitely want to work a trip to Bayreuth (pronounced By-roit) into your next vacation.

The town is well-known for its annual Wagner Festival, which honors the operatic works of composer Richard Wagner, and is celebrating its 150^th anniversary this year. But there is so much more to discover than opera, especially when it comes to cuisine and hospitality.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Just outside of Bayreuth you’ll find the village of Wirsberg, where Posthotel Alexander Hermann awaits. The hotel has been a cherished part of Wirsberg since 1867, but under the care of German celebrity chef Alexander Herrmann, it offers families an incredible experience blending rustic German authenticity and modern gastronomic innovation.

Herrmann’s family has run the property, which sits unassumingly in a picturesque town square that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a German fairytale, for generations. It has always provided a family atmosphere mixing tradition and modern luxury, but under Herrmann’s care, it is also a hub of culinary reinvention.

The hotel has a heavy focus on families (including families with pets) and what is known as a bioenergetic sleep experience — each of the hotel’s 40 rooms are designed as a Power Sleeping Room with beds made from all-natural materials, so you can completely rejuvenate in between sightseeing excursions. But it is the hotel’s restaurant, Aura by Alexander Herrmann and Tobias Baetz, that is the true star of Posthotel. This upscale (yet anything but pretentious) restaurant currently holds two Michelin stars, and they are well-deserved.

© Eugenia Lazaris

Herrmann is a busy man, so there is no telling when he will pop into the hotel, but when he does, he is one of the most welcoming and personable chefs you’ll meet. On a very special night at the hotel, I had the pleasure of not only enjoying an incredible meal prepared by Herrmann and his team, but also discovering firsthand how passionate the chef is about sharing his love for food, hospitality and Germany. Herrmann even took time out to host an impromptu dance party in the kitchen with both staff and guests.

I was also invited to visit the kitchen lab, where Herrmann’s team creates new and innovative ingredients from local and seasonal products. Every bit of locally grown cherry trees is used, from bark to blossoms, to create ingredients used in Aura’s dishes. The culinary team works tirelessly to think of new and creative ways to use the foods the region provides.

New dishes are continuously being designed thanks to the kitchen lab. But while it may be hard to drag the family away from the comfortable beds and inspiring food, the surrounding region of Bayreuth is an incredible place to explore. Street art, palaces, museums and more make the city an underrated gem that will quickly become a favorite for you and your family.