best brewery tour germany

Germany's Best Beer Breweries and Tours

Want a true taste of German culture? Take your taste buds for a tour at one of Germany’s many breweries and explore the rich history of centuries-old beer brewing in Germany.

According to the purity law of 1516 , German beer is only made with four ingredients - water, hops, malt, and yeast - but that doesn’t mean that all German beer tastes the same. You can wet your whistle with 5,000 types of beers, crafted by over 1,200 German breweries. From thousand-year-old monasteries to state of the art facilities, discover the art of beer in some of Germany's best breweries; all of them offering brewery tours and beer tastings.

Hofbrau Brewery Tour

Germany's most famous brewery opens its doors to the public each week to share (some) of the secrets of their world-famous brew. This national treasure is now owned by the Bavarian state government and attracts tourists, celebrities and regulars from Germany and abroad.

Devote between 60 and 90 minutes to learning every step of the brewing processes from the sticky smell of the hops to fermenting to conditioning to tasting. End your education by sampling the freshly tapped unfiltered beer with Bavarian snacks . If a taste is not enough, the pub at the end of the tour allows you to continue your "sampling." If you want something more permanent than a headache to remember your visit, there is a souvenir shop full of beer paraphernalia.

Monastery Brewery Andechs in Bavaria

 Kloster Andechs

The Andechs Monastery, located on the Holy Mountain above Lake Ammersee in Bavaria, has been a site of pilgrimage and beer culture since the Middle Ages. The brewery tour tells you all about the rich history of the brewing process, while also giving you access to its state of the art facilities.

The monastery also has a church, brewpub, restaurant, butcher shop, distillery, and even an organic farm. Throughout the year, the brewery hosts a variety of pilgrimages, performances, and special events, and the church often hosts organ concert on Sunday afternoons in the summer.

Erdinger Brewery in Munich

The world's largest brewer of wheat beer is located in Munich and combines tradition with modern technology. The purest ingredients with age-old recipes make their way through a high-tech bottling plant, and the beer is matured in a computer-controlled warehouse.

More than one million bottles leave the brewery every day, but you can enjoy your fresh Hefeweizen in the brewery's beer garden .

Weihenstephan Brewery

The Weihenstephan brewery in Freising, close to Munich, prides itself in being the oldest working brewery in the world. Benedictine monks made beer here as early as 1040 A.D.

The brewery is most famous for its earthy Weizenbier wheat beer. Travel back in time and learn about the almost 1000-year-old brewing process of Weihenstephan.

Becks Brewery in Bremen

World-famous Beck’s beer is brewed on the riverbanks in Bremen in the north of Germany . Slightly bitter and known around the world, Beck’s and its local version, Haake Beck’s, have been crafted here since 1879. Take a look behind the scenes of the brewery; you can explore the brewing rooms, malt silos, and fermentation tans, and educate yourself in the Beck's beer museum. And - of course - the tour finishes with a tasting.

Smoked Beer Brewery in Bamberg

The city of Bamberg in Bavaria boasts 10 breweries and is famous for its amber colored Rauchbier (smoked beer).

One of the most charming breweries is the Spezial Brewery dating back to 1536. Here you can watch the century-old process of drying malt over an open fire – the secret of the beer’s mild smoked flavor. Enjoy your Rauchbier right then and there: It is only sold within 9 miles of the brewery. There is also a cozy hotel and restaurant on site.

Rechenberg Brewery Museum in Saxony

Located in the German Ore Mountains, the Rechenberg brewery is one of the oldest working breweries in eastern Germany . The preserved historical brewery, overlooked by a hilltop castle, features a brewing room from 1780 complete with original (and still functioning) brewery equipment. You can sample fine Pilsner beer in the underground cross-vaulted cellar of the Old Malthouse.

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The 4 Best Brewery & Beer Tours in Germany

by Alexandra | Sep 20, 2022 | Destinations , Europe

A nice evening with friends includes a cold beer. Since we may not be able to sit on the Riviera, we still have the option to indulge in beer. This is the perfect solution for us as it’s the world-famous beer for a reason. We have put together the four best brewery and beer tours in Germany for you, one tour for each direction. Now you can explore Germany in a different way. Cheers to that!

Discover Germany’s Best Breweries and Tours

• Brewery Tour in the North
• Brewery Tour in the East

Brewery Tour in the South

• Brewery Tour in the West

Brewery Tour in the North 

Starting in the small village of  Bagband, which lies in the heart of East Frisia.  The Ostfriesen Bräu brewery is known for a dark country beer with an award as the ‘European Beer Star.’ Not once but twice, making it one of Germany’s top breweries and beer tours! Here you can experience a lot, from beer tastings to beer seminars and even a museum where you can learn everything about the process and production. There are delicious German home cooking options in a rustic brewery atmosphere at the restaurant. Here you can satisfy your hunger.

In the town of  Jever,  you will find yourself a brewery, funnily enough, called ‘The Jever.’ The Jever beer is one of the most famous beers from the North. You can see it in the size of the brewery! Here you can find out everything there is to know about Jever beer on a brewery tour. The pilsner is the most popular beer here. However, there are also many special flavors, such as blood orange and lemon.

Hamburg is famous for bad weather and Holsten beer. So, the Holsten Brewery is a must-visit if you do a brewery tour in the North. The first Holsten was brewed here in Hamburg as early as 1879. This is one of the beer tours in Germany with an extensive history. Every year there is the brewery festival held here during the summer. You can play games, taste delicious food, listen to music, and drink a lot of beer.

We continue to  Flensburg . This brewery, you guessed it, produces Flensburg beer. There are 16 different types of beer (if you count the non-alcoholic ones) that you can try. During the “Brewmaster Evenings,” you will learn about the brewing process in a small group of a maximum of 6 people. You will be able to help and, of course, get the chance to try a variety of beers. You can also buy quirky things related to Flens beer in the shop next door.

But what makes brewery and beer tours in Germany really special is the people you experience them with. A group of like-minded people should enjoy a delicious beer together. Nobody in your circle of friends has the desire or time. Then stop by JoinMyTrip and find travel partners  who love beer as much as you do.

Brewery Tour in the East  

If a beer tour in eastern Germany is an option for you, you must head to  Dresden . Dresden is only 20 minutes from the suburb, Radeberg, where the Radeberger beer is brewed. This brewery, however, only brews Pilsner beer. But it has such a good reputation that even a bar in New York only sells Radeberger!

You can take a tapping course in the brewery to learn how to tap a Radeberger perfectly. Afterward, there is time for tasting and yummy snacks . The great thing is that there is a bus tour from Dresden. The bus tour takes you from the city center directly to the brewery. This means you can happily enjoy one of Germany’s best beer breweries and tours whilst drinking away without worrying about transportation.

We continue to Saxony Anhalt, more precisely to  Wernigerode,  as this is the home of the Hasseröder brewery. Hasseröder beer is the best-selling beer in Saxony Anhalt. Therefore it must definitely be on the list of German breweries you should visit. The brewery has been around since 1872. You can find out everything about the pearly Pils on a brewery tour. Be sure to try black beer, which has a very unique taste. The Premium Pils from Hasseröder has received the gold medal award of the DLG (German Agricultural Society) 14 times. And the silver medal nine times! Isn’t this a reason in itself why you should pay a visit to one of the top German breweries?

Our brewery tour ends in the East, in  Leipzig.  Here you will find the Sternburg brewery. This smaller but fine brewery produces one of the five most popular beers in the east, Sternburg. The tour is small and friendly, often carried out by the manager himself. He knows how to entertain his guests. You will never have a boring moment here. The special thing about this brewery is perhaps not necessarily the type of beer brewed here. Rather that it works with the Diakonie am Thornberg. The majority of the employees are impaired for various reasons. But they can still do a normal job in the Sternburg Brewery. This brewery gives a familiar impression, and you will really feel at home. The perfect end to your German brewery and beer tour in eastern Germany.

The Southern beer tour starts in Upper Bavaria, in the small community of  Andechs. The Benedictine monastery situates in this place, where the Andechs monastery beer is brewed. Centuries-old monastery brewery traditions and the latest brewing technology meet here, and the results are truly impressive. The brewery is not just a special place; the monastery itself is spectacular, which you can explore on a guided tour. Have you always wanted to understand how real monks live? Then this is a great opportunity to see this experience, making this German brewery and beer tour unique.

We continue to  Freising,  located here on the Nährberg mountain and is the Weihenstephan brewery. This brewery is especially great if you want to be outside as there is a great beer garden surrounding it, where you can try the freshly brewed beer. This brewery is special as it is the oldest brewery in the world and, therefore, a must-see for every real beer lover. There are 15 different varieties you can try out, and the atmosphere is just another reason this is one of the best breweries and beer tours in Germany. The whole thing is as Bavarian as it gets, including the waiters and waitresses dressed in traditional costumes.

We believe this day could be your favorite, delicious beer and food in a great beer garden outside on the top of a mountain. Everything your heart desires. Be sure to try the yeast wheat beer!

  The last stop in the south is the Paulaner brewery in  Munich . Monks founded the brewery in 1634, making it one of the oldest breweries in the world. With a workforce of 2,496, it is also one of the largest in Germany. Paulaner is popular worldwide, and the brewery invites you to brewery tours every day, visited by many tourists. Here you learn everything about the exact brewing process, and you can also try it from time to time.

The tour begins with a glass of home-brewed schnapps in the brewhouse so you can really get in the mood. Next up, there is a film lecture in which the beer production is well explained, followed by a tour of the individual stages the beer goes through. The South of Germany is renowned worldwide for its beer, and the Paulaner is definitely one of them.

Brewery Tour in the West 

If you are a real beer lover, you should definitely head over to  Dortmund, as there is not only one brewery you can visit but also eight. Among other things, the Dortmunder Kronen Bier, Brinkhoffs, and Ritter beers are being brewed here. Since the late Middle Ages, the city was given the right to brew, and they haven’t stopped. Over 7.5 million hectoliters are produced here annually, and only one other city in the USA exceeds this. You can take part in one of the tours of all breweries, but if you can’t decide, visit the Brewery Museum. Because everything you need to know about how to brew a beer is there for you to learn. Don’t worry. There is even a beer tasting in the museum, which you can book.

And off you go to the next destination , the Bönnsch brewery in  Bonn . Here you will get a cold glass of Bönnsch and a delicious sandwich with a homemade spread. Then the tour begins, where you can try the beer and taste it in the various stages of production at each station. Each time try to taste the individual ingredients and figure out if it is hops, malt, or barley. After the tour, you can end the day by eating something delicious in the restaurant. This brewery is located in the heart of Bonn and has a great family atmosphere, making it a worthwhile visit.

Now we have come to the end of our brewery tour in the west, where we finish it in Cologne with the Früh brewery, where the Früh Kölsch is brewed. Cologne is a really cool city where you can experience a lot. The special thing about this brewery is not necessarily the tour, but the beer garden, which is located in the middle of the city center. It is located right next to the cathedral and offers a great view of all the hustle and bustle going on in the city. Unlike many other breweries, which are often only visited by tourists, this brewery is very popular with the Cologne residents, whether young or old, businessman or craftsman, family, and friends meet here to enjoy a delicious Kölsch.

You see, enjoying a beer with a great atmosphere is easy to find. No matter which direction you choose, Germany has a beer tour ready. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your brewery tour now and find like-minded (and drink-loving?) travel partners on  JoinMyTrip .

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Munich’s Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers

I may earn income from affiliate links or partnerships in this post. I spend time to curate tours or products that align with my values. Thanks for supporting my work, at no additional cost to you.

Last updated on December 15th, 2021 at 11:48 am

With nearly 1,000 years of brewing tradition in Bavaria, the brewers in and around Munich have fine-tuned their craft and growing a global reputation. In fact, 6 million people come from 40 countries around the world just to attend Oktoberfest. Alongside Munich’s major breweries and despite Germany’s strict purity laws, craft breweries are starting to emerge in Munich, bringing fresh flavors to the beer scene here in Munich. We’ll begin by exploring some of the history, culture, and traditions of Bavaria’s relationship with beer, including some facts and prices. Then I’ll profile the six biggest breweries in Munich – known as the “The Big 6”, help you plan the best brewery tours, day trips, and beer-related activities, and finally uncover emerging craft beers.

A Brief History of Beer in Munich

The Munich area is home to the world’s oldest brewery still in action, dating back to 700 AD. So, it is safe to say that Munich’s beer history is long and embedded in their culture. But, to make a long story short-ish, most breweries in Munich have religious roots. Monks living in monasteries were the first brew masters. Churches would use beer as incentives to encourage people to attend church, with many German receiving free beer on Sunday and other religious events. Religious roots still exist today, and Starbierfest is an event during lent to drink strong Doppel beer during the fasting period.

It wasn’t long before the royalty got involved in the profitable beer industry, and beer was soon taxed to provide income for the royal families and government. Production quickly spread to prominent families that owned restaurants, and the brewing industry boomed.

The Purity Law

Along with it, many laws and regulations began to govern brewing. In 1516 a law was passed that beer must be made with only barley, hops, water (yeast was later added), or it could not be called beer. This law still exists today here in Germany. If any additional ingredients are used in the brewing process, such as orange, sugar, or chocolate, it can not legally be called beer. If you’re thinking about some of those German craft beers you’ve tried and are confused, brewers can use the official name for the brew, such as IPA, Stout, etc., but it can’t be called beer.This ensures the highest quality of beer is being produced in Munich.

Beer Gardens

In the 1500s, a law was passed that beer could not be brewed in the summer months as lack of refrigeration reduced the quality of beer made in the summer. Legally beer was only brewed from the end of September to the end of April using a bottom-fermenting technique with yeast capable of fermenting in cold temperatures. This practice was called lagern, which is why bottom-fermented beers are called lagers.

Brewers needed a place to store their beer in a cool area during the summer months, so they dug out cellars and planted chestnut trees above the area to keep the beer below cool. They used this outdoor space to sell beer, and thus the beer garden was born! Many restaurants complained the breweries were putting them out of business, so a law was passed that people were able to bring their own food to beer gardens, which is still encouraged today.

World War II

Munich’s beer history even plays a prominent role in WWII history. Hitler’s famous Beer Hall Putsch happened in Munich, as he attempted to take over the Bavarian government and occupied a local beer hall the Bürgerbräukeller. Hilter also often met with his closest Nazi allies in the historic Hofbräuhaus, which still stands today. However, after the war, Munich’s booming beer industry crashed, with many breweries closing their doors causing international exports to decline as the economy struggled.

Munich’s beer scene was able to recover and now generates billions of Euros to the Munich and German economy. Oktoberfest alone generates around 1.2 billion in two weeks. Many of Munich’s elite families developed their status thanks for their involvement in the beer industry from owning Oktoberfest tents, operating breweries, or owning a Keller serving beer from one of Munich’s six most famous breweries.

Beer Etiquette & Traditions

Say “prost”.

When cheersing in Munich, you must tap beer glasses with everyone individually at your table – and while making eye contact, say, “Prost!” (Pro sst). Germans rarely make eye contact, but this is a crucial part of drinking beer. No one really knows why you make eye contact, but everyone will tell you that if you don’t, you will have 7 years of bad sex. Typically you should wait for everyone to have a beer before clinking glasses and saying prost.

Stay Friendly

A lot of cultures associate drinking with violence, however here in Munich, drinking and beer culture are associated with comradery. So, make sure you stay in control, make friends, and keep those firsts down.

If you’re attending any of Munich’s beer festivals or events such as Frülingsfest, Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest, or traditional Volksfests dress up! It is common for people in Munich to wear their Tract, also known as Dirndls for women, and Lederhosen for men. You can even get away with wearing Tract to beer gardens, or beer halls any time of the year. You will be the odd one out if you don’t dress up at a larger event, so budget some time for shopping after you arrive in Munich for an event.

Pfand & Cost of Beer

Most beer gardens charge a high price or pfand. At any of the beer gardens in Munich where you take the glass away from the ordering counter the pfand can be between 2-5 Euro. Don’t panic, you get it money back as long as you hang onto the coin and return it along with the beer stein at a kiosk. At a kiosk, beer costs about 1.50-2.50. At restaurants, beer costs about 4-5 Euro. At beer gardens with the pfand, it can be between 8 – 10 Euro. Oktoberfest beers cost a whopping 13 Euro and there is no pfand, on top of that it is customary to tip your server at the event. 

The Right Pour

Pouring beer is an art that was perfected in Germany. Beers should have the perfect amount of head on top and be served in the proper glassware. In a traditional German glass liter, the top line and above should be beer head, and the rest should be beer. The breweries in Munich can get fined for abusing their beer portions, especially at Oktoberfest, so if your beer is mostly head and not enough beer, or too much beer and not enough head, it is not worthy.

Popular Types of Beer in Munich

Helles translates to light. So, Helles beer is a light in color bottom-fermenting lager beer. The beer is low in bitterness, lightly sweet, low in carbonation, and full-bodied – compared to most light lagers. It is a smooth beer, perfect for hot summer days, and adds a refreshing finish to lighter dishes. This is one of the most popular beers to drink in Munich. If you order a beer without specifying, it will probably be Helles.

This translates to white beer and is traditionally a white top-fermenting beer made with at least 50% malted wheat. It is typically unfiltered beer with low hop bitterness and highly carbonated. Weißbier is usually consumed from a glass with a thin bottom and wider top with an ample portion of head. You should swirl the beer between pours because it is not fermented.

Doppelbock (Starkbier)

Doppelbock was first created by the Paulaner monks in Munich. It is a double fermented dark copper beer and is described as liquid bread because it is a meal replacement during lent. It is a rich malty beer with toasted notes and little detectable hops. The alcohol content ranges from 7-14% with traditional Bavarian doppelbocks on the higher side.

Festbier & Märzen

Traditionally brewed for Oktoberfest, each brewery brews a fest beer to tap around Oktoberfest, but it is no longer served at the event. Gasp – isn’t Märzen served at Oktoberfest? Contrary to popular belief in the U.S., Märzen is NOT currently served at Oktoberfest. Märzen was the drink of choice at Oktoberfest until the event grew in popularity and many people complained it was too thick. I mean it is hard to drink several liters of Märzen. So, brewers created the Festbier, also known as Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier, which is now what you’ll find at Oktoberfest. This is probably a good thing because Festbier is easy drinking and to reduce hangovers! It is a light beer in both color and flavor, with a light hoppy finish. It won’t fill you up too much, but it will get you drunk.

Märzen, on the other hand, is a dark lager, with a full-bodied smoky flavor. Most brewers serve this around Oktoberfest, but you’ll need to go to the Keller to get it. 

A Radler is a half lager beer and half lemonade drink. It was created just outside of Munich in Deisenhofen. During the cycling boom in the 20s, an innkeeper Franz Kugler created a bicycle trail from Munich to his pub. On a sunny day in June in 1922, more than 10,000 cyclists showed up at the pub, and as he ran out of beer, he mixed it with lemon soda. The Radler was born and named after Rad – or bike in German. The drink is a bit sugary, but the balance of lemon and beer is a refreshing drink for summer.

“The Big 6” Munich’s Main Breweries & Beers

With roots back to 1634 Paulaner Monastery is home to the traditional Starkbier, their signature doppelbock “Salvator,” named after the father of their order.  On the day they were allowed to serve to the public, the monastery, shared this brew with local politicians. To this day, the tradition carries on at the start of Starkbier Fest when the first liter of beer is given to the Bavarian Minister President to kick off the festival.

Don’t Miss: “Salvator” Doppelbock, is a bottom-fermenting strong beer first created by the Paulaner monks.

Best Locations:

• Paulaner am Nockherberg: Original brewery with a large beer hall, outdoor garden. Hochstraße 77
• Paulaner Bräuhaus:  Indoor and outdoor dining in a quiet, cozy, and traditional location. – my fav! Kapuzinerpl. 5

Events: Starkbier Fest: End of March – Start of April  @ Paulaner am Nockherberg.

Munich’s oldest independent brewery, dating back to 1328. Their rich history in Munich has generated a cult-like following among locals and foreigners alike, making it Munich’s “cool” and possibly favorite beer among locals. With vintage horse drawn beer wagons seen at Oktoberfest, they pride themselves on tradition.

Don’t Miss: “ Augustiner Edelstoff,” a traditional beer, brewed with noble raw ingredients.

• Augustiner Keller: Augustiners best restaurant, beer garden, and basement cellar. Order Edelstoff from the wooden keg! Arnulfstraße 52.
• Augustiner Bräustuben: Original brewery and restaurant located in an old brick building. Landsberger Str. 31-35

Events: May Day: May 1st, for a traditional May Pole raising celebration at the Augustiner Kellner.

Munich’s most famous brewery exporting and attracting beer-enthusiasts from around the world. The highlight of the Hofbräu is their historic beer hall, which is nearly 500 years old and the most famous beer tavern in the world. Here you get a real feel for what Oktoberfest might feel like and is on many beer bucket-lists. They stick to tradition, only brewing a few beers they pride on being flawless. The upstairs of the beer hall is a place seeped in WWII history where Hitler drank beer with members of his party.

Don’t Miss: “ Hofbräu Original,” a classic bitter, but refreshing beer that is known around the world.

• Hofbräuhaus: Historic beer hall and restaurant in the the old town with live German music. Platzl 9.
• Chinese Tower Beer Garden: Lovely outdoor beer garden serving HB beer in the middle of the Englischer Garten. Englischer Garten 3.

Events: Film Fest Munich, don’t miss Munich’s Film Festival in June/July with HB beer being served at all major events.

Spaten beer is known for bringing the famous helles beer to Munich. At the peak of the brewing industry in Munich, just before the war, Spaten was the largest brewery in the area. However, after the war, they were never able to make a full come back and Spaten beer is often somewhat of an afterthought in the Munich scene. However, Franziskaner Weißebier owned by the same brewery is quite popular and definitely worth having!

Don’t Miss: “ Spaten Helles,” Munich’s original Helles beer, or try the Franziskaner Weißebier

• Spatenhaus an der Opera: German fine dining in a ritzy part of Munich, near the opera house. Residenzstraße 12.

Events: Don’t miss Spaten at the Schottenhammel tent, which is surprisingly one of my favorite tents.

Hacker-Pschorr

I have a soft spot for Hacker because A: they are one of the only brewiers that had female leadership from Thersia Hacker along with her husband Pschorr (her name is even first) and B: they have been operating a sustainable business with an environmental mindset since 1417 – might they be the OG sustainable business? All their beers have traditional swing tops as well, so they are 2x as fun to drink!

Don’t Miss: “ Kellerbier” with fruity notes and tastes of honey and caramel. It’s less carbonated and easy to drink.

• Altes Hackerhaus: The OG location of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. Now a cozy restaurant in the heart of the old town. Sendlinger Str. 14
• Der Pschorr: A restaurant and outdoor beer garden near the Viktualienmarkt. Beer is served in wood barells and kept on ice. Viktualienmarkt 15

Events: Don’t miss Munich ice hockey! Hacker beer is served at events like EHC Red Bulls ice hockey games or the Bad Tölz ice hockey team.

Löwenbräu meaning Lions brew, has a foggy history in Munich. Not much seems to be known about the founding date. It is noted that a lion fresco was hanging above the brewery at one point and that is where it seems to have gotten its name. They specialize in pils beer. The Löwenbräu tent is always fun to walk past with the roaring lion, you can’t miss it.

Don’t Miss: “ URTYP” which is a traditional pils beer brewed just like they did hundreds of years ago.

• Löwenbräukeller: A historic restaurnt, beer cellar, and event venue – come here for live music, great food, and good beer. Nymphenburger Straße 2

Events: Nacht der Tracht is an annual event held at Löwenbräukeller. Dress in your best dirndl and lederhosen and dance all night. They also host an Oktoberfest after party.

Munich Beer Festivals and Events

Oktoberfest.

The world’s largest beer event, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people from around the world for two weeks starting at the end of September. Dozens of tents full of traditional music and lively people serve Munich’s best beer. Outside the tents are beer gardens, carnival rides, restaurants, and fair games. This is a bucket list must for any beer lover visiting Germany. If you’re an introvert looking to avoid the crowds in Munich, then don’t miss my introverts guide to Oktoberfest.

Frühlingsfest

Is an early spring festival that takes place in the same location as Oktoberfest, but it’s half the size. A popular event among a younger local crowd, the three tents and handful of rides, is a great way to enjoy the warming weather in Munich. This event typically takes place at the end of April of Begining of May.

Starkbierfest

This festival takes place during lent and celebrates the dark Doppelbock lager known as Starkbier. Located at the original Paulaner Brewery be prepared to black out as this beer is strong. Located indoors it has a similar vibe to an Oktoberfest tent with a live band, dancing, and plenty of drinking. The event usually starts in the middle of March.

During the autumn close to Oktoberfest many of the small towns near Munich, such as Dachau, Regensburg, and Augsburg have small folk festivals with local beer, carnival rides and games, and reason to dress up in traditional Tracht. Keep an eye peeled for local folks fest events and find more details on the Bavarian website.

Munich Day Trips for Beer Drinkers

Andechs monastery brewery.

My favorite beer-focused day trip from Munich involves a light hike through the woods, ending in a fantastic hillside monastery that brews delicious beer. This beer trip from Munich is just an S-Bahn ride away to the charming town of Herrsching. You can walk down to Lake Ammersee before taking a 45-minute walk through the quiet forest, emerging at the monastery. If it is summer, eat outside on their beautiful deck. Read the full scoop on getting to  Andechs Monastery from Munich  so you can drink their fantastic beer.

Weihenstephen: Tour The World’s Oldest Brewery

The brewery at Weihenstephen is the oldest in the world! How freakin’ cool is that? Dating back to 750 AD, Weihenstephen started as a monastery brewery. Today, the state of Bavaria now owns it and runs a program with the TUM university for food science and a master’s program in brewing. For 11 Euro, you get a 2-hour experience, including a tour, tasting, pretzel, and a gift voucher. The tours are run by local university students, and you get to sample all their core beers. The brewery located in Freising, so you will need to hop on the FRONT end of the S1 headed to Freising. Get off at Freising and walk up to the brewery to start your tour. You should book your  beer tour at Weihenstephen ahead of time,  and you can do so online.

Tegernsee Brewery Near Lake Tegernsee

The adorable town of Bad Wiessen. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Tegernsee beer is what the cool kids in Munich drink. There’s just something about the Tegernsee Special brew that offers something just different enough from Munich’s 6 leading breweries. For this trip, you’ll need to hop on a BOB train headed to  Tegernsee from the Munich Central Station . Make sure you grab a group ticket if you’re traveling with 2-5 people after 9 am. You can spend the day hiking, swimming in the lake, sledding or skiing, just make sure you stop by the Tegernsee Brewery on the lake for a fresh local beer.

Nuremberg Beer Cellars

Nuremberg is just north of Munich in the Franconia region of Bavaria. They have great beer, and you can spend the day exploring their red beer cellars and tasting Nuremberg brewery. Hop on a Deutsche Bahn train headed to Nuremberg and book your  Nurember beer cellar tour ahead of time  to make sure you save your spot.

Ayinger Brewery

Hop on the S7 headed to Aying to tour their brewery, eat at their restaurant, and explore the charming town of Aying. There is even a little farm where you can take a walk with llamas.  Book your brewery tour with Ayinger brewery ahead of time.

Erdinger Brewery

You’ll often find Erdinger beers in Munich, so taking the S2 to Erding to visit their brewery for a behind the scenes tour. The town Erding is a charming city break as well, so you can explore historic architecture.  Book your tour of the Erdinger brewery  or just enjoy a local beer at their restaurant. Afterward, you can even visit their fan shop after to pick up your favorite beers and swag.

Bamberg for Rauchbier

If you are in for a more extended day trip, then hop on a train to Bamberg to their smoked märzen dark lager. This beer is unlike anything you’ve tasted and originated in Bamberg. It smells like smoked meats and had dark wood flavor notes. The town of Bamberg is well worth walking around the charming alleyways and old timber houses. Budget a full 8 hours to drink all the beer and explore the town.

Brewery and Beer Tours in Munich

Paulaner brewery tour in munich.

The Paulaner Brewery is one of my favorite beer halls and gardens in Munich. It has all the rich Bavarian history you’re looking for without the tourist hype of the Hofbräuhaus. If you book a  brewery tour with Munich Walk Tours  you’ll visit the Paulaner brewery with an expert beer guide, plus you’ll even visit a few more of Munich’s main breweries such as Hofbräu. You may also try contacting Paulaner at Kapuzinerstrasse to see if they have brewery tours available for your group.

Hofbräuhaus Brewery Tour in Munich

Hofbräu is one of the world’s most famous breweries and brands, so visiting where all the magic happens is a dream come true for beer lovers. The tour takes you through the brewing, and fermenting process starts to finish, a beer tasting, and an optional meal (meat) included. Tours run Monday-Thursday every day of the year, EXCEPT holidays, and the week before, the weeks during, and the week after Oktoberfest. Tours start at 10 am with an optional additional meal or 1 pm with no additional meal. The cost of the trip is 10 Euro with no meal, 15 with meal. You must be 16 or older and register for the  Hofbräu brewery tour  in advance.

Spaten Brewery Tour in Munich

The Spaten Brewery tour includes Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Franziskaner brewing production lines. However, these tours only TAKE PLACE IN GERMAN, despite their website being in English. This tour is not ideal for my English reader, as you can see by reading my friend Ashley’s post about her  mishap with the Spaten tour . You can book your  Spaten Brewery Tour  through Munich walking tours – if you speak German.

Microbreweries and Craft Beer in Munich

I used to give Munich a hard time for having lacking diversity in their beer. Cool, there are 6 major breweries in Munich that all make a similar tasting Helles. Where is the creativity and fun in the brewing industry? My prayers have been heard and slowly but surely new creative craft brews have been popping up in nooks and corners around the city.

Crew Republic

I’m not the only one that thinks the beer scene in Munich is boring. Mario and Timm behind, Crew Republic agree with me. Which is why they quit their corporate jobs and began homebrewing in their back yard. Crew Republic has grown to be a favorite among the young hip crowd in Munich, brewing edge stouts, several types of pale ales from German, Indian, and West Coast USA, and barley wine all following Germany’s purity law. Look for their beers at supermarkets and beer kiosks across Munich, of if you’re in town on a Friday, stop by their taproom from 4 pm – 10 pm for light snacks and fresh craft beer on tap.

Giesinger Brew

Giesinger Brew is like one of the big six breweries that had a baby with a hip craft brew. They take their beer very seriously, but always strive to push the brewing limits in the craft beer scene here in Munich. Instead of a typical Helles, try their Lemondrop Triple, for a strong beer with light, refreshing citrus notes or their Doppel-Alt for a dark lager, that won’t put you on your ass like many of the Starkbiers. Stop by their brewery and restaurant at the Giesinger braüstüberl for a cozy, but traditional German restaurant serving up great beers.

Haderner Bräu

I came across these beers at a recent festival in Munich, and after I carried boxes of beer home with me to try, I fell in love. They are now one of my favorite craft breweries because they are Munich’s first certified organic brewery. This small family-owned brewery still bottles and brews everything by hand. You can buy a traditional Helles or Weißbier – made with all-natural ingredients. Or check and see what seasonal brew they have on tap like the Fest Märzen for winter. You can visit their taproom on Friday afternoon if you want to try the beer on tap. They also offer home brewing classes (in German) and a brewery tour.

Hopfen Häcker

Hopfen Häcker is a blen o cultures and countries as the duo behind this craft beer are from the United States and Germany. So, they bring together the innovation of U.S. craft beer and Germany tradition and expertise in the craft, as they hack hops to make new beers. Try their “Kill Bill” with fermented yeast from Belgium and hints of bitter orange and coriander. Or try their Wuiderer, a red ale – I know, I can’t believe I found a red ale in Munich either!! Each and every label is a work of art, so make sure you try them all. You can visit their brewery on Friday or Saturday early afternoon to drink beer on tap.

Tilmans Bier

This is an underrated and unsung hero in the Munich craft beer scene. Started by Tilman Ludwig, who did a master’s in brewing from the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephen, just outside of Munich. After graduation, he decided to branch off and try something different. Tilmans brews 9 beers, including everything from Helles, Pils, and even stouts and traditional English style ale. One of my favorite things about this brewery is the social impact aspect. They partner with locals such as Munich’s best coffee roastery for a caffeinated stout, and Munich’s “Kulturator” philanthropy. All profits from the Kulturator brew go right back to charity – so you can drink for world peace.

The world’s first and only airport brewery AirBrü is worth flying into Munich just to try their craft beer. While most of their beers are quite traditional, the small-batch beers are created at the airport brewery and have fun travel-themed names. Dine-in their outdoor beer garden in the summer, hole away inside at their cozy modern dining area, or sit in a hot air balloon basket (on the ground) as you pretend to drink around the world in 80 days.

Best Beer Halls & Beer Gardens in Munich

My favorite beer hall and brewery, the Paulaner on Kapuzinerstrasse is a local favorite that is chic and cozy. With large spacious indoor area that is warm and inviting in the winter and a beautiful outdoor beer garden for the hot summer days. This is the one local beer hall and garden I take all my friends and family to eat at.

Chinese Tower

The Chinese Tower is located in the heart of the Englischer Garten. The walk through the gardens is enjoyable and the natural setting is refreshing.  In the winter they have a wonderful Christmas Market, and in the summer they often have live bands. This is a touristy spot, but it’s worth the visit for the experience.

Also located in the Englischer Garten, Hirshau is a lively hoot and a half frequented by locals. With a stage for folk dancing and a live band playing music, this is one of the best outdoor beer gardens in Munich.

Maybe one of the most gorgeous outdoor beer gardens resting along a lakeside also in the Englischer Garten. You can sit on the water’s edge and watch boats and swans sail by during the hot summer days.

Biergarten am Wiener Platz

This outdoor beer garden is located in vienna platz in a charming neighborhood south of the Isar. Enjoy sitting outdoors in a bustling square with plenty of unique shops and restaurants around. There’s even a large May Pole at the center of the square so you are immersed in Bavarian culture.

I’m including this place as it is a global cultural icon known around the world. While it is touristy, there is a lot of historical and cultural significance, so it is a really interesting place to visit. Bavarians dressed in their traditional Sunday best drink from ancient beer steins while a live German plays oompa music.

Pubs & Bars for Beer in Munich

Tap Room is large American style tap room, featuring dozens of beerson tap and plenty of bottled beer cold and ready in the fridge. Frisches Beer  is a small watering hole with plenty of craft beer on tap and in the bottle. True Brew  is a new hip pub in town with a 60s retro vibe with live music and plenty of craft and local beer. The Crow Bar is a simple bar with not a lot happening other than great beer and chill people. Scholars  is a classy Irish pub with U.K. beer, and hidden nooks to cozy up in front of the fire place with a cool one.

Beer for Those with Dietary Needs

If you are gluten intolderant or don’t consume alcohol for any reason, don’t dispair! You are in luck G asthaus Obermeier,  which is outside Munich city center serves a full gluten free menu including gluten free beer!  Alcohol Free  beer can be found literally anywhere at all supermarkets, and just about every restarurant. The big breweries in Munich do a great job ensuring they always have a alcohol free beer because there are a lot of pregnant women in Munich and people who choose not to drink for cultural or religious reasions.

Share Munich’s Best Beers and Breweries!

Make sure you pin or share this post so all your beer lovin’ friends can have the best possible beer filled trip to Munich and the surrounding area. What is your favorite Munich beer? Let me know in the comments!

About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

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Been going to Octoberfest since 1967. What a great time. Lived in Bremenhaven Germany when in the military. Purchased my first dog in Munich area when camping with my wife 1968, when I was poor. Plan on going this year to Octoberfest, since it was cancelled last year due to Virus. Thank you for the recap on all the types of beer’s in Germany.

I hope we can have Oktoberfest this year, but we will see what happens. I hope you’re able to drink some German beer soon!

Oktoberfest, 2022- Can’t go but i’m stocked up with some of my favorites. Augustiner Brau Edelstoff, Paulaner Salvador Doppel Bock, Hacker-Pschorr Munichener Gold, Welhenstephaner Original, and Welhenstephaner Hefe Weisbier. Love to celebrate this wonderful event!!

I’m planning a trip in August.

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Editor Picks: The Best Munich Brewery & Beer Tours

Munich’s reputation as one of the beer capitals of the world is well deserved and evidenced in the huge number of brewery and beer tours the city has to offer.

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

The Oktoberfest festival may only come along once a year, but the atmosphere of beer-fuelled conviviality endures in Munich all year round. Yet you could spend weeks in the Bavarian capital and barely touch the surface of Munich’s vibrant beer scene. But for a small taste of it, why not join a Munich brewery or beer tour? There are several companies based in the city providing such tours and we’ve chosen five of the best below.

Munich’s Beer Halls and Breweries

When it comes to drinking establishments in Munich, visitors are spoilt for choice. This 3.5-hour tour takes the decision-making out of your hands by taking you on a whistle stop journey around some of the city’s most acclaimed beer halls and breweries, including Germany’s oldest commercial brewery. Taking place on foot, your guide will navigate you through the city streets on your way to visit such notable institutions as the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. During each stop-off you’ll learn about the venue’s history and the secrets behind its beer-making techniques. There’ll also be time to sample the local brew as well as some traditional German dishes. The tour price includes your guide, all entrance fees and two complimentary beers. From Є35 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Small-Group Munich Beer Tour and Bavarian Bites

(Photo: Viator.com)

Run and organised by renowned local company Fork & Walk Tours Munich, this small-group tour invites visitors on an intimate gastronomic odyssey complete with lashings of beer and food. During the 3.5-hour guided tour, you’ll receive personalised treatment as you hear stories and discover brews and traditional Bavarian delicacies dating back centuries. There’ll be stop-offs at various acclaimed drinking and dining spots, as well as the chance to look around the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, one of the city’s best cultural venues and an important protector of its long-standing beer-brewing legacy. The tour ends in the buzzing bar quarter of Munich, as you dive head first into the local nightlife scene. All alcoholic drinks, snacks and dinner are included in the tour price. From Є140 per person.

Book at Viator

Munich’s Original Pub Crawl

If you’re struggling to decide where to settle down for a hard night’s drinking in Munich, then how about simplifying matters by embarking on a full-blown pub crawl? This 3.5-hour tour introduces visitors to the city’s legendary pub, bar and club scene in a fun and friendly atmosphere where you’re certain to make friends. Accompanied by a party-loving – but ever-the-professional – guide, you’ll take in three of the city’s hippest watering holes where you’ll sink some welcome shots and spend some time before moving on to the next. The revelry ends in a club where you’re welcome to party long into the night – and beyond. The tour price includes free entry to all venues and free shots. From Є25 per person.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

Of all Munich’s myriad of pubs, only one is internationally famous – the Hofbräuhaus. On this one-hour guided tour you’ll learn all about its history, including quirky facts and anecdotes, during an exclusive and behind-the-scenes visit. You’ll even gain access to the Hofbräuhaus ballroom, which is usually only open in the evening. At the end of the tour you’ll get to enjoy a “Mass” (one litre) of beer. The tour price includes your local guide, beer, and special Hofbräuhaus coin to take away as a souvenir. From Є25 per person.

An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture

Immerse yourself in Bavarian beer and culinary culture during this 3-hour tour, where you’ll get to sample some of the region’s best food and drink. In the company of a friendly, English-speaking local guide, you’ll discover why and how Bavaria became the beer capital of the world. You’ll join an exclusive private tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, get to try out several different beer varieties, as well as traditional food including Weisswurst (white sausage), dumpling, roast pork and more. The tour culminates with a visit to the world renowned Hofbräuhaus. All venue entrance fees, plus food and drink, is included in the tour price. From Є43 per person.

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Cologne Brewery Tour | A Guide to Cologne Kolsch (incl. map!)

Planning a trip to Cologne ? No tour of Köln (as it’s known in Germany) is complete without a Cologne Brewery Tour . On it you will experience a traditional Köln brauhaus and down a glass of kölsch beer (or beers!) at iconic breweries like Früh am Dom in the old town. Luckily, since we spent 2 years living in the city and undoubtedly drank quite a lot of the golden stuff (you’re welcome!), we have the lowdown on the best Köln brauhaus beer tour. Which as a bonus you can do as a walking tour. What a great way to see the city!

Read next: Top things to do in Bonn! A great day trip from Cologne.

What are the must visit spots on your Cologne Brewery Tour?

These are definitely the top breweries that you must include on your brewery tour when in Cologne!

Brauhaus Sion

Früh am dom, gaffel am dom, peter’s brauhaus, do you need a guide for a brewery tour.

Even though you don’t need much German to order a beer and if you follow the map and itinerary we’ve put together it’s a relatively simple tour to do.

However, to get the best expereince on a brewery tour it’s well worth looking into the beer tour that Get your Guide has – it’s a really highly-rated.

About Köln Brauhäuser

There’s more to Cologne than the towering Cologne cathedral and the breweries (Brauhäuser or brew house) are dotted across the compact city centre. Many of the breweries opened their doors to the public in the early 19 th century and, while they have evolved into some of the best bars in Cologne, they haven’t lost their traditional charm.

What’s great about them is that they are all located in a 2 kilometre radius, making it easy to visit (and stumble) between them. We often think of going between them as one of the best walking tours of Cologne. But do make sure you make a full day of your tour, as hoping between these brauhaus is not going to be a short affair. Maybe set aside 5 hrs for the duration of the tour…

If you do want to visit more sights, you could always read our One Day in Cologne City Guide. Where we recommend what else to do in the city, some great restaurants to try and a great hotel or two.

About Köbes

The blue-jacketed waiters of the brauhaus are a unique sight in Germany. Dressed in a traditional uniform and usually carrying a full ‘crown’, which is a round tray with many slots for beer glasses, the köbes bring the atmosphere to the room. That said, they can sometimes be a little ‘rude’ – take this as the German directness rather than being impolite!

About Kolsch

Ask any Cologne resident and they’ll tell you very proudly that kölsch beer is the world’s best type of beer. But kölsch beer doesn’t only refer to the golden nectar itself (found only in Cologne) but “kolsch style”, the culture of Cologne, and is tied up in the city. The beer is served in a slightly odd beer glass type , a small yet tall kolsch glass called a “stange” which holds only 200ml of beer. This means the beer is always fresh and drinking it is quick – so watch your speed! Since the beer is specially fermented it contains less sugar and malt than other beer, so it’s quite light to drink.

Kolsch cuisine

Like most German fare, Cologne brewery food is pretty hearty and portions are heavy – so go hungry! Famous dishes include Himmel un Äd (heaven and earth) – a dish of liver sausage with mashed potatoes and apple sauce, Halve Hahn – half a rye bread roll with mature cheese and mustard and our ultimate favourite, Schweinhaxe; essentially a roasted pork knuckle served with mash and sauerkraut.

Your Cologne brewery tour map

Read on for more about each of the Köln brauhaus highlights, or use this map to plan your journey!

The oldest brauhaus in Cologne,  Sion first brewed in 1318. The kolsch brewery was unfortunately completed destroyed in the Second World War but was rebuilt on its original spot. It hosts a lot of fun events so try to check their calendar before you head over!

Location:  Unter Taschenmacher 5-7, 50667 Cologne

Opening hours: 11.30am to midnight

The most famous of all the brauhaus spots, the Fruh brewery in Cologne near the Cathedral is more than 100 years old. The kolsch beer is not brewed onsite but it’s still delicious! Früh am dom is a huge brewery and offers different rooms for your taste – the main restaurant, the belfry (a newer addition), the conservatory, the sauna (named for its lack of windows) and the “Wappensaal”, our favourite room.

Location: Am Hof ​​12-18, 50667 Cologne

Opening hours: 11.30 am to midnight (weekdays) 9:00 am to midnight (weekends)

Once visited by former US president, Bill Clinton, the Brauerei zur Malzmühle is another established brewery, located in the Heumarkt area. This is a genuine family brewery, run by the fifth generation of local family, Schwartz, and the kolsch beer is brewed on the premises so it has an authentic feel.

Location: Heumarkt 6, 50667 Cologne

Opening hours: 11.30 am to midnight (Mon – Thurs) 11.30 am to 1.30 am (Fri & Sat) and 11.30 am – 11.00 pm (Sun)

Like its counterparts, Fruh and Sion, Gaffel am Dom is one of the largest names in the Köln brauhaus scene and has also successfully commercialised its kolsch beer, which is found in supermarkets across the country. It’s a lively pub with typical pub food on offer.

Location: Bahnhofsvorpl. 1, 50667 Cologne

Opening hours: 11.00 am to midnight (Sun – Thurs) 11.00 am to 2.00 am (Fri & Sat)

This is our absolute favourite brewery in the entire city of Cologne and definitely one not to be missed. We love Peter’s Brauhaus because of the atmosphere, the varied local menu but mainly because we believe it’s the best kolsch available in the city surrounds!

Tip: The Brewhouse Plate is a good lunch option since it offers two small pork schnitzels with fried bacon potatoes and a side salad. Plenty to line the stomach!!

Location: Mühlengasse 1, 50667 Cologne

Opening hours: 11.00 am to midnight (Sun – Thurs) 11.00 am to 12.30 am (Fri & Sat)

A few more breweries that are further afield, but worth the walk:

• Bei d`r Tant (At my Aunts): Cäcilienstraße 28, 50667 Cologne
• Em Krützche (At the wayside shrine): Am Frankenturm 1-3, 50667 Cologne
• Brauhaus Päffgen: Friesenstraße 64-66, 50670 Köln
• Brauhaus Gilden: Clevischer Ring 121, 51063 Cologne

Interested in finding out what iconic buildings made it onto our Landmarks in Germany list? Spoiler alert, Cologne Cathedral is on the list… Or do you want to find out what are the must-see hidden gems in Germany ?

So, what do you think about our guide to a Cologne Brewery Tour? Let us know in the comments below!

What camera equipment and other gear do we use?

We’re living proof that you don’t need the most expensive gear to travel the world and take good photos. Here are some of our must have items that make it into the packing list for all our travels.

• Main Camera: Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
• Drone: DJI Mavic Air – Fly More Combo
• GoPro: Hero 7 Black
• GoPro Dive Case: Go Pro Housing
• GoPro Case: Smatree GoPro Carry Case – Small
• Packing Cubes: Eagle Creek Packing case
• Backpack: Osprey Farpoint 70
• Powerbank: Anker Powercore
• Phone: Xiaomi Mi 9
• Hard drive: Transcend Slim Storejet 2TB
• Laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 720s
• Headphones: Bose Quiet Comfort 35
• Wifi Hotspot: GlocalMe G4

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A Beijing Itinerary | 4 days in China’s bustling capital

Beijing is massive. Third largest city in the world kind of massive. So how do you fit all that you need to see in the ancient city, formerly known as Peking? Well, we hope that…

If there’s one thing we all know for sure, it’s that Germany has cracked the code on how to brew great beer. And they keep it simple. Thanks to the Purity Law of 1516, many German beers are only made with 4 ingredients - water, yeast, malt, and hops. And though the ingredient list for German beer is basic, that doesn’t reflect how they taste!

Germany is home to over 5,000 types of beers that are crafted by 1,200 different breweries! We’re pretty certain that you won’t have time on your next trip to Germany to stop by all 1,200 breweries, so we went ahead and chose our top picks for German breweries to hit the next time you find yourself in Deutschland.

Rechenberg Brewery, Saxony

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Germany Beer Trip 2024

Munich, bavaria, bamberg, plzen and prague, july 19th - july 29th --- 10 nights (or less, see below), note: this trip starts in munich and ends in prague. flying out of prague is usually less expensive than in and out of munich. if you can not do all 10 nights, you can make this a 9 or 8 night trip by either skipping the last day in prague (so 9 nights) or heading back to the munich airport when we leave bamberg (so 8 nights). contact me for pricing and more details if desired..

NOTE: If you are only interested in a single day trip or custom day tour or special event in Germany or Belgium, including a Special Munich Oktoberfest Trip, contact me, and/or see Custom Day Trips !

NOTE: See day-by-day itinerary below. All photos shown below and in the video were actually shot on previous trips!

DAY 1: Friday - July 19th - This unbelievable Germany Beer Tour starts when you arrive in Munich (we will meet at the hotel - I will provide detailed step-by-step directions for how to get from the airport to the hotel - or if you prefer I can meet you at the airport if possible). After a short nap (for those arriving that morning and able to get into their room, which is not a certainty), we will meet up around noon and take a walk around the Marienplatz, the old part of Munich and some other interesting areas. I will get you acquainted with the city, how the trains work, where things are, etc. We will stop for a light lunch, maybe at the famous Hofbrauhaus, and perhaps your first beer (of many) in Germany, and we may visit a brewery, as well as a beer garden for dinner and another beer or two (transportation to the hotel, lunch, beer and snacks during the day on your own - dinner is included). After a fun afternoon and early evening of getting to know Munich, most of you that arrived in Germany this morning will be exhausted, so we may call it an early night and let everyone settle into their room and get a good night's sleep. We have a very fun and very busy day tomorrow!

DAY 2: Saturday - July 20th - After a hearty and delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to explore more of the great city of Munich. The day begins with an organized bike tour, which is a fantastic way to see and learn about the city, and includes a stop for beer and sausages in the park at one of the city's famous beer gardens (lunch and beer on your own). This is an amazing tour of this historic city that is both fun and educational. After the bike tour, we may visit a small craft brewery and/or you are free to explore more on your own, which might include visiting some of the beautiful churches and great museums, or you can just take some time to relax. You will be provided with guides, notes and directions to some of the famous beer bars, area breweries, tourist attractions, museums, etc. We will meet back up later for an incredible German beer dinner (included), possibly followed by more beers and good times in one of the city's large beer gardens (beer and snacks at the beer garden on your own). This is sure to be a Saturday night you will always remember!

DAY 3: Sunday - July 21st - This is usually a very special Sunday in Munich! Once per year, on this Sunday morning at "Sunrise" around 5:00 am in Englischergarten park, there is a traditional festival where people gather in period or classic Bavarian attire and dance, drink and have fun until about 9:00 am. Some of you may be interested in this unique gathering (assuming they do not change the date, as they do sometimes). Either way, we will have another great breakfast at the hotel, then in the afternoon we will take a train out to the village of Aying and tour the famous Ayinger Brewery. Ayinger makes some of my favorite beers in the world, and you will never taste them fresher than right at the brewery. This is a magnificent brewery located in the beautiful German countryside. After the tour and a great beer tasting, we will have an incredible early dinner with more fresh Ayinger beer at a small restaurant near the brewery. We will then board the train to head back into Munich, where we should arrive in time for you to do some night time exploring on your own if you wish, or you may want to get a good night's rest for another big day tomorrow.

DAY 4: Monday - July 22nd - Today, after breakfast, you will have some free time to continue exploring Munich and/or the surrounding area on your own. If you are feeling adventurous, you could even get up early and take the train out to the small town of Freising and visit the Weihenstephaner Biergarten. But be sure to find your way back to Munich by early afternoon when we will once again travel by train out into the beautiful Bavarian countryside. This time, to visit the famous German monastery brewery, Kloster Andechs. This is one of the few monastery breweries remaining in the world outside of Belgium. Kloster Andechs is known for its Doppelbock, which is considered by many to be the best example of the style in the world. You will always remember your trip to Kloster Andechs.

It starts with either a nice hike through the forest and countryside, from the train station up the Holy Mount to the monastery, or a short, scenic bus ride. The hike takes about an hour and makes the beer taste even better, but for those not up to it, the bus is a nice alternative (or you can even take a taxi). After arriving at the monastery, and a beer for your efforts, you can walk the grounds, tour the incredibly ornate church, which is often described as a deeply religious experience, and even climb the bell tower. There is a variety of food options, a beer garden, a gift shop and more (food and beer during the day are on your own). You can make your way down the mountain and back to Munich any time you want.

Some people might stick around and explore the resort lake town of Herrsching before we leave this area, which also has a beach and beer gardens along the water (maybe bring your bathing suit). Upon arriving back in Munich, some of you may be tired and ready for a rest, so the rest of the evening is open for you to explore the city, and have dinner on your own. I can make several great recommendations. Or, if some of the group are up for it, we may visit another one of my favorite beer gardens (if so, dinner and beer are on your own).

DAY 5: Tuesday - July 23rd - Castle Day! Today, we take a slight break from the beer-focus of the trip and we board a luxury motor coach for a planned day of activities in the area of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. We travel through scenic southern Bavaria to the border of Austria and into the foothills of the Alps. Here we will find the famous fairy tale castle constructed by legendary King Ludwig III. Once we arrive there, we will take a relaxing bike ride around this beautiful scenic area (or you can skip the ride and just walk around the town). During the bike ride, we will stop by am Alpine lake, where you can take a short, but amazing and refreshing swim if you wish (be sure to bring a swim suit). After the bike ride, we will have lunch and a beer (both on your own) at a small brewpub in the valley looking up at the castles and the Alps. After lunch, we will re-board the bus and move closer to the base of the castle mountain. From there, you will have two options for getting up to the castle. You can either take a shuttle bus most of the way up, or you can hike all the way up, which is a good workout. After visiting Mary's Bridge, enjoying some breathtaking views, and touring the castle, we will all walk down the mountain together and reboard the bus for our trip back to Munich. This is an unforgettable day in Bavaria!

The Neuschwanstein Castle is an architectural marvel of the world and this whole day is quite amazing! If you are not up to very much walking, or just do not want to tour the castle, you can spend that part of the day in the picturesque little town at the base of the castle mountain, where there are lots of shops, a nice beer garden, a mountain lake, and more. Also, while the tour of the Neuschwanstein Castle and visiting the Alps and that area of Germany is highly recommended, another option for this day, our last day in Munich, is to stay in the city and explore it on your own if you have not been able to see everything you wanted. There are some great museums in Munich, where you can see many of the old master works, including Da Vinci, Rubens, Rembrandt, and more, plus the shopping is great, especially for lederhosen and dirndls! Or, you can rent bikes or Segways, revisit some of the places we visited briefly on our bike tour, or just spend the day relaxing, etc. If doing the Castle Trip, we will arrive back in Munich by around 8:00 pm, in time to get some late dinner, do a little more exploring on your own, and then pack and prep to leave the city in the morning.

DAY 6: Wednesday - July 24th - It will be hard to say goodbye to Munich, but knowing we will soon arrive in Bamberg certainly makes it a little easier. After another great breakfast, we will check out of the hotel and board a private motorcoach that will take us to one of the most beautiful towns in the entire world. Bamberg survived the wars virtually without a scratch, so its 1,000+ year history remains fully intact, making it look like a town that time forgot. And the beer style the city is most well known for, its sweet and smokey Rauchbier, is also a throwback to another time when all barley malt was dried over burning logs. If you don't like smoked beer, there are plenty of other types, but my bet is that you will leave Bamberg as a fan of this incredible and unique beer. BUT, before we get to Bamberg, we will try to make a nice little stop along the way to visit another famous monastery brewery, Weltenburger, on the Danube River near Kelheim. If possible, we may get to tour the brewery carved into the side of the mountain, but either way, we will enjoy a nice selection of their beers, as well as the beautiful mountain and river scenery, an incredible church, and a great little beer garden in the abbey courtyard (lunch, if desired, on your own).

After arriving in Bamberg and settling in to our hotel, I will get you acquainted with the city and where things are. This is literally my favorite place in the world, and you will probably love it as well. The beauty and character of this town is truly like something right out of a fairy tale. The old part of the city is relatively small and very easy and safe to walk around. To end this wonderful day, we will have an awesome beer dinner (included) at the famous Schlenkerla restuarant and pub. After dinner, we may stay there for a while and enjoy the incredible Rauchbier and ambience, or you may want to continue exploring this picturesque city on your own, or get some rest for a busy day tomorrow.

DAY 7: Thursday - July 25th - Today, after a hearty breakfast, we will visit the famous Weyermann Malting company, located in Bamberg, and hopefully get to tour this legendary provider of beer's most precious ingredient, malted grains. This is sort of a technical factory tour, seeing huge drum roasters and bag fillers and such, so some people may wish to skip this and just explore Bamberg on their own this morning. Although, the Weyermann gift shop is large and has lots of great Weyermann branded products, so you might want to visit for that. Lunch today is on your own, though we all might meet up at one of Bamberg's other great breweries or beer cafes before our afternoon tour.

In the afternoon, we will visit and possibly tour Schlenkerla, the most famous rauchbier brewery in the world. Either way, we will surely enjoy more of this delicious and unique beer. For this evening, you will have some open time to explore Bamberg, and eat dinner on your own. Bamberg is one of the most beer-centric places on earth, and the beer is incredible. There are multiple other breweries to visit including Spezial, Mahrs and others. Walking around Bamberg and visiting / drinking at these historic old breweries is something you will never forget!

DAY 8: Friday - July 26th - Today, during the day, is some open time to explore Bamberg and the surrounding area. Bamberg is a true beer lovers city, with numerous small breweries and brewpubs within walking distance. In addition, there is a fantastic cathedral up on the hill and many, many shops, a brewing museum, a puppet museum, you can take a gondola ride, watch street performers, eat incredible ice cream and more, all set in a postcard perfect, fairytale-like environment. I can provide suggestions and advice. The shopping, especially for antiques, and I mean real antiques, is truly awesome. Today will be a great break from the busy days we have had so far, and in a setting that you will simply not want to leave.

Later this afternoon, we will board a motorcoach (or we may take the train) and go to the neighboring town of Forchheim for one of the most awesome beer festivals ever! This is a week-long beer festival set in the woods, on a hill, and 20 or 30 breweries are serving their Kellerbiers directly out of their lagering cellars. There are also carnival rides, great food and more. All food and beer today are on your own. This festival is very unique and well worth a visit! Later this evening, we will head back to Bamberg to pack and prep for leaving the city in the morning.

DAY 9: Saturday - July 27th - Today, after breakfast, and perhaps one (or more) last Rauchbiers, we will check out of the hotel and again board a private motorcoach to take us to the town of Plzen in the Czech Republic. In Plzen we will tour the world-renowned Pilsner Urquell brewery, including its famous lagering caverns, where we will hopefully get to taste the unpasteurized and unfiltered version of their beer. This beer can only be tasted down in these cellars and it is really good! After the tour, we will stay at the brewery and have an early, wonderful Czech dinner and more delicious Pilsner Urquell beer! After this, we will board our bus again, and be taken to our hotel in Prague. We should have a little time to start exploring Prague a little this evening, and maybe stop by a brewery (beers on your own), see the sunset on the famous Charles Bridge, and more.

DAY 10: Sunday - July 28th - Today, after a great breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to explore the beautiful city of Prague. This may just be an open day, or we may optionally stick together and I can show you some of the sights, breweries, bars and restaurants. In addition, we might be able to get a tour of the famous U Fleku brewery and sample its delicious dark lager. Prague is known for its incredible architecture, the Charles Bridge, the Prague Castle, and of course, the beer! Here in Prague, in addition to many of the world's best Pilsner beers, you will find many exceptional Dark Lagers! I love these European Dark Lager styles and I think you will as well. Food and beer today are on your own. You may want to make it an early evening tonight to give yourself some time to relax a little and get packed for the trip back home tomorrow.

DAY 11: Monday - July 29th - Today, unfortunately, we will say goodbye and take a shuttle or taxi (on your own) from the hotel to the Prague (not Munich) airport, or you will venture on to wherever your travels may take you next, while dreaming about the next time you will see Germany and the Czech Republic again!

FAQs REGARDING THIS GERMANY BEER TOUR

ADULT COST: The Price for the Summer 2024 Germany Beer Trip is $3,650 USD per person traveling as a couple / pair (i.e. Double Occupancy), or $4,190 USD (hopefully a bit less) for someone traveling alone (i.e. Single Occupancy). These prices should not change, unless the exchange rate or trip plans change dramatically. That is not expected, but this trip is a long ways off and anything could happen, so the final, exact costs will be determined as people commit to going, and as the time gets a little closer, etc.

SPECIAL NOTE ON COST: My pricing, and the value created, is unlike many tours in several important ways. Most travel industry tours expect the trip attendees to pay numerous tips, often multiple tips per day, including for guides, helpers, restaurant staff, bus drivers, etc. This is common in the tourism industry, but it can add up to hundreds of additional, and often unexpected, dollars over the course of a 10 day trip. I simply disagree with the industry on this approach, so I don't ask my trip attendees to tip anyone during any included activities. Also, with some tours, the amount of beverages, beer, etc. included with the dinners may be limited, but I like to see my guests drink what they want, within reason of course, without worrying about extra costs. I also try to provide some extra beers and surprises along the way, when I can, and when the budget, exchange rate, etc. allows it. In summary, I do some things a bit different than the industry norm. This does not mean the industry norm is bad. It just means I have a different approach, which tries to create more value for my guests, and is something that needs to be considered in my prices.

WHAT IS INCLUDED: Basically, everything except the meals and beers specified above, your personal purchases, your airfare, and transportation from and to the airports. It includes all hotels, breakfasts each day, several meals, some with unlimited beers, train and bus travel, taxis, admission fees, all tips, etc.

COULD I SAVE MONEY DOING THIS ON MY OWN: Possibly, but it can require literally hundreds of hours of research and planning to make it happen as smoothly as what you will get on my trips. Also, you may have to drive yourself, or navigate foreign transit systems, to experience some of what we do, which puts a damper on being able to drink and enjoy yourself. Lastly, several things are just not options for people traveling alone. Either the group and / or my connections make some of the tours and things we do feasible. So yes, it is possible to save a little money, but I'm not making that much and the added value I offer is well worth it to most people. Lastly, when calculating costs on your own, many things are often overlooked, which add up to extra dollars spent, plus without the proper planning, mistakes can happen and they can add costs quickly.

I DON'T KNOW IF I WOULD LIKE TRAVELING WITH A GROUP: This isn't a cruise ship or a high school field trip where every second of every day is planned. There are opportunities to do things on your own, there is no curfew, and few very early mornings. Also, the type of people that do a trip like this, are probably a bit of a beer geek just like you, and are usually pretty good people. Lastly, these are relatively small group trips comparatively. So just relax and have fun with some like-minded people in a flexible and friendly environment.

PAYMENT TERMS AND CONFIRMATION: I need to confirm the trip as soon as I can to get hotels, buses, tours, etc. scheduled. Thus, if you are interested or certain that you want to go, contact me and/or pay your down payment / initial payment as soon as you can. See the instructions below for how to get registered. A trip can be confirmed as soon as I have enough people signed up. Airline tickets should NOT be purchased until the trip is confirmed .

To reserve your space, or communicate with me, send an email to [email protected] .

To officially register and pay your 25% down payment, also send me an email, and then either use the form below or go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you want to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send me a follow up email to let me know how much you paid and what it is for.

NOTE: If the trip does not happen, this down payment amount will be refunded to you (minus any Paypal fees, usually around $25). Otherwise, as soon as I have enough people signed up to confirm the trip, I will notify you with that confirmation, and at that point the 25% down payment is no longer refundable. You will then be asked to pay the remaining 75%. This remaining 75% is due in full at least 3 months before the departure date (but sooner is better). After that 3 months prior to departure point, when all money must be received, no money can be refunded. All plans have been made at that point, things have been paid in advance, this is Belgium's peak travel period, etc. In the event that I can’t make the trip, either another guide will be assigned to lead the trip, or all money not paid out will be refunded to you along with instructions and notes to allow you to still do as much of the trip as possible on your own (the same applies in the event of a complete cancellation of the trip for any reason). You can also consider travel insurance, but be sure to read the fine print and make sure it covers money paid to tour guides and expenses beyond payments directly to hotels and airlines. These terms are subject to change at any time, but they represent the general policies.

INSTALLMENT PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS: As a college educator, I know that money can be tight for some people, especially students, but I would like them to be able to do my trips if they really want to have these incredible life experiences. So to help with that, people can basically add money to their Trip Account whenever they want and I will just keep it in their account until it is either needed or refunded. You can just go to www.Paypal.com and send any amount of money you wish to this email address... "RonSmith -AT- MarketWiseSolutions -DOT- com". If doing this, please be sure to send a follow up email directly to me, to let me know how much you paid and what it is for. These funds are subject to the same cancellation and refund deadlines and arrangements as any other funds (see above), so as long as deadlines are not passed, if you start adding to a fund, but cannot go on the trip, your money will be refunded (except any fees incurred). This unique payment option provides a way for people to pay a little at a time, on whatever schedule they want (i.e. even daily or weekly additions can be made). If you have any questions about this, contact me via email at [email protected] .

Additional Information

The hotels are all very nice, safe, approx 3+ star type accomodations, with private baths and all the usual European amenities (i.e. possibly not air conditioning). More details can be provided upon request.

The itinerary and plans may change. With travel plans like this, things out of my control can always occur. If / when that occurs, I will try to plan something else. It will always be a fun and enjoyable trip and I will always give you your money's worth.

As the trip gets confirmed, I will provide various documents, including one for Trip Planning and Preparation, which covers lots of important issues for European travel, such as currency, mobile phones, internet access, power adapters, what to pack, and much, much more. I will also provide documents for How to Get to the Hotel, and for the Final Trip Itinerary, etc.

If you need a roommate, I can try to pair you up with someone, but it is up to you to make it work.

As with most European travel, these trips require A LOT of walking, standing and movement. You should be in reasonably good shape in order to participate in everything planned. However, there are certainly ways to make it easier and do less walking, etc. if you wish and don't mind not trying to keep up with the group.

Also, as with most European travel in the summer, expect it to be VERY HOT at times and do not expect to find air conditioning everywhere. Hopefully, our hotels will have air conditioning, but this can't always be guaranteed, because most hotels simply do not have it, and even if they do, it may not work very well. Most restaurants and other public places do not have air conditioning either. In most cases, the heat is not too bad, but there are times in late July when it could get extremely hot. If this occurs, we can not control the weather and we will survive, though it may not be comfortable for a little while. In these situations, you will truly get to experience what it is like to live in that part of the world where most people do not have air conditioning.

Lastly, as with most European travel, expect things like hotel rooms and restaurants to be small and the quarters to be tight. Unlike the US or other parts of the world, space is often limited in Europe and many buildings are very, very old. This is part of the charm and the experience.

I am only the coordinator of the trip. I charge a fee to assist you and guide you in your travels. I am not responsible for, or liable for, your health, safety, lost or stolen property, etc.

Click here to sign up, get on my email list and/or contact me!

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• Accommodations

Erlebnisangebote, Führungen, Kultur

Tailor-made package tours for you

• Discovery & Experience
• The city of beer
• BeerSchmecker®packages
• for individual tourists

On the Brewery Trail - The BierSchmecker®Tour

A perfect opportunity to get to know Bamberg's beers.

Bamberg without beer is like Christmas without Santa - unthinkable! Thirteen breweries within the town boundaries and 60 more in the surrounding area illustrate all that can be done with hops and malt. Immerse yourself in Bamberg's world of beer by going on this fantastic award-winning beer-tasting tour. Choose from eight of the Bamberg breweries for your personal beer tour of Bamberg.

• 4 vouchers for four different beer specialities of the participating breweries
• 1 voucher for a pair of smoke beer truffles
• 1 voucher for an original Bamberg “Seidla” beer stein and a decorative wooden lid for the stein
• Brochure “Bamberg Beer Worlds” with stories and information on brewing history and the current brewing scene in Bamberg and Bamberg county
• One special offer each at the "Franconian Brewery Museum", "Weyermann® Living & Drinking Shop" and "The Taschenbier Shop"

The tour is for a maximum of 6 people per tour. Please note, that the opening hours of the Brew Pubs can differ rather strongly. You should keep that in mind when planning your tour. You'll find the opening hours in the brochures of the tour or here . Please also note, that some breweries close for several weeks during the summer months.

Price information

28,- € per person

Further information

Validity: Available all year. The beer vouchers needn't be redeemed within one day. You can sample the beers leisurely at your own pace whenever you like.

Information

Bavaria is richly blessed with abbeys and monasteries. Their beautiful settings, treasures and pilgrimages attract many visitors. As do their home-brewed beers. These range in style from traditional to innovative.

Abbey Breweries in Bavaria: 13 Must-Visit

Inside the brewhouse: irseer klosterbräu.

The Benedictine Abbey of Irsee near Kaufbeuren in the Eastern Allgäu was founded in 1185. It really came into its own in the 18th century. The main attraction in the Baroque Church of Peter and Paul is the pulpit, which takes the form of a ship’s prow. Complete with mast, rigging, linen sails and putti as sailors… (Other examples of the exceptional ship’s prow pulpits in Bavaria - which represent the ship of the church weathering all storms - can be found in the Parish Church of the Annunciation in Erding-Altenerding and the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Bad-Kötzting-Weißenregen.)

The abbey was dissolved in 1803 and from 1832 it served as the local mental asylum. In 1981, it was converted into a training and conference centre. Renovation work on the former abbey began in 1970 and its brewery was expanded to include a brewery museum, offering direct views into the brewhouse and the fermentation cellar. A restaurant with a Biergarten, a hotel and a conference centre followed. The unfiltered Kloster-Urtrunk is the signature beer of Irsee and boasts an original spicy yet mild flavour. Other variations include the dark, quaffable, mildly aromatic Kloster-Urdunkel, the strong, amber-coloured Kloster-Starkbier, the Kloster-Weiße with its fine yeastiness and the classic Kloster-Helle. irsee.com (only in German)

Bottom-fermented: Klosterbräuhaus Ursberg

Ursberg Abbey, between Augsburg and Memmingen, is a former Imperial Abbey of the Premonstratensian Order. The abbey was dissolved in 1803. In 1884, the Priest Dominikus Ringeisen bought the property and set up the Franciscan St. Joseph's Congregation to care for people with physical and mental disabilities. In 1996, the establishment became an ecclesiastical foundation under public administration. It supports people with disabilities in various places in Bavaria.

The Premonstratensian monks had been brewing beer in the abbey as early as 1623. The brewery building was built in 1792. It specialises in bottom-fermented beers, including the following: Ursberger Märzen, amber in colour with very mild bitters; Pils with typical hop aromas; Helles, a full-bodied light beer with pleasant hop bitters; Dunkles, dark, malty and full-bodied with a fine bouquet. The beers can be enjoyed in the restaurant or the Biergarten. Accommodation is provided in the adjacent hotel. klosterbraeuhaus.de (only in German)

Bockbier and liqueurs: Klosterbrauerei Ettal

Klosterbiere, or abbey beers, have been brewed in Ettal for more than 400 years, since 1609. This Benedictine Abbey on the edge of the Ammergebirge Mountains near Garmisch-Partenkirchen was donated to Bavaria by Emperor Ludwig in 1330. It enjoyed its heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries, when pilgrims came to worship the Ettal Madonna, a statue imported from Pisa. The magnificent Baroque complex with the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was designed by Enrico Zucalli.

A new brewhouse was built in 2016. The main beers produced in Ettal are the Ettaler Kloster Hell (subtly malty with a spicy character), the Ettaler Kloster Dunkel (fine and sweet malty aroma) and Bockbiere (light and dark strong beers). A wheat beer is also produced in cooperation with a large brewery. The brewery tour includes a visit to a brewery museum. Since around 1900, liqueurs have also been produced in Ettal, including the “Abteilikör”, green and yellow liqueurs made according to ancient recipes. Accommodation can be found in the “Klosterhotel Ludwig der Bayer” with its “Bräustüberl” restaurant. The “Café 1330” offers coffee and cake. kloster-ettal.de (only in German)

Upper Bavaria’s holy mountain: Klosterbrauerei Andechs

The onion tower of the Andechs pilgrimage church above Lake Ammersee can be seen from a distance. The Rococo jewel of the Upper Bavarian Fünfseenland (five lakes region) is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Elisabeth of Thuringia, from the House of Andechs. Pilgrims have been coming to a chapel on the hill since 1130 to worship a relic of St. Nicholas. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Andechs also became a pilgrimage site in honour of the Virgin Mary, with a shrine to St. Hedwig added after 1945: born in Andechs, she was Duchess of Silesia. Benedictine monks have been providing hospitality for pilgrims since 1455.

Presumably the brewing tradition of Andechs also dates back to that time. Today, the abbey brewery is run by the order as an independent enterprise. The brothers brew the beers in a traditional multi-stage mashing process: Helles, Dunkles, Weißbier – and the respective Bockbier variants with their increased alcohol content… These popular beers, and also alcohol-free wheat beer and shandy, can be tasted in the famous Bräustüberl, where you can also tuck into snacks brought from home, in the Biergarten and in the Klostergasthof inn. andechs.de

Wonderful Biergarten: Kloster Reutberg

The Monastery Brewery Reutberg is a popular destination in the Tölzer Land region of Upper Bavaria. Visible from afar, it lies to the north of the town of Sachsenkamm. Reutberg was founded in 1618 for sisters of the Capuchin order and later became a Franciscan convent. Homage was paid there to the “Reutberg Christ Child”, a figure of the baby Jesus supposedly from Bethlehem. Sister Fidelis Weiß, who experienced mystical visions, was buried in the Monastery Church in 1923.

The brewery has been in existence since 1677; the Franciscan sisters originally did the brewing themselves. The Brauereigenossenschaft Reutberg has been continuing the tradition since 1924. The palette of beers served in the monastery’s Bräustüberl ranges from Hellen (light hop bouquet) and Dunklen (malty and full-bodied) to Weißbier (light and dark wheat beers) and Pils (with aromatic hop bitters). These are augmented by seasonal specialities such as Josefibock (slightly malty), Weißbierbock (yeasty) and Ägidius-Trunk (naturally cloudy and unfiltered). The phenomenal Biergarten offers superb views of the Isarwinkel and Karwendel Mountains. The Reutberg region offers many rewarding walking and cycling trails. The Southeastern Bavaria Way of St. James also passes the Reutberg. klosterbraeustueberl.de (only in German)

Masterful: Bavarian State Brewery of Weihenstephan

The Bavarian State Brewery of Weihenstephan in Freising is famous for being the oldest brewery in the world still in existence. It has been around for almost a thousand years! The Benedictine monastery set up by St. Corbinian in 725 was granted a brewing and serving licence in 1040 and continued to exercise these rights until its dissolution in 1803. At that point, the Bavarian State took it over and the brewery was run by the royal estate of Schleißheim.

In 1909 the College of Agriculture and Brewing was established in Weihenstephan. Today, students from all over the world come here to learn the art of brewing. The product range of the brewery encompasses sixteen different beers, many of which have won awards. In addition to the regular varieties of Hell, Pils, Dunkel and Weißbier, other beers well worth sampling are the light Weizenbock Vitus, the dark Doppelbock Korbinian and the Kellerbier 1516. They are best enjoyed in the Bräustüberl Weihenstephan with its Biergarten and views across Freising. Visitors can also tour the brewery and visit the brewery museum. weihenstephaner.de

Solar beer: Klosterbrauerei Scheyern

The abbey originated in 1077 in a monk’s community in the area of modern-day Bayerischzell near Lake Schliersee. In 1119, the monks moved to Scheyern. The new Count of Wittelsbach, Count Otto V of Scheyern, had settled in Wittelsbach Castle (in modern-day Aichach, destroyed in 1209). The now unused castle became the private monastery of the House of Wittelsbach (the family crypt until 1252).

Beer has been brewed in Scheyern since that time - so since 1119! The Benedictines produce their traditional beer exclusively from aromatic Hallertau hops and water from their own abbey well. The beers are neither pasteurised or ultraheat-treated. The range is extensive: there are traditional sorts such as Hell (quaffable, mildly hoppy), Dunkel (slightly tart), Weißbier (naturally cloudy, unfiltered wheat beer) and Schyrengold (naturally cloudy country beer brewed according to the rules for “solar beer”, i.e. using solar or renewable energy).

In addition there are abbey beers sold further afield and produced by the private Tucher brewery, and the “Junge Frische” range featuring Benedictus (lively with a tart hop bouquet) and Dreiundreißig Kloster Pils (tart, 33 bitters). Finally there are four different craft beers using new hop varieties and exotic flavours such as mint and menthol. The abbey also has its own bar with a Biergarten, a butcher’s, a distillery, a cheese dairy and an Alm in the mountain pastures near Bayerischzell. kloster-scheyern.de (only in German)

Medal-winning: Klosterbrauerei Weltenburg

Weltenburg Abbey boasts a spectacular location on the Danube Gorge with its steep rocky sides. It lies around 25 kilometres southwest of Regensburg. The abbey is thought to have been founded around the year 600 by the Irish-Scottish wandering monk Eustachius and Agilus of Luxeuil. It is the oldest monastic establishment in Bavaria. Nowadays, the Baroque complex is inhabited by Benedictine monks. Of particular note is the Abbey Church of St. George, designed by the Asam Brothers.

Evidence shows that beer has been brewed in the abbey since 1050. The star of the brewery is the Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel. This fine, creamy, bottom-fermented beer with its powerful taste has won the Gold Award at the World Beer Cup in the USA no fewer than three times. The Weltenburger Kloster Asam Bock, in turn, is a three-time Gold Medal winner at the European Beer Star, and a malty, aromatic, sweet, dark Doppelbock. The range also includes Helles, Pils, Kellerbier, Märzen and more.

The Klosterschänke tavern with a direct beer pipeline to the cellar and a Biergarten with chestnut trees both provide guests with a great place to sit and enjoy the various liquid delights. The beers can also be paired with Bavarian dishes in the “Weltenburger am Dom” restaurant in Regensburg. A visitor centre in the historic Felsenkeller provides information about the abbey, the brewery and the natural environment of the Weltenburger Enge. Guided tours of the church and brewery are also available. weltenburger.de (only in German)

Fill your tankard: Aldersbacher

The Aldersbach Brewery, southwest of Vilshofen on the Danube, also looks back on a long monastic history. 1268 saw the first mention of monks at the Cistercian Monastery of Aldersbach brewing beer primarily for their own consumption. In the 16th century, the brothers expanded the brewery and planted hops. As a consequence of the secularisation in 1803, the family of the Freiherr of Aretin took over the complex and has been running the brewery ever since.

They brew a wide range of traditional beers, from the Aldersbacher Urhell (fine and slightly hoppy) and the Kloster Dunkel (malty and aromatic) to the Freiherrn Pils (slim, finely hoppy) and other varieties. Their full-bodied Zwicklbier won the Silver Medal at the European Beer Star 2017, while the mild and hoppy Kloster Weisse Hell has won the German Agricultural Society’s Gold Award no fewer than six times. The glass showcase brewery creates a constantly changing selection of craft beers (India Pale Ale, Stout, Weizenbock, Barley Wine and Porter).

Visitors should definitely take the opportunity to look inside the former Abbey Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, designed by the Asam Brothers. Guided tours of the brewery, church and abbey are available. Guests can soak up Lower Bavarian “Gemütlichkeit” in the Bräustüberl. There you can get your Stein, or tankard, refilled at the counter. When the weather is nice, visitors can sit outside in two large Biergartens. aldersbacher.de (only in German)

Holy duo: Speinshart and Kemnath

1145 is the probable construction date of Speinshart Monastery, northwest of Weiden, with the first documented mention of the presence of Premonstrations there in 1181. The monastery became a religious and cultural centre of the northern Upper Palatinate. The new Baroque building erected in the 17th century was designed by Wolfgang and Georg Dientzenhofer and is an architectural monument of European significance. The monastery was dissolved in 1803 and brought back to life in 1923. Extensive renovation work was completed in 2017.

Today, the monastery also serves as an international venue, hosting cultural events and concerts. The Speinsharter Klosterbier is served in the monastery’s own Klostergasthof tavern. This quaffable, amber-coloured beer with its finely spiced, malty aroma is brewed by the Kemnather Klosterbrauerei, just ten kilometres away. The origins of this private brewery date back to the Franciscan monastery of Kemnath, founded in 660 and dissolved in 1802. The brewing coppers in Kemnath produce Helles, Pils, Bavarian wheat beer, Märzen, a seasonal festival beer and Zoiglbier, a natural full beer and speciality of Oberpfalz. kloster-speinshart.de und  klosterbrauerei-kemnath.de (only in German)

Fresh from the barrel: Kloster Kreuzberg

In pre-Christian times, the Celts made pilgrimages to a cultural site on the Kreuzberg. Since the Middle Ages, this 900 metre-high mountain in the Rhön district has been a destination for religious believers. They seek out the pilgrimage cross on the summit, later replaced by three crucifixes. A little lower down, a Franciscan monastery has stood here since 1692, and a brewery since 1731. Pilgrimage is thirsty work! Thank goodness that the monastery on the “Holy Mountain of Franconia” was not abolished during secularisation, as happened to so many of Bavaria’s abbeys and monasteries. Today, the monastery and its restaurant make a popular destination.

Franciscans are a mendicant order, so the convent and the restaurant are separate entities. The monks used to serve their beer to pilgrims free of charge until 1920. The Klosterbier is almost all served from barrels. Its quality comes from the fact that it is made from their own spring water, Rhön brewing malt, aromatic hops from the Hallertau and a recipe that has not changed over the centuries. All the beers are unfiltered: Dunkel, Pils, Helles Hefeweizen and the Christmas Weihnachstbock (“only for seasoned beer drinkers”...). Guests can find refreshments in the rustic Klosterschänke tavern with its large Biergarten – and sleep in the Berggasthof “Elisäus” near the pilgrimage church. A small quantity of the valuable product is surrendered to neighbouring Franciscan monasteries. As a result, the Kreuzberg beer can also be enjoyed in Engelberg Abbey in Großheubach. engelberg.franziskaner.net (only in German)

Franconia’s oldest brewery: Weißenohe

The Benedictine Abbey in Weißenohe in the Upper Franconian district of Forchheim has been in existence since 1050. It can be assumed that beer has been brewed there since that date too. Weißenohe is therefore deemed to be Franconia’s oldest brewery! Over time, the abbey was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and following secularisation it was sold to a private buyer. The monastic master brewer continued to run the brewery until it was sold, complete with brewing rights, in 1827.

Today, it is run by the fifth generation of the Winkler family. The water for the brewery comes from Franconian Switzerland and is ideally suited to dark, not overly hoppy beers. The hop variety “Hersbrucker” gives an elegant tartness while the malting barley comes from the immediate surrounding area. The resulting products: Altfränkisches Klosterbier (amber-coloured, full-bodied), Classic Export Bioland (powerful, with aroma and body, EU organic certification), Kloster-Sud (malty), Bonifatius Dunkel (moderate bitters and pleasant roasted aroma), Bonator Doppelbock (“Drink does not break the fast” ...), Eucharius Märzen (golden-red, spicy). Food and drink are served in the adjacent inn. The old malting house hosts art exhibitions. The ten-kilometre 5-Seidla Steig (Brewery Route) starts in Weißenohe and leads to four other brewery taverns. klosterbrauerei-weissenohe.de (only in German)

Visionary: Vierzehnheiligen Nothelfer Bier

The name of this beer means “an emergency helper” and is made in the Trunk brewery, just a short walk up the hill from the Vierzehnheiligen church. The imposing Baroque basilica was built on a mountain near Bad Staffelstein in Upper Franconia following a design by Balthasar Neumann. It is dedicated to the Fourteen Holy Helpers: Catholic patron saints from the second, third and fourth centuries, who all died as martyrs (except for Ägidius, the helper at confession and the nursing mother). Since the mid-15th century, pilgrims have come here to the place where the saints once appeared to a shepherd and where the Basilica was eventually built.

The Vierzehnheiliger Bier has been brewed since 1803, and by the Trunk brewery since 1989. The speciality beers only use malts from Kulmbach and Bamberg as well as regional hops. The most well-known is the dark Nothelfer Trunk - the colour of horse chestnuts and described as having “grain, bread and roasted aromas, followed by chocolate, espresso, caramel and Brazil nuts - with bitters present at the finish”. Other beers sure to slake your thirst include: Pils (citrus aroma), Bio-Weiße (intensive cloves at the finish), Hell (lightly honeyed notes) and Silberbock (nutty resonance). This liquid assistance is served in Bräustüberl and Biergarten and a selection of drinks is also sent out through the mail. brauerei-trunk.de (only in German)

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Munich's Hofbräuhaus Brewery

With a history dating back to 1589, the Hofbräuhaus Brewery has become Munich's most popular beer hall and one of the most famous in the world.

According to legend, Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria and a member of the Wittelsbach family, found the beer in Munich so bad that he commissioned his own state brewery. The  Staatliches Hofbräuhaus was thus born, and 1589 saw the construction of the Hofbräuhaus that we know and love today .

A legendary history

After centuries of producing beer for the royals, in 1828 the Hofbräuhaus was opened to the public by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The beer hall quickly became the centre of public and political life in Munich , counting famous names such as Mozart and Lenin amongst its regular customers.

The brewery's significant role as a meeting place for political figures led to it witnessing a number of important historic events . In 1919 the Munich Communist Government established their headquarters in the Hofbräuhaus, and in 1920 the Festsaal saw the first meeting of Hitler and the National Socialist Party.

Having been almost completely destroyed by World War II bombings in 1945, it underwent over a decade of restoration work, finally reopening in 1958.

The Hofbräuhaus today

Every day, more than 35,000 people visit the brewery's immense beer halls, making it  one of Munich's main tourist attractions , especially during the annual celebration of  Oktoberfest . Its fascinating history, elaborate traditional decor and - of course - diverse and delicious beers still brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law make it a must-do experience during your trip to the city.

When you visit the Hofbräuhaus, it's perfectly normal to share a table with other people, but look out for signs indicating "Stammtisch". These are regulars' tables, an essential beer hall tradition. The oldest Stammtisch dates back 70 years, and the regulars keep their personalised beer mugs stored in the Hofbräuhaus' dedicated safes!

Daily from 9 am to midnight.

U-Bahn : Marienplatz (lines U3 and U6). S-Bahn : Marienplatz (lines S1, S2, S3, S4, S6, S7, S8, S27, SP1 and SP2).

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Old Town Hall (248 m) Marienplatz (324 m) New Town Hall (325 m) Munich Residenz (331 m) St Peter's Church Munich (333 m)

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Hofbrauhaus Brewery, Marienplatz, Neuschwanstein Castle, the English Garden... Make the most of your time in Munich and ensure you don't miss the city's most important sights.

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Why German beer is better than ours (and the best places to drink it)

H ere in Düsseldorf’s historic Altstadt, a district known as “the longest bar in the world” (on account of its several hundred bars, crammed so close together that there’s scarcely any space between them), the streets are full of British football fans, sinking vast quantities of Altbier, the local ale.

England fans are toasting Sunday’s narrow victory over Serbia; Scotland fans are drowning their sorrows after Friday’s drubbing by Germany, the hosts of this summer’s UEFA European Football Championship , aka Euro 2024. England fans are optimistic, Scotland fans are pessimistic, but there’s one thing these old rivals agree on: the unrivalled excellence of German beer.

Germany probably won’t triumph at the Euros (France are the firm favourites), but if there was an equivalent contest for brewing, they’d surely win hands down. OK, so the Czechs and the Belgians would run them pretty close, but no one can match the Germans for strength in depth. Never mind the mass-produced brands you see in British supermarkets. You have to travel here to sample the finest German beers. Virtually every town in the Bundesrepublik has its own brewery, and Germans are fiercely loyal to their local brew.

This boozy parochialism is one reason why so many smaller breweries have survived here, but the main reason is quality. What makes German beer taste so good? It all dates back to 1516, and a tongue-twisting regulation called the Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) which stipulated that only four ingredients were permitted for brewing beer: water, barley, hops and yeast. Over 500 years later, that medieval edict still stands.

The other thing that makes German beer so special is the places where the Germans drink it. From cavernous bierkellers and leafy biergartens to cosy kneipen and stuben (pubs and bars), in any part of Germany you’re sure to find a convivial spot to do your drinking.

People of all ages mingle in these jolly places. The service is gruff but affable, and the house style is refreshingly informal. Sharing a trestle table with strangers is a great way to make new friends. Germans certainly like getting tipsy but you hardly ever see them steaming drunk, partly because most bars serve proper food. The dishes are hearty – sausages, sauerkraut, herrings, dumplings, all the usual Teutonic staples – and the portions are huge.

But surely German beer is all the same: lager, lager and yet more lager? Not at all. Most of that stuff is made for export. If you fancy a change from pilsner, order a weizen (a fruity wheat beer) or a dunkel (a dark, aromatic ale). If you like Guinness, order a Schwarzbier – it looks and tastes a lot like stout.

Every region has its own specialities, and if you’re here for the Euros, like me, you’ll find loads you’ve never tried before. To wet your whistle, here are a few of my old favourites, and some of the best places to sample them. Cheers! Or, as the Germans say, prost!

Altbier, Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf’s signature beer is top fermented, rather than bottom fermented like most modern industrial beers. This gives it a fresher, more complex taste. It has a rich, malty flavour, a bit like Newcastle Brown Ale – look out for Sticke, a stronger variation brewed only once or twice per year. There used to be dozens of Altbier breweries in Düsseldorf’s lively Altstadt (Old Town). Only a handful have survived, but they’re still all very popular. My favourites are Zum Schlüssel and Uerige , which featured in the classic Anglo-German sitcom, Auf Wiedersehen Pet . Both places are just a stone’s throw from Düsseldorf’s scenic Rhine promenade.

Kölsch, Cologne

Both on the River Rhine, only 25 miles apart, Cologne and Düsseldorf are fierce yet friendly foes, a local rivalry encapsulated in their distinctive local beers. Unlike Altbier, Düsseldorf’s favourite brew, Kölsch is light and clear, but although locals like to stress the differences, the way they’re served is very similar. Altbier is served in little 0.25 litre glasses, while Kölsch is served in even smaller 0.2 litre glasses. This means the beer remains cool and crisp, rather than becoming warm and flat. Waiters carry on bringing more and more until you put a beer mat on top of your glass, and they keep count by marking your beer mat – a clever system, no queueing at the bar. Gaffel and Früh are my favourite breweries, both right by Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral.

Weissbier, Munich

Weissbier means “white beer” but that’s a bit of a misnomer. Most weissbier has a pale orange hue, and dunkelweizen , a darker variation, is almost black, like stout. In fact, the name derives from “wheat beer”, since it contains more wheat than barley. This gives it a glutinous texture and a syrupy flavour – not to everyone’s taste (I can’t get enough of it, but I know a lot of people who can’t stand it). It’s available all over Germany, but its natural home is Bavaria. If you’re in Munich you’ll see it everywhere, served in tall half-litre glasses. The big brands – Erdinger, Paulaner and Franziskaner – are all perfectly good, but it’s fun to seek out something more unusual. From Munich, take the S-Bahn to Herrsching, on the banks of the Ammersee, one of Bavaria’s loveliest lakes, and hike uphill to Andechs Kloster , a picturesque medieval monastery where the monks brew their own Andechser beer.

Gose, Leipzig

This full-bodied, salty beer originated in Goslar, in the Harz Mountains (it’s named after the River Gose, which runs through this ancient mining town). Its popularity soon spread, and the place where it took root was Leipzig. Before the war there were many Gose breweries around town, but then Leipzig ended up behind the Iron Curtain and most of them shut down. Happily, after German reunification, the oldest brand, Ritterguts , was revived – and this year this unpasteurised, open-fermented beer celebrates its 200th birthday. There are several Leipzig bars where you can enjoy Ritterguts Gose on tap, like Zill’s Tunnel .

Störtebeker, Hamburg and Stralsund

Northern Germany is renowned for its refreshing pale pilsners and lagers, and one of the best breweries is Störtebeker , in the handsome Hanseatic port of Stralsund. Founded back in 1827, it survived the vicissitudes of the last century (including 45 years behind the Iron Curtain) and it’s now one of northern Germany’s leading brands. You can visit the brewery in Stralsund, or, if you’re in Hamburg for the football, you can eat out at the Störtebeker restaurant in the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg’s spectacular concert hall. Designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron (the brains behind Tate Modern), it has quickly become an icon and a rendezvous, with stunning views across the Elbe, one of Germany’s great waterways.

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A Colorado brewery has embarked on “a never-ending pursuit of that perfect beer.” If the brewery gets close to perfection, the beer will be one beloved way across the pond in Germany.

Denver-based Prost Brewing brews “authentic” German-style beers, including many that have won awards. The perfect-beer pursuit is the journey of David Deline, the brewery’s president.

“Every style of beer has its perfect place and a time to be enjoyed,” Deline says. “German beer is what we love to drink when we are at home, and that is why we choose to make it everyday while we work.”

Denver-based Prost Brewing aims to replicate Germany's great beers.

Prost Brewing was launched in August 2012 “when there was a gap in the heavily IPA-dominated market,” Deline says. “We wanted to present a more drinkable, sessionable and high-quality craft option.”

The brewery was founded by six business partners, including Deline’s family, and they began brewing in a copper brewhouse (brewing vessels) imported from a historic brewery in Germany’s Franconia region. In 2018, the Deline family acquired sole ownership.

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Prost now operates three beer gardens — two in suburban Northglenn and Highlands Ranch and one in Denver — and a tap room in Fort Collins. Brewing is done at the 60,000-square-foot Northglenn facility, which has a 10,000-square-foot tap room. Part of the Northglenn design was inspired by Schönram , a country brewery in Bavaria owned by the same family for more than 235 years.

Prost declares on its website that the beermaking formula “is simple, and the process is far from it.” Christopher O’Connor, Prost’s vice president of brewery operations, explains.

“The formula is consistently the same four natural ingredients — grains, yeast, water and hops — but the process and art of combining these ingredients is truly unique,” he says. “Our process combines endosperm mashing, decoction mashing, open fermentation, horizontal lagering, recovered CO2 for carbonation and state of the art polish filtration and packaging equipment.”

The process has resulted in four beers winning awards at the Great American Beer Festival and one beer winning the top award at the World Beer Cup. At the Great American Beer Festival last year, Prost Pilsner won a silver medal, and Luna Lager, a a Mexican export lager brewed with Denver’s Cheluna Brewing , captured a gold medal. The pilsner also won a silver medal at the festival in 2020.

David Deline, president of Denver's Prost Brewing, and Christopher O’Connor, vice president of ... [+] brewery operations, enjoy a German-style beer together.

In prior years at the competition, Prost Hefeweizen won gold and silver medals, and Keller Pils was awarded a gold medal. At this year’s World Beer Cup, Prost Leichtbier captured a gold medal.

Medals are great for rewarding brewers for hard work, but does the IPA-mad marketplace appreciate other beer styles?

“I love IPAs,” O’Connor says. “I also think there is room in the market for both authentic German beers and big bold IPAs. Honestly, home base in beer for most people is clean, easy-drinking lagers. They are approachable and offer something to everyone. Prost satisfies that demand through our crisp, clean and balanced products. There is something special about finding that perfection in the simplicity of lager beers.”

Would any of Prost’s beers be out of step tastewise for the German consumer?

“Our goal is to create the most authentic German-style beer possible,” O’Conner responds. “To this end, we import just about all our grains and hops directly from Germany. We brew with German techniques and German equipment. Our intent is to create an authentic German beer-drinking experience.”

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6 Best Hamburg Brewery Tours

Updated on  January 29, 2024  

Looking for the best Hamburg brewery tours? Look no further. This blog post will guide you through the top brewery experiences in Hamburg, giving you a taste of the city's finest craft beers and the stories behind them.

Top Hamburg Brewery Tours

#1 TOP PICK

Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour

• Best Hamburg Brewery Tour
• 7 beers included

St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour

• Tour the iconic St. Pauli district
• Includes entry to breweries and a bar

Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour

• Alternative area of Hamburg
• Includes beer + currywurst!

1. Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour

Dive deep into Hamburg's beer culture with the Craft Beer Tasting Tour . It's not just a sip here and there; you get to taste at least 7 different local beers over the course of 3 hours. 

Learn as you drink, discovering why Hamburg was once hailed as 'The Brewery House of the Hanseatic League'. This tour is for those who love history as much as they love beer.

You'll meet your guide at "Schulterblatt 73" before setting off on an adventure that mixes medieval brews with modern craft twists.

Each stop introduces a new flavor and a piece of brewing lore, making sure your palate and brain are equally entertained. The constantly varied selection means every tour offers something fresh, ranking it top-notch among brewery experiences in Hamburg.

What sets this experience apart is the seasonal updates to their beer lineup—always keeping things exciting—and insights into ancient brewing methods that shaped today's techniques.

Experience traditional beers from centuries ago alongside innovative craft options by microbreweries blazing trails in the industry. Wrap up this boozy journey through time feeling like a true connoisseur of all things hops and barley!

• Taste over 7 local beers on a 3 - hour tour of Hamburg.
• Explore 1,000 years of brewing history at different venues.
• Try some of Hamburg's best craft beers and learn about the unique local craft beer scene.
• Experience traditional Hamburg beers as well as new craft offerings and get insights into medieval brewing techniques.
• Limited availability of non-alcoholic or low-alcohol beer options for those who prefer such choices.

2. St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour

Hop into the heart of Hamburg's brewing culture with the St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour . 

This isn't just any pub crawl; it's a voyage through centuries of beer history led by local experts who know their hops! Picture yourself sipping on fine craft brews from three distinct breweries, each bursting with unique flavors that capture the soul of St. Pauli - Hamburg's Red Light District .

As you zigzag between lively taprooms, spectacular views of bustling docks and serene shipyards unfold before your eyes. The tour hits a high note at "Zur Ritze," where you'll not only get to quench your thirst but also peek into its iconic boxing cellar—a hidden gem where legends have thrown punches!

This sip-and-stroll adventure offers more than just tasting—it’s an education in pint-sized form.

Learn how Hamburg rose to be a beer-brewing powerhouse while making stops for hearty samples along the way. Wrap up your experience picking out your favorite beer for one last free sample—the perfect end to an invigorating 2.5-hour journey.

The St. Pauli Beer Tasting Tour blends entertainment with enlightenment, creating memories that stick long after the last drop has been savored.

Who would've thought that beer-tasting could give such rich insight into Hamburg's heritage? Cheers to discovering new favorites and stories worth telling over a cold one!

• Explore three unique breweries and savor diverse craft beers
• Soak in stunning harbor , shipyard, and dock views
• Gain fascinating insights into global beer history
• Relish a refreshing beer at the famous "Ritze" pub and tour its renowned box cellar
• Brewery admissions and beer tastings included
• Limited availability, may not be suitable for last - minute bookings
• Participants must be of legal drinking age to enjoy the beer tastings
• Tour may involve walking and standing for extended periods, so comfortable footwear is recommended

3. Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour

Get ready to step into Hamburg's heart of beer and bites with the Schanzenviertel Food and Beer Tour . 

This is where you dive deep into the city's brewery roots, dating back to when Hamburg led Europe's brew scene. Imagine kicking off at Ratsherrn Brewery, feeling each step echo through halls steeped in hoppy history, then watching master brewers at work.

It's not just a peek; it's a full-on journey from grain to glass.

Next, stroll through the Schanze district—a place buzzing with cool vibes—and suddenly find yourself in front of mind-blowing currywurst that'll have your taste buds dancing!

Keep wandering and end up sipping beers that break all the rules—think wild fruit flavors and bold new craft blends among hip locals and fellow travelers.

This food tour packs it all: hidden gems, live German storytelling by your guide, two-and-a-half hours pulsing with culture. Tip: wear comfy shoes for easy exploring! With sips shared and stories swapped, this isn't just another tour—it’s your backstage pass to authentic Hamburg flavor adventures!

• Explore the trendy Schanze district
• Learn about beer production at Ratsherrn Brewery
• Sample interesting and delicious beers
• Taste the best currywurst in Hamburg
• Limited time for each stop
• Potential crowds in popular locations
• Additional expenses for souvenirs or extra snacks

4. Walking Craft Beer Tour in the St. Pauli District

Sip your way through St. Pauli's history with a craft beer in hand! The Walking Craft Beer Tour takes you on a three-hour journey to Hamburg's coolest breweries and bars.

Imagine strolling along the cobbled streets, guide by your side, chatting about the city's beer-soaked past. With six different beers to try, your taste buds will thank you at every stop.

Your local guide knows just where to take you for that authentic German drinking vibe. Picture yourself at ÜberQuell brewery, surrounded by industrial chic decor as you sip a fresh pint.

Or maybe you'll be clinking glasses in Musikbar Eldorado, feeling like one of the regulars. This walking tour isn't just about tasting; it's about connecting—with people, places, and pints.

Booking is super easy—reserve now without paying upfront and cancel free if plans change.

You'll walk away from this experience not only buzzed but also filled with fun facts and new friends. It's more than just a pub crawl; it’s a cultural deep dive into Hamburg’s crafty pours! Cheers to making memories one beer at a time!

• Explore the St. Pauli district on a 3 - hour walking tour
• Sample 6 different craft beers along the way
• Expert guide included for an immersive experience
• Book now, pay later for flexibility in travel plans.
• Limited availability on specific starting times may not suit everyone's schedule.
• Not suitable for individuals under the legal drinking age.

5. Private German Beer Tasting Tour in Hamburg Old Town

Step back in time and explore Hamburg's beer heritage with a Private German Beer Tasting Tour .

Your personal guide is not just any guide; they're beer experts! They'll lead you through the cobblestone streets of Hamburg’s Old Town, sharing stories of medieval breweries that quenched the thirst of sailors and merchants long ago. Imagine sipping on Germany's finest beers where it all began.

With this brewrey and city tour , you dive into a world of hearty laughter and clinking glasses. Choose from 2 to 4 hours of adventure, each tailored to tease your taste buds with select popular and craft beers.

Matched perfectly with traditional German appetizers, every sip reveals more about the local brewing passion. The convenience is unmatched – cancel for free up until 24 hours before or book now without spending a dime.

So why pick this? It's simple: authentic experience meets flexibility. Opt for the extended tours if you crave deeper dives into Germany’s pub culture or wish to feast on moreish dishes alongside your brews.

Each step of your journey brings new flavors and tales, told by guides fluent in many languages ready to make your day unforgettable at Hamburg's best pubs and breweries.

• Customizable private beer tasting tour in Hamburg Old Town
• Options for 2, 3, or 4 - hour tours with various beers served
• Includes popular, regional, and craft beers in generous quantities
• Food served at one venue includes snacks, appetizers, and hot dishes
• Indulge in popular, regional, and craft beers with German - style appetizers at the best pubs and breweries.
• Limited availability, so booking in advance is recommended.
• May not be suitable for those with limited mobility due to walking involved during the tour.
• Additional costs may apply if you wish to purchase extra food or drinks beyond the included selection.

6. The "Fischkopp" Food and Beer Tour

Imagine stepping into the bustling streets of St. Pauli , where the smell of fresh fish sandwiches fills the air and laughter echoes around you. The "Fischkopp" Food & Beer Tour lets you dive right into this lively scene.

You'll start with a delicious bite to eat and some Astra beer, setting the tone for an adventure through Hamburg's historic brewing culture.

As you wander past vibrant landmarks, your guide fills each step with stories that bring old Hamburg to life. You get to hang out at Brewdog's craft beer bar – it’s like being let in on a local secret as you sip on varied brews.

Your journey concludes at ASTRA Brauhaus, tasting three unique beers that are as rich in flavor as they are in history.

This tour isn't just about eating and drinking; it's a doorway to experiencing Hamburg’s spirit through its love for breweries.

Each stop serves up more than just good food and drinks – they're chapters in a storybook brimming with tradition. With friendly guides eager to share their knowledge, you leave not only full but enlightened too, carrying memories from one of the best walks around town.

• 5 beer tastings included
• Try the legendary fish sandwich
• English - speaking live guide
• Limited time to fully savor each beer and dish
• May not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions or non - drinkers
• Tour may be affected by inclement weather, impacting the overall experience

What to Expect on a Brewery Tour

Brewery history and process.

Hamburg's brewing roots run deep, with a beer history of over 1,000 years. Picture this: generations of skilled brewers crafting their beers with passion and precision. Today, you can step into that legacy on a Hamburg brewery tour.

At spots like the Holsten Brewery in Altona, they'll show you the ropes—how they mix water, hops, and malts to create liquid gold. See massive kettles that bubble with future brews and towering fermenters where yeasty magic turns wort into beer.

As you wander through these historic halls, you're following in the footsteps of countless brewers before you. They've all been part of Hamburg's famous beer scene. Watch modern craft converge with ancient tradition right before your eyes.

Dive into each stage from boiling to bottling while sipping on samples that range from hoppy to sweet-smooth maltiness. Every sip tells a story—a tale of taste honed over centuries right here in Hamburg.

Beer tasting

Explore the rich flavors of Hamburg's local brews on your beer tasting adventure. As you sip different craft beers, feel the unique notes dancing on your tongue – from bold hops to smooth malts.

Each brewery tells a story through its signature blends, and you'll learn why these German beers stand out in taste and tradition.

Embrace the camaraderie among fellow beer lovers as you discuss the distinct profiles of each brew. You may find yourself favoring a light zesty ale or being drawn to the dark side with a robust stout.

Local food pairings

Pair your beer with mouth-watering local eats. Imagine biting into a juicy, savory bratwurst right after sipping a hoppy craft brew. It's an adventure for your taste buds! Each pub or restaurant on the Hamburg brewery tours offers its own special pairings.

You could be munching on crisp potato pancakes one moment and tangy pickled herring the next, all while enjoying freshly brewed beers.

Discover traditions through flavors that tell Hamburg's story. Brewery tours give you this awesome chance to taste dishes straight from the brauhaus kitchen.

Think of soft pretzels with mustard, hearty meat platters, or sweet local pastries; each bite complements the unique German beers you're tasting.

Tips for a Successful Brewery Tour

Make reservations in advance.

Secure your spot and guarantee the best price by booking popular beer tasting and brewery tours in Hamburg ahead of time.

Get Your Guide offers top-rated options with reviews, photos, and free cancellation, making advance reservations essential for a successful experience.

Pace yourself

Take your time during the brewery tour, savoring each beer tasting without rushing. Enjoy the unique flavors and aromas with small sips, allowing yourself to fully appreciate each brew's characteristics.

As you pace yourself, you can truly immerse in the brewery history and process, absorbing the fascinating details behind each beer's creation.

Soak in the ambiance, indulge in local food pairings that complement the beers perfectly, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Cheers to pacing yourself for an unforgettable brewery tour!

Bring a designated driver or use public transportation

Ensure a safe and responsible brewery tour by bringing a designated driver or utilizing public transportation for worry-free travel after enjoying the beer tasting experience.

Plan ahead to eliminate any concerns about getting home safely and focus on savoring the unique flavors of each brew, knowing that transportation arrangements are taken care of.

Conclusion: Best Hamburg Brewery Tours

From traditional breweries to innovative craft beer establishments, these Hamburg brewery tours provide a rich taste of Hamburg's brewing heritage. With knowledgeable guides and diverse tastings, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the art and craft behind each brew. 

Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the best tours in Hamburg promise a memorable and flavorful exploration of the city's brewing culture. Cheers to discovering Hamburg's beer scene in the most enjoyable way possible!

Still undecided? I recommend Hamburg Craft Beer Tasting Tour as the best brewery tour in Hamburg!

References:

1: Brewing History, retrieved from https://www.ratsherrn.de/en/brewery/about-us/brewing-history.html

About the Author

Stephan Drescher

Stephan Drescher, founder of germanytravel.blog, is a German travel expert and insider, providing trusted tips and advice for a perfect trip to Germany. Born & bred German.