The best European beers tours
- The Guinness Tour in Dublin, Ireland: Located at St. James Gate, Dublin 8, Ireland, the Guinness tour stands as an essential stopover for visitors to Dublin, earning its reputation as Ireland's No. 1 tourist attraction. Open every day from Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 5 pm, this tour offers a firsthand experience of why it enjoys such a cult following among travelers. Some even argue that the Guinness tour merits its own separate chapter in any traveler's itinerary.
- The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands: Recently reopened after extensive remodeling, the Heineken Experience offers a more high-tech brewery tour than ever before. Despite the modern upgrades, the staff maintains a gag order on discussing the Freddie Heineken kidnapping, adding an intriguing layer to the experience. Located at Stadhouderskade 78, Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For just 5 Euros, visitors can enjoy a tour, a free glass, and two small beers.
- Beck’s Brewery in Bremen, Germany: Beck's Brewery boasts a heritage in fine pilsner beers dating back to 1873. Located at Am Deich 18/19, Bremen 28199 Germany, the brewery offers tours in English every hour after 1:30 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. General hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen, Denmark: Opened in 1999, the Carlsberg Visitors Center in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a main attraction in the city. Rebuilt on the old Gamle Carlsberg production site, which dates back to 1847, visitors can explore the rich history of the brewery. Located slightly out of town at 11 Gamle Carlsbergvej, Valby 25000, the brewery offers free tours from Monday to Friday, from 11 am to 2 pm. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the Elephant Beer, which is twice as strong as what they sell in the USA.
Europe boasts a plethora of top brewery tours that cater to beer enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience into the world of brewing. One of the quintessential destinations for beer tours is Munich, Germany, renowned for its rich brewing heritage and vibrant beer culture. Visitors can embark on guided brewery tours that take them behind the scenes of historic breweries such as Hofbräuhaus and Paulaner, where they can witness the traditional brewing process firsthand and sample classic Bavarian beers. Additionally, Munich's bustling beer halls and lively beer gardens provide the perfect backdrop for post-tour pub crawls, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the convivial atmosphere of Oktoberfest all year round.
For those with a penchant for Belgian beer, a beer tour through Belgium offers a tantalizing exploration of the country's esteemed brewing tradition. From the iconic Trappist breweries to the charming family-run breweries, Belgium is home to a diverse array of beer-making establishments that showcase the country's passion for craft beer. Beer tours in Belgium often include visits to historic breweries in cities like Brussels and Bruges, where participants can learn about the unique brewing methods and sample an extensive selection of Belgian beers, including Trappist ales, lambics, and saisons. With its rich beer heritage and renowned brewing expertise, Belgium promises an unforgettable beer tour experience that celebrates the country's status as a mecca for beer enthusiasts around the globe.
When it comes to European beer tours, few destinations rival the beer-centric region of Bavaria in Germany. Bavaria is a beer lover's paradise, home to some of the world's best beer and traditional breweries. Beer tours in Bavaria often include visits to iconic breweries like Augustiner, where participants can witness the brewing process up close and enjoy a tasting tour of the brewery's finest brews. Outside of Munich, the charming town of Bamberg beckons beer enthusiasts with its rich beer history and diverse beer culture. Here, visitors can explore traditional breweries and sample unique beer styles like Rauchbier, a smoked beer that is characteristic of the region. With its picturesque old town and rich beer heritage, Bamberg offers a beer tour experience unlike any other in Europe.
In Belgium, the region of Flanders stands out as one of Europe's greatest beer destinations, offering a beer-centric itinerary that showcases the country's esteemed brewing tradition. Beer tours in Flanders often include visits to historic breweries in cities like Brussels and Bruges, where participants can learn about the unique brewing methods and sample an extensive selection of Belgian beers, including lambics and goses. Additionally, beer lovers can explore traditional beer bars and breweries to get a taste of authentic Belgian beer culture. With its rich beer history and diverse beer offerings, Flanders promises an unforgettable beer tour experience that celebrates the region's status as a mecca for beer enthusiasts around the world.
For those seeking a more immersive beer tour experience, European beer tour companies offer ultimate beer tours that allow participants to drink beer and sightsee like a local. Unlike most tour companies, these beer-centric travel companies provide expert tour guides and tour directors who are passionate about beer and well-versed in beer history. Tours include visits to some of Europe's largest beer festivals, such as Oktoberfest in Munich and the Great British Beer Festival in London, where participants can sample a wide variety of European beers and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of these iconic events. With a focus on beer-centric travel and exploration, these ultimate beer tours offer beer lovers the opportunity to experience Europe's greatest beer destinations in a unique and memorable way.
In addition to brewery tours and beer festivals, Europe beer tours often include sightseeing tours and free time to explore iconic landmarks and attractions. Participants can visit famous beer tents and beer bars, explore historical beer sites, and enjoy free time to sightsee and shop for beer-related souvenirs. With its beer-centric travel style and emphasis on beer history and culture, European beer tours offer an immersive and unforgettable experience for beer enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're exploring traditional breweries in Bavaria, sampling lambics in Flanders, or drinking beer like a local at Europe's largest beer festivals, a European beer tour promises an unforgettable journey through the continent's rich beer heritage.
In conclusion, the top brewery tours of Europe offer beer enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich brewing traditions and vibrant beer cultures of the continent. From the iconic beer halls of Munich to the traditional breweries of Belgium and beyond, these tours provide a unique blend of sightseeing, beer tasting, and cultural immersion. Whether embarking on a walking tour through historic brewing districts, sampling German beer at a local brewery, or indulging in a tour and tasting at renowned beer establishments, participants are invited to eat and drink like locals while gaining insight into the fascinating world of European beer. With expert tour guides, carefully curated itineraries, and unforgettable experiences, brewery tours in Europe promise an unforgettable journey for beer lovers seeking to explore the best of beer in Europe.
What other Beer Breweries offer tours to the public?
No doubt about it, Europe takes its beer seriously and is proud of the results. Listed below are some selected major breweries in the beer centers of Europe that have tours available to the general public. Here are some of the best Czech Republic, Belgian, and English beers, each renowned for their unique flavors and brewing traditions:
Czech Beers:
- Pilsner Urquell - This iconic Czech beer is widely regarded as the world's first pale lager, known for its crisp, clean taste and golden color. Brewers in Prague do a fantastic job.
- Budweiser Budvar - Brewed in the city of České Budějovice, this lager boasts a balanced flavor profile with notes of caramel and hops.
- Staropramen - With a history dating back to 1869, Staropramen offers a range of lagers and pilsners characterized by their smooth, malty taste.
Belgian Beers:
- Chimay - Produced by Trappist monks at the Scourmont Abbey, Chimay offers a range of abbey ales, including Chimay Blue, known for its rich, complex flavors of dark fruit and spices.
- Duvel - This Belgian strong pale ale is renowned for its distinctive hoppy character and effervescent carbonation, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
- Orval - Brewed by Trappist monks at Orval Abbey, this unique Belgian ale features a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, earthy hops, and Brettanomyces yeast.
English Beers:
- Fuller's London Pride - A classic English ale with a rich, malty flavor and balanced hop bitterness, London Pride is a beloved beer that captures the essence of British brewing.
- Timothy Taylor's Landlord - Winner of numerous awards, Landlord is a pale ale characterized by its vibrant hop aroma, biscuity malt backbone, and crisp, dry finish.
- Thornbridge Jaipur - This American-style IPA from England is renowned for its bold hop character, featuring flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and pine, balanced by a smooth malt sweetness.
These beers represent the best of Czech, Belgian, and English brewing traditions, each offering a unique and memorable drinking experience for beer enthusiasts around the world.