Germany is often associated with its long-standing beer-making traditions. And for a reason! The country is rich in different breweries, and you can have a fully-packed itinerary just if you decide to focus solely on German beer. By the way, Germany is proud of the beer-making traditions spanning for almost a thousand years, and we're likewise pleased to present the list of the 10 oldest breweries in Germany that you must-visit on your next trip.
1) Bavarian State Brewery of Weihenstephan
Have a pint of beer in the oldest brewery in the whole world as the Weihenstephan brewery was established almost a thousand years ago! Weihenstephan brewery is claimed to be opened way back in 1040 when Abbot Arnold received a Freising city license to brew and sell beer.
Nowadays, the Weihenstephan Monastery Brewery, located near Freising in the south of Germany, makes 15 different beers, including a non-alcoholic wheat beer and a strong wheat bock called Vitus with 7,7% alc/vol. Opened: 1040 Location: Weihenstephan, Freising, Bavaria, Germany Must-taste: Weihenstephaner Hefeweißbier, Weihenstephaner Kristallweißbier |
2) Weltenburg Abbey Brewery
Gorgeous Abbey's Brewery is competing for the title of the world's oldest brewery with the candidate mentioned above. However, there's no competition when it comes to the location of the Weltenburg monastery.
The Baroque style Weltenburg Monastery is set on the Danube river's peninsula and is often referred to as 'Danube George' (Monastery was dedicated to Saint George). Therefore, you can enjoy the award-winning beer and the breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Opened: 1050 Location: Weltenburg, Kelheim, Germany Must-taste: Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel |
3) Bolten-Brauerei Brewery
Another old brewery set in a charismatic historical building is called "Bolten-Brauerei." By all means, visit this brewery and learn about the making traditions of the famous altbier if you find yourself in the German region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
This brewery guards beer-making traditions since 1266 when theLord of Myllendonk issued an authorization to start brewing. Since then, Bolten-Brauerei has perfected its altbier and wheat beer recipes. Therefore, make sure to try the renowned Alt or Ur-Alt (unfiltered) beer after your tour. Opened: 1266 Location: Korschenbroich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Must-taste: BOLTEN's Ur-Alt, BOLTEN's Alt, BOLTENs Ur-Weizen |
4) Gaffel Becker & Co Brewery
If you find yourself in the Northeast of Germany, especially in Cologne city, don't wait too long and make your way to the Gaffel Brewery. The beer brewing traditions date back to the Early Middle Ages when first mentions appeared about Eigelstein Street's breweries.
By the way, interesting fact - did you know that the name of the brewery comes from an old German word, which means a two-pronged fork? The brewery is named after the Gaffels, Cologne's tradesmen's political arms, and played an essential role in the city. Opened: 1302 Location: Cologne, Germany Must-taste: Gaffel Koelsch |
5) Augustiner-Bräu Brewery
One more brewery to add to your must-visit list is the "Augustiner Brau Munchen" brewery, which started operations in the early 14th-century. As the name suggests, the brewery can be found outside Munich, in the Haber Meadow, near the Augustinian Hermits' monastery. Interestingly, the monastery also served as the largest religious building before the Munich Cathedral was completed.
Did you know that the Augustinian monks used the brewery to provide for themselves by supplying dukes with the well-beloved strong beer? Augustiner-Bier has been served in Oktoberfest from 1867, making it even more popular among the locals and Munich visitors. Opened: 1328 Location: Munich, Germany Must-taste: Augustiner Helles |
6) Franziskaner Brewery
Take a refreshing break in Munich by stopping at the Franziskaner brewery that was established back in 1363. This ancient brewery was built opposite the Franciscan monastery, which was strategically beneficial as monks were the regulars at the brewery.
After about 500 years of brewing opposite the monastery, the Franziskaner brewery relocated to a town near Munich - Lilienberg. The brewery is still guarding its beer making tradions and invites travelers for a tour and a tasting. Opened: 1363 Location: Munich, Germany Must-taste: Franziskaner Weissbier |
7) Spaten Brewery
The story of the Spaten Brewery begins in the 14th-century. However, it became the leading brewery we know today when the most prestigious brewery family in Munich - Sedlmayrs bought it five centuries later.
A critical fact in the brewery's history is that it helped fund Bavaria's first steam engine. You might wonder how a steam engine is connected with a beer? Well, the steam power helps create the darker style lagers. Hence, the Spaten perfected their Dunkel beer recipe and became a source for knowledge and inspiration for the Carlsberg Brewery in Copenhagen. Opened: 1372 Location: Munich, Germany Must-taste: Spaten Münchner Hell |
8) Hofbräu Brewery
If you are going on a tour of previously listed breweries in Munich, it would be an absolute shame to miss a visit and a tasting at the Hofbräu Brewery.
In the 16th-century, the Munich Court loved the beer produced in Lower Saxony. But it was expensive to keep importing their favorite beer. Hence, Duke Wilhelm V of Bavaria decided to save some money and establishes his brewery. His son later takes over, and the business starts to boom, especially when it comes to wheat beer. Make sure to taste it once you're here! Opened: 1589 Location: Munich, Germany Must-taste: Hofbräu Original |
9) Paulaner Brewery
The last Munich brewery on this list is the famous Paulaner beer house. It exports the gorgeous golden liquid to over 70 countries and is wildly popular in the annual Oktoberfest.
The first mentions of the Paulaner brewery resurfaced in the early 17th-century when the Neudeck ob der Au Monastery started brewing beer and giving excess amount to sell it at local pubs and to support the poor community. This beer is still one of the favorites in Munich Starkbierfest - a strong beer festival. Opened: 1634 Location: Munich, Germany Must-taste: Hofbräu Original |
10) Schlenkerla Brewery
Finally, let's take a break from Munich beer traditions and head to Bamberg, the place where the Schlenkerla Brewery was founded in the early 15th century. The facade of this brewery is very memorable and resembles the authentic style of the Middle Ages.
What makes this brewery stand out from the rest on this list, is that it had used a different technique for creating the flavorful beer - smoking it. Yes, you've heard it right. Thus, add this brewery to your Bamberg itinerary and enjoy some of the region's oldest beer-making traditions. Opened: 1678 Location: Bamberg, Germany Must-taste: Original Schlenkerla Smokebeer - Märzen |
We hope you have enjoyed learning about the oldest and the best breweries in Germany and maybe even got inspired to taste all of the beer! At least that's how we felt after writing up this list. By the way, if you decided that it's time to start collecting ideas for your next trip to Germany, we highly recommend to check the best Germany trips here and plan an un'beer'ably good vacation in Germany.