From precision engineered cars that race down highways with no speed limits, to pretzels the size of your head there are plenty of things — you might call them stereotypes — that Germany is famous for and German beer breweries are at the top of the list. The ingredients in German beer are closely regulated by the Reinheitsgebot, which ensures high-quality beer. And while Bavaria is arguably the center of the German brewery world, the rest of the country has more than a few brands to boast of.
Many of Germany’s beer breweries offer tours. Regardless of whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just curious by nature, take note. These special tours often include guided walks through the production line, insight into the brand and brewery, and even tastings! Previously, I highlighted Bavarian beer breweries that offer tours. Now here’s a follow up with German beer breweries around the rest of the country.
Beck’s
There are some beers that aren’t well known outside of Germany. Beck’s is not one of those beer brands. Owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Beck’s is based in the northern city of Bremen. Beck’s has a special visitors center set up to provide a sneak peek into their special brew. Tours are two hours long and are offered six days of the week for a fee that includes a tasting. They offer tours in German or in English. Feeling like splurging? They also offer “exclusive” brewery tours but you’ll have to reach deeper into your pockets for that!
Jever
Right along Germany’s northwestern coast along the North Sea, Jever isn’t just the capital of Friesland in Lower Saxony. Jever is also a major beer brand founded in 1848. Today, beer enthusiasts can visit the brand’s brewery for a German language-only tour and see where they fill 60,000 bottles per hour!
Get more information (in German only).
Andechs
Hipsters might be brewing craft beer now but back in the day, it was monks. Today, pilgrims and beer lovers (and pilgrims who are beer lovers) make the fantastic journey to Kloster Andechs. Located just under an hour from Munich, the brewery was founded by the Benedictine monks of St. Boniface over a century ago. Visitors can take guided tours of the brewery, participate in a beer tastings at their historic location as well as take a guided tour of the church on site. The monastery even offers overnight accommodations for those really looking to embrace the experience.
Radeberger
Just outside of Dresden, Germany is Radeberg. The town is home to Radeberger, one of Germany’s ten best-selling beer brands. Visitors to the brewery can take a two hour-long tour in German or, on request, English from Tuesday through Saturday. The brewery also offers a beer seminar. German-speaking visitors during the winter holidays can even take a special Advent tour.
Get more information (in German only).
Warsteiner
East of Dortmund is Warsteiner World (or Warsteiner Welt), a location dedicated to Warsteiner beer. There visitors can tour the Warsteiner Brewery with a guide. Additionally, the brewery also runs a small 18-room 3-star hotel next to Warsteiner World. It’s also important to note that Warsteiner World is open February through December.
Krombacher
The Krombacher German beer brewery in west central Germany offers the opportunity for visitors to experience their brewery. Guided tours take visitors through each step of the process.
Tips for Touring German Beer Breweries
It should be noted, the information is based on the information provided by each brewery on its website. Always visit the brewery’s website or contact the brewery to make sure the information is still accurate. If you’re planning on visiting with anyone under 16, be sure to check the brewery tour’s policy; many make note of only being open to visitors who are of the legal German drinking age for beer — 16. Additionally, some have dress codes you should take note of. Specifically, closed toe shoes if the tour will be taking you along the factory line.
While you’re at it, consider German beer festivals, too. Oktoberfest is a popular festival that everyone knows. But Starkbierfest, in the winter, is smaller and lots of fun!
The photo of Kloster Andechs is my own. All other photos are from the respective brewery.