Beer is an integral part of Bavarian culture. From historic monastery breweries to modern craft beer makers, Bavaria offers unforgettable beer-tasting experiences for travelers. Its world-renowned beer festivals, like Oktoberfest, draw millions of visitors each year. For those looking to delve even deeper, the best brewery tours in Bavaria provide an insider’s look at the brewing process and local traditions
Why Take a Brewery Tour in Bavaria?
Since 1516, the famous Reinheitsgebot, or Purity Law, has defined what ingredients can be used to make beer and ensures the high quality of the beverage. To this day, brewers take their job seriously.
All breweries are not created equal. Some are big corporate brands, some are craft breweries in a local village, and others are still made by or at monasteries. Taking a beer tour in Bavaria allows an opportunity to see firsthand all the work behind the scenes to turn hops, malt, and water into something special.
Different breweries offer tours. Most are guided in English or German; some include an opportunity to taste one or more of the brewery’s beers.
Best Brewery Tours in Bavaria
Each region of Bavaria offers a different regional beer specialty. While most visitors will take a tour in the Munich area, consider traveling further afield for a special experience.
Famous Munich Brewery Tours
- Hofbräu München (Staatliches Hofbräuhaus) : Arguably home to Munich‘s most famous beer hall, this government-owned brewery offers brewery tours in English or German—perfect for those seeking an authentic Munich brewery tour with beer tasting experiences.
- Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu : Every Saturday, brewery tours from brewhouse to bottling are available in German.
- Giesinger Bräu : One of Munich’s newest craft breweries, Giesinger offers brewery tours in German and English.
Hidden Gem Brewery Tours
- Ayinger Brewery (Ayinger Privatbrauerei) : The family-run brewery located just outside of Munich, offers group tours in English, Italian, and German throughout the year. At Oktoberfest time, they offer English language tours to the public. Aying hosts their own beer festival every year following Oktoberfest.
- Riegele : The Augsburg brewer runs German-language tours on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Group tours are available in English, Italian, and French.
- Bischofs : The Regensburg brewery offers tours in German with a beer tasting on the first Saturday of the month from February to December.
- Erdinger : Located near Munich, Erdinger offers tours in German or English on select dates that include a tasting and snack.
Monastery Brewery Tours
- Weihenstephan Brewery (Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan) : Said to be the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephan is now state-owned and located in a former monastery. The brewery has a museum, brewery tour, and tasting in German or English.
- Andechs Monastery Brewery (Klosterbrauerei Andechs) : Andechs is Bavaria’s oldest pilgrimage church. Today, the monastery brewery offers a brewery tour that incorporates Virtual Reality.
- Weltenburg Abbey (Klosterbrauerei Weltenburg) : The world’s oldest monastic brewery, Weltenburg offers brewery tours in German.
How to Book a Brewery Tour in Bavaria
The most important tip for booking a Bavarian brewery tour is to do your research. Most breweries require booking in advance. This is especially true if you have a special requirement, such as needing a tour in English or to accommodate a large group.
During Oktoberfest season, some breweries offer more tours and access. But, those tours are in higher demand.
When possible, it’s recommended to book your brewery tour directly with the brewery.
Tips for Enjoying Your Bavarian Brewery Tour
Before you take a brewery tour, it’s important to consider the physical requirements. Each brewery is different but it’s common for visitors to need to be able to walk without a break to sit and go up and down steps.
Clothing should also be considered. Open-toe shoes are never a good idea in a factory and clothing should not be too loose that they could get caught in machinery.
FAQ: Bavarian Brewery Tours
Do Bavarian breweries offer English tours? It depends. While many popular breweries offer tours in both English and German, it’s best to confirm in advance—especially if you’re seeking a tour in another language such as Italian or French.
Can you take a brewery tour in Bavaria without a reservation? Probably not. Most breweries require advance booking. Confirm booking requirements in advance with the brewery you’re interested in touring.
Do Bavarian brewery tours include food? It depends. Some brewery tours will include a beer tasting with a small snack. Hofbräu, for example, allows visitors to opt-in to the snack for an extra cost. After you’ve experienced how the beer gets made, consider indulging in a Bavarian breakfast of beer and a special sausage known as Weißwurst!
If I’m not able to schedule a brewery tour in Bavaria, are there any alternatives? There are no shortage of ways to experience Bavarian beer culture. If you prefer a guided experience, consider taking a beer tour in Munich.
Have you been on a brewery tour in Bavaria? Share your experience in the comments!
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All opinions and photos are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
