This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
While Oktoberfest may be Munich’s biggest crowd-puller, it’s not the only European city suited to a beer-themed break. Whether it’s the Polish city with statues of beer-drinking gnomes or an up-and-coming craft-brewing hotspot in Sweden, we’ve got the lowdown on eight European cities that are perfect for a hop-scented break.
1. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is the home of Guinness, so it’s no surprise that the Guinness Storehouse is the city’s most popular landmark. Hands-on experiences provide the opportunity to improve your pint-pulling technique at the Guinness Academy, learn about aromas and flavour nuances during tasting masterclasses and the chance to snap a selfie that’s then imprinted onto a pint. Other beer-related hotspots worth a visit include Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which opened in 1198, and Rascals Brewing Company. Tour this pint-sized brewery for copious samples of its weird and wonderful tipples, such as the silky Cherry Cola Ale made with cherry, vanilla and a hint of spice.
2. Pilsen, Czech Republic
Pilsen is the birthplace of pilsner, a German-style beer created by Bavarian brewer Josef Groll in 1842. He brewed his first batch at Pilsner Urquell, the Czech Republic’s largest brewery. Tour highlights include a visit to the brewery’s historic cellars, which stretch for almost six miles. Other Pilsen hop-spots include the 15th-century Brewery Museum, filled with ancient brewing tools, Gambrinus Brewery, brewers of one of the most popular beers in the country, and the Purkmistr Beer Spa for a chance to soak in a bath filled with beer.
Pilsen is home to the German-style beer pilsner and ancient brewery museums. Photograph by MB_Photo, Alamy
3. Lille, France
For undeniable proof of Lille’s historic connections to brewing, head to its cathedral, which features a spectacular stained-glass window dedicated to Saint Arnold, the patron saint of hop-pickers. You’ll find countless microbreweries in Lille’s city centre, the majority of which are located in the old town. Head to Singe Savant Brewery, where you can join brewing masterclasses, or a larger brewery, such as Goudale, famous for its top-fermented beers (beers fermented faster at a higher temperature). Tours offered by L’Echapée-Bière specialise in beer-themed explorations of Lille and its history.
4. Wrocław, Poland
Located in the heart of a major hop-producing region, Wrocław takes its beer seriously, with records showing that the old town hall’s cellars were first used to store beer in the 1300s. Breweries worthy of being on your radar include Złoty Pies (meaning ‘Golden Dog’), where you’ll find a statue depicting a beer-drinking gnome outside. For some hoppy history, Browar Stu Mostów, founded in the 1500s, is known for its malty beers, while Piwnica Świdnicka dates back to the 1200s. Consider taking a tour of Prost (you’ll find yet another beer-drinking gnome near the entrance), one of the city’s first breweries, for a beer-tasting masterclass.
Several breweries in Wrocław feature statues of beer-drinking gnomes. Photograph by Konrad Zelazowski, Getty Images
5. Brussels, Belgium
Belgium brews more than 700 types of beer, all of which you can learn about at the Beer Museum of Schaerbeek, which focuses on the history of the craft. Top breweries include the Brussels Beer Project’s Port Sud taproom, home to the city’s largest beer garden with views overlooking the canal. For the wow factor, visit Delirium Café, which holds the Guinness World Record for the most beers served in one place — 2,004 — including several with ABVs of 40%. Brussels’ Grand-Place is a great place for a sundowner, and is also close to the famous Manneken Pis statue, which depicts a small boy answering the call of nature. On certain public holidays, the statue is hooked up to a keg, allowing passersby to quench their thirst with beer.
6. Budapest, Hungary
If simply sipping beer isn’t enough, consider Budapest — more specifically the Lukács Thermal Bath. Here, you can enjoy the popular beer spa, which involves sipping a stein while you soak in a barrel-like bath filled with thermal water, malt and hops. Alternatively, tour the city on its Beer Bus, where you can pull your own pint of Hungarian ale as you hop between breweries such as Élesztőház, which serves up some of Budapest’s top craft beers. For a swankier experience, head to the Continental Hotel Budapest’s ARAZ Restaurant for a meal that’s paired with various beers to match each course.
7. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is the birthplace of Kölsch beer, a golden ale served in 0.2-litre glasses, invented in 1902 by the Sünner Kölsch brewery. Today, it’s served by most of the city’s breweries, including the Haus Töller, which was founded in the 1300s. To learn more about the city’s historic connections to brewing, visit the Brauwelt brewery, which has been producing beer using water from its own well since 1830. Need a room? Stay at the Hotel zur Malzmühle, where curved headboards are designed to resemble the beer barrels that have shaped the city’s identity.
Kölsch beer is served by most of the Cologne’s historic breweries, dating back to the 14th century. Photograph by mauritius images GmbH, Alamy
8. Gothenburg, Sweden
Breweries have existed in Gothenburg since the city was founded in 1621 and its beers went on to develop a global fanbase by the 1700s, when they were among the items exported to the Far East by the Swedish East India Company. Today, Gothenburg’s brewery scene is thriving, with more than 40 craft breweries offering beer-tasting experiences and tours along with various restaurants and tap rooms, too. The best way to visit them is via the Hop-on Hop-off bus, which departs from Järntorget square every Saturday. The tour takes in several breweries, including Spike Brewery, known for its flavour-packed tipples such as the coconut and coffee-flavoured Doppler Effekt. Another reminder of Gothenburg’s slightly unusual approach to beer is Ivans Pilsnerbar, a bar specialising in pasta, pilsner and art.
