Traveling to Germany and Belgium to experience the best beer and brewery tours sounds like a dream come true for any beer lover. There are so many great breweries in both countries that it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. This blog post will highlight some of the best beer and brewery tours in Germany and Belgium, perfect for any traveler looking to add a little hop to their trip!
Ayinger Brewery & Restaurant in Bavaria, Germany
Beer lovers, Ayinger Brewery & Restaurant in Bavaria, Germany is not to be missed. Nestled among rolling hills and evergreen forests, this establishment offers a unique beer experience thanks to its former monks’ brewery expertise. Visitors can sample delicious craft beers such as the popular Altbairisch Dunkel or the Weizenbock while dining on traditional Bavarian cuisine. Make sure to visit the cellar where visitors can get an up-close look at the copper-kettle breweries used by former monks centuries ago. Enjoy your journey back in time while sipping a special brew until you’re completely content and fulfilled!
Weihenstephaner Brewery in Freising, Germany
Weihenstephaner Brewery in Freising, Germany is the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world. This brewery dates all the way back to 1040 and showcases a history of beer making excellence. Here you will find some of the best beers ever made, all with a unique blend of age-old recipes and modern-day craftsmanship. In Weihenstephaner’s expansive portfolio, you’ll find everything from light wheat ales to full-bodied Marzens to hearty bocks – simply put, this is a one-stop shop for any beer lover looking for a truly unique drinking experience. From its unique flavor profile, down to its time-honored brewing techniques, Freising’s Weihenstephaner Brewery is no doubt a must on every beer enthusiast’s list.
Chimay Brewery and Abbey in Belgium
Life doesn’t get much better than sitting down with a fresh Chimay beer. Not just because this famous Belgian brewery has been crafting some of the world’s finest ales since 1862, but because it’s made with a deep reverence for Belgian brewing traditions. Located in the small rural village of Chimay in the South of Belgium, the brewery and abbey have been an inseparable part of local culture for centuries. A visit to the Abbey lets you see first-hand how passionate the monks are about their craft: from selecting the freshest ingredients, to brewing according to traditional processes, to aging and packaging their handmade ales. This passion is what makes Chimay a favorite among beer lovers all over the world — there really is no substitute for authenticity!
Westmalle Abbey and Brewery in Belgium
Hidden away in the beautiful Belgian countryside lies Westmalle Abbey and Brewery. Here you can explore the history of Trappist brewing and learn about the perfect balance between monastic tradition and high quality beer production. Three beers are brewed here to this day, with Westmalle Dubbel being arguably the finest. Its dark red colour hints at a complex but smooth taste – not too sweet, not too bitter – while its fruity aroma gives it a distinctively delicious finish. If you’re an adventurous beer lover, then a visit to Westmalle Abbey and Brewery is just what you need.
Orval Abbey and Brewery in Belgium
The Orval Abbey and Brewery in Belgium is a must-visit for beer lovers! This beautiful monastery has been producing some of the finest ales since 1931, using pure well water from their own spring. What makes Orval’s product so unique is their dry hopping process – the addition of hops during fermentation creates a slightly bitter, but pleasantly catchy taste. But only Belgian can truly appreciate the holy spirit present in each sip. Pick up a bottle while you’re there and savor it as an appreciation for life’s little pleasures.
Thus, a visit to Europe could be wholly catered to the beer lover’s adventurous spirit. These breweries are all samples of the unique and historic culture of beer that has grown around Europe, and these places will stir the heart of most any drinking enthusiast. From the Ayinger Brewery & Restaurant in Bavaria, Germany to the Orval Abbey and Brewery in Belgium, it is easy to see why craft brewing has flourished for centuries on this side of the world. So when travel restrictions are lifted and with your ETIAS visa waiver in 2023, be sure to set aside some time for a brewery tour – you won’t regret it! And maybe you’ll even be able to stop by one of these famed locations and bring home a souvenir from your travels. Whatever you do and wherever you go, just make sure that you don’t forget your passport: We’d hate for all those wonderful tastes of European beer to go unexplored!
