Why You Should Consider A Beer Tour On Your Next Trip To The Czech Republic

When you think of the Czech Republic, most would-be travelers are instantly transported to its capital city of Prague. If you've ever seen photos of it, it's easy to understand why. The city is an iconic destination not just in the Czech Republic but in Europe, too! Full of amazing gothic-style castles, famous bridges, and tasty sweet treats, you would definitely be missing out if you skipped this city on your next trip. But what if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-track activity in the city? Or maybe you even want to break out of the city confines entirely? If so, you should absolutely consider a beer tour.

Whether or not you're a fan of beer, this is a great way to take a break from the sightseeing marathon, learn about a unique slice of the Czech Republic's history, and connect with locals who are passionate about their beer and its history.

As one of the coolest beer tours in Europe, the Strahov Monastery Brewery tour, located on a hill just steps from the iconic Prague Castle, is not one to miss. The Strahov Brewery writes that the monastery was first opened in 1142AD and that it has been producing beer since the 13^th century. That's over 600 years of brewing! While historically the beer was produced by monks, today it is privately run by master brewers and there are daily tours of the brewery and the monastery's grounds. The Strahov Brewery serves 25 different types of what they call St. Norbert beer, named for the patron saint of the Premonstratensian order that inhabited the monastery from the beginning.

For beer lovers everywhere, the history of beer in Plzen (Pilsen), Czech Republic was nothing short of groundbreaking. That's because this little town is where the golden lager, Pilsner, was invented. The Spruce Eats describes a colorful story of how Josef Groll, a Bavarian brewer, was hired to teach local brewers in Plzen the German lagering method but by using the local light variety of barley, they actually invented a whole new type of beer. The brewery where this occurred is now known as the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and offers a variety of unique tours and experiences.