Pilsner Urquell Brewery Plzen
Discover the birthplace of the world's first golden lager, Pilsner Urquell, and taste its legendary unfiltered beer.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Plzen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the birthplace of the world's first golden lager, Pilsner Urquell, and taste its legendary unfiltered beer.
"The beer here is unlike any other – a true taste of history!"
🎯 Take the Train to Pilsen
Trains from Prague are frequent and affordable. The brewery is a short walk from the station. :train:
🎟️ Book Brewery Tours Online
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour in advance, especially for popular times. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Original Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Plzeň, Czech Republic
Explore the birthplace of the world's first golden lager, a beer that revolutionized brewing.
Tank Beer Tasting
Brewery Cellars
Savor unpasteurized, unfiltered Pilsner Urquell straight from the tanks for an incredibly fresh taste.
Brewing History Exhibition
Brewery Museum
Discover the fascinating story of how Pilsner Urquell changed the world of beer forever.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Brewery Tours in Advance
Taste the Unfiltered Difference
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Train to Pilsen
Trains from Prague are frequent and affordable. The brewery is a short walk from the station. :train:
🎟️ Book Brewery Tours Online
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour in advance, especially for popular times. :admission_tickets:
🍺 Taste the Fresh Tank Beer
Don't miss the unfiltered, unpasteurized 'tank beer' – it's a unique and delicious experience. :beer_mug:
🚶♂️ Explore Pilsen City
Beyond the brewery, discover the charming city square and its historic sites. :city_sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Train to Pilsen
Trains from Prague are frequent and affordable. The brewery is a short walk from the station. :train:
🎟️ Book Brewery Tours Online
Secure your spot for the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour in advance, especially for popular times. :admission_tickets:
🍺 Taste the Fresh Tank Beer
Don't miss the unfiltered, unpasteurized 'tank beer' – it's a unique and delicious experience. :beer_mug:
🚶♂️ Explore Pilsen City
Beyond the brewery, discover the charming city square and its historic sites. :city_sunrise:
🍽️ Eat Local, Not at Brewery
Skip the brewery restaurant; try 'Lékárna' pub or 'Lokal' for better local food and beer. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour for its historical significance and the exceptional taste of the fresh, unfiltered beer. The immersive experience in the brewing cellars and the engaging storytelling about the beer's global impact are major highlights. Some find the on-site restaurant less appealing than local alternatives.
"Awesome tour and worth making the trip to pilsen for this alone. Tl/dr on questions I had coming here - beer they give you is 0.3l (aka small) which is good (I was worried it was a large). Time in cellars is last 20 or so minutes. It does get to be chilly but I probably overdressed.
Definitely need to buy tickets in advance as the tickets sell out/are popular
Got to see traditional and modern brewing, bottling, maturation, and ice (which i havent seen elsewhere but makes sense from pre refrigeration days).
Super cool
Great tour guide and loved seeing both the modern and history behind the brewery. Excellent tour - one of best I've seen from any alcohol producer"
Vincent Mok
"The Brewery tour was a highlight of our day- visit in the city, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process. The guided tour took us through the various stages, from the raw materials to the cellars where the beer is stored and aged. While the tour guide moved at a brisk pace, we still managed to learn a great deal about the history and production methods of this renowned brewery.
The undoubted highlight was the opportunity to sample the brewery's unfiltered, freshly-brewed beer in the chilly cellar. The rich, flavorful taste was a revelation, and a testament to the skill and passion of the brewers. Despite the tour not lingering on every detail, the overall experience was engaging and informative, providing a deeper appreciation for the craft of beer-making. This tour is a must-do for any beer enthusiast visiting the area.
Remember to book in advance as not too frequent guide in a day."
Antony T
"Great visit. Even though I had no much time. Fresh beer and very tasty food. And a smell of history. I highly recommend."
Otmar Čavojský
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by train from Prague to Plzeň. Trains are frequent and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The brewery is a 10-15 minute walk from the Plzeň main train station. You can book train tickets online via CD.cz. +1
Yes, you can find organized tours from Prague that include brewery entry. However, many travelers recommend going solo by train for more flexibility and to book tours directly from the brewery's website.
Absolutely! Many visitors find a day trip to Pilsen and the Pilsner Urquell Brewery to be well worth the time, offering a unique beer experience and a glimpse into brewing history. +1
Pilsen is a walkable city, especially the area around the brewery and the main square. Taxis and local buses are also available if needed.
Yes, driving is an option, but parking can be challenging in the city center. Taking the train is generally more convenient and recommended by many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour tickets online in advance through the official Prazdroj Visit website to secure your preferred time slot.
Opening hours vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check the official Prazdroj Visit website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and availability.
Ticket prices can vary based on the tour package and age. Check the official website for current pricing information. Many find the experience to be excellent value.
Yes, the brewery offers various tours, including standard tours that cover the history and brewing process, as well as special tasting experiences.
While it might be possible to purchase tickets on the day, it's strongly advised to book in advance, as tours, especially those with tastings, can sell out quickly.
🎫 🍺 Beer & Tasting
Tank beer is unpasteurized and unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, served directly from special tanks. This method preserves its fresh, crisp taste, as if it were brewed yesterday.
It's a common saying that beer is cheaper than water in the Czech Republic, and you'll often find very affordable prices, especially in local pubs.
Proper pouring involves starting with a thick foam head, then opening the tap wide to pour underneath it, ensuring the beer doesn't become overly foamy or aerated. +1
Yes, a highlight of visiting the brewery is tasting the unfiltered and unpasteurized versions of Pilsner Urquell, which offer a distinctively fresh flavor.
Pilsner Urquell is traditionally served in specific glass mugs designed to showcase its color and clarity, and to help keep the beer colder for longer.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most public areas of the brewery tour, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions in certain exhibits or areas.
The historic brewing halls, the modern exhibition spaces with digital screens, and the iconic Pilsner Urquell tanks offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, capturing the unique beer-pouring techniques, especially the 'tank beer' service, makes for fantastic photos and videos.
Drones are typically not permitted inside the brewery premises due to safety and operational reasons. Always adhere to local regulations.
Weekday mornings often offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. However, the modern exhibits are well-lit throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on the historical aspects and the brewing process rather than just the tasting. Consider booking a tour that includes more visual elements and less emphasis on the beer itself. The city of Pilsen also offers other attractions like the Techmania Science Center, which can be a great complement to a brewery visit for younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food costs, skip the brewery's restaurant and opt for local pubs like 'Lékárna' or 'Lokal' for delicious and affordable Czech cuisine and, of course, more Pilsner Urquell.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the brewing process, the history of the pilsner style, and the unique pouring techniques. Many enthusiasts also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the glass design and its impact on the beer's taste and presentation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Birthplace of Pilsner: A Revolution in Beer
This innovation resulted in a golden, clear, and crisp lager that was a stark contrast to the beers of the time. The success of Pilsner Urquell sparked a global revolution, with breweries worldwide adopting its style and techniques. It truly changed the world of beer as we know it.
Visiting the brewery allows you to trace this incredible history, from the original brewing methods to the modern-day production, understanding the legacy of this iconic beer.
The Art of Tank Beer: Freshness Redefined
This method ensures that the beer remains incredibly fresh, retaining its original crispness and flavor profile, as if it were brewed just hours ago. Unlike traditional kegged beer, the tank system prevents oxidation, maintaining the beer's integrity from the brewery to your glass.
During your brewery tour, you'll have the opportunity to sample this exceptional beer, often in the historic cellars, experiencing firsthand why it's a beloved tradition and a must-try for any beer aficionado.
Navigating the Brewery Tour Experience
Many tours include a visit to the historic cellars, where you can see the iconic tank beer system and often enjoy a tasting. The modern exhibition areas utilize digital screens and interactive displays to bring the story of Pilsner Urquell to life.
Travelers often recommend booking tours in advance, especially during peak season, and suggest arriving a bit early to soak in the atmosphere. While the brewery restaurant is available, many locals and visitors prefer to dine at nearby establishments for a more authentic culinary experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit