The Hallertau experience offers a deep dive into the world of hops and beer in Bavaria, Germany, for $106.56 per person. This 6-hour private tour is a well-rounded journey that combines educational visits, hands-on activities, and delicious food, perfect for anyone interested in brewing, agriculture, or German culture. The tour is designed to be interactive and practical, with guided visits to a hop farm, a comprehensive hop museum, and lunch at a historic castle brewery. It attracts bookings well in advance, with the average reservation made 103 days ahead, indicating its popularity.

The tour’s strength lies in its authenticity and hands-on approach, giving participants insight into every stage of hop cultivation and brewing. A key highlight is the visit to a hop farm, where you get to see the hop gardens up close and enjoy beer tasting directly at the source. The inclusion of museum exhibits and lunch at a castle brewery adds depth and flavor to the experience. The entire journey is led by a knowledgeable guide, ensuring you learn and taste everything in a relaxed, engaging manner.

Key Points

Price: $106.56 per person for a 6-hour private experience
Includes: Guided tour, museum entry, hop farm visit, beer tastings, and lunch voucher worth EUR 20
Highlights: Visit to the German Hop Museum, hop farm with gardens, and historic castle brewery
Duration: Around 6 hours, with flexible stops and activities
Accessibility: Meets public transportation access and requires moderate physical fitness

Exploring the German Hop Museum in Bavaria

The tour begins at the Deutsches Hopfenmuseum, a dedicated space covering over 1,000 m² of exhibits. Here, visitors learn about hops from botany to brewing, including their trade, history, and modern cultivation. The museum offers a clear and engaging presentation, making it easy to grasp the importance of hops in German brewing culture. Admission is included, and the museum visit lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The museum’s exhibits are designed to be accessible for visitors with varying levels of prior knowledge, making it ideal for those new to brewing or hop cultivation. The detailed displays highlight the evolution of hop farming and its role in brewing beer, illustrating both tradition and modern practices.

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Visiting the Hop Farm in Au in der Hallertau

Next, the tour takes you to the hop farm in Au in der Hallertau, an essential part of the Bavarian hop-growing region. This stop, lasting around 2 hours, offers an authentic look at hop cultivation. You will see hop gardens in full growth and learn about the entire process from planting to harvesting.

This farm visit is a great chance to get up close and personal with the hops, and you’ll be able to taste fresh beer on-site. No admission fee applies here, but a consumption voucher worth EUR 20 is included, which you can use at the farm or nearby venues.

The Hop Harvest at Osterwaal Farm

The Osterwaal hop farm forms the third main stop and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Here, visitors see actual hop harvesting in action and explore the hop gardens during the harvest season. The farm visit emphasizes practical knowledge, showing how hops are grown, processed, and prepared for brewing.

A beer tasting session at the hop farm enhances this experience, providing a direct taste of the hops’ flavor profile. This stop stands out because of its hands-on approach and the opportunity to see the entire harvest process from the field to the brewery.

Tasting Beer at the Castle Brewery’s Beer Garden

A highlight of the tour is lunch at the historic castle brewery, which features a restaurant and beer garden. The brewery’s classic setting adds a historic ambiance, complemented by tasty Bavarian dishes and freshly brewed beer.

Participants receive a EUR 20 voucher to enjoy local delicacies and beverages, making this a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the tour’s insights. The brewery combines tradition and quality, offering a genuine taste of Bavarian brewing heritage.

Guided Tour with Expert Explanation

Throughout the entire experience, a dedicated guide leads the group, providing expert insights into hop cultivation, brewing, and Bavarian culture. The guide’s passion and knowledge ensure that all questions are answered clearly, making the tour informative yet accessible.

The tour’s private nature allows for personalized attention, ensuring that each participant can engage fully with the activities and ask about specific interests. The guide also manages time efficiently, balancing educational content, tastings, and relaxing breaks.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point, Transport, and Timing

The tour starts at Am Kirchpl. 3, 84072 Au in der Hallertau, with the option for pickup at an additional EUR 25 per vehicle. The activity runs every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM between September 6 and September 27 in 2025 and 2026. It ends back at the same meeting point, making it convenient for local travelers.

This experience is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness as it involves walking around farms and museums. The tour is private, ensuring a more personalized experience, and mobile tickets make check-in straightforward.

Value and Booking Considerations

At $106.56 per person, this tour offers excellent value given its inclusions: museum entry, guided farm visits, tastings, and a substantial lunch voucher. It’s worthwhile to book well in advance, as most reservations are made over 3 months ahead.

Note that hotel pickup is available at an additional EUR 25. The tour is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option for visitors planning ahead.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Bavaria

What makes the Hallertau experience exceptional is its combination of education, practical insight, and authentic Bavarian hospitality. Visitors gain a comprehensive understanding of hop farming and brewing while enjoying delicious food and refreshing beers in a historic setting. The guided approach ensures that all aspects—from cultivation to tasting—are covered thoroughly.

The personalized nature of this private tour enhances the experience, allowing for flexibility and close engagement with the guide. Its popularity and positive review sample underscore its appeal, especially for those interested in German brewing traditions or agriculture.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This tour appeals most to beer enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers interested in Bavarian traditions. It’s ideal for small groups or couples who want an interactive, educational experience with personal attention. Travelers with moderate fitness levels will find it manageable, and those curious about the process behind their favorite beers will find it particularly rewarding.

The experience’s focus on authentic hop cultivation and brewing makes it a valuable addition to any trip to Bavaria, especially for visitors looking to understand the local brewing scene.

✨ Book This Experience

Hallertau experience with hop harvest, lunch and hop museum

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“My husband and I have taken tours in several countries across the world, and this tour was, and will remain, we are sure, our hands-down favorite e…”

— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, Sep 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, hotel pickup is available at an additional EUR 25. The main meeting point is Am Kirchpl. 3, Au in der Hallertau.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a guide, admission to the Hop Museum, farm visits with drinks, and a lunch voucher worth EUR 20.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour requires moderate physical fitness and involves walking around farms and museums, so it is better suited for older children or teens.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The tour runs from September 6 to September 27 in 2025 and 2026, aligning with the harvest season, making it ideal for seeing harvesting in action.

Are food and drink included?
Yes, beer tastings are part of the farm visits, and lunch is covered with a EUR 20 voucher.

What makes this tour unique?
Its combination of museum exploration, hands-on farm visits, and historic brewery lunch creates a comprehensive look into Bavarian hop culture.

Can I customize this experience?
Since it is a private tour, there is potential for personalization to suit specific interests, with guided attention.

Is there any physical exertion involved?
The tour involves walking around farms and museums, so moderate fitness is recommended.

This Hallertau experience is a well-crafted, educational, and delicious introduction to Bavarian hop cultivation and brewing—perfect for food and beer lovers eager to learn about Germany’s brewing traditions in an engaging, authentic setting.