Explore the Historic Underground of Plzen in the Czech Republic, a captivating 1-hour tour that reveals the city’s medieval past and underground craftsmanship. For just a single ticket price, which is the same for children and adults, visitors can uncover labyrinthine passageways, cellars, and wells dating back to the 13th century. The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide in English or German, making it accessible for a broad range of visitors.

Included in the experience is a beer voucher, exchangeable for 0.3 liters of Pilsner Urquell, in one of the local restaurants. While the tour provides a fascinating journey beneath the town and a taste of Czech brewing tradition, it’s important to note that the underground system is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for those with claustrophobia. This tour offers a practical and engaging way to connect with Plzen’s history, especially for those interested in medieval architecture and beer culture.

Key Points

Duration of 1 hour makes it a quick but comprehensive visit
Includes a beer voucher for 0.3l Pilsner Urquell in local restaurants
Guided in English or German by an expert local guide
Access to underground passageways, cellars, and wells dating from the 13th century
Highlights the role of underground areas for storage, brewing, and defense
Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with claustrophobia

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Discovering the Underground Passageways of Plzen

The tour takes you through a maze of tunnels, cellars, and wells built as early as the 13th century, giving a tangible sense of medieval life. Starting in the ice cellar, which stored ice for the town, visitors learn how this storage system was integrated into the town’s brewing and food preservation. Water from melted ice flowed to lower cellar levels, cooling the beer fermentation areas, highlighting the clever engineering of the time.

As you continue, the guide explains how these underground areas expanded over time, sometimes reaching two floors of interconnected cellars. These tunnels weren’t just for storage—during times of war or unrest, they served as refuge and communication routes. This underground network was integral to Plzen’s defense and daily life, making it a vital part of the city’s history.

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The Role of Cellars in Medieval Beer Brewing

The original purpose of the underground cellars was food storage, but their significance for beer brewing soon became clear. The cellars in houses with brewing rights became the brewing, fermentation, and aging spaces for Pilsen’s famous beer. Over centuries, these cellars grew deeper and more elaborate, reflecting the importance of brewing in the city.

You’ll see how the underground system was directly linked to the brewing process, with some areas designed for maturing beer and others for storing ingredients. This historical setup offers a vivid picture of how beer was an essential part of community life, and how the underground infrastructure supported the town’s prosperity.

The 16th-Century Pilsen Water Tower and Technical Heritage

One notable stop on the tour is the Pilsen Water Tower, built in the first half of the 16th century. It stands as the best-preserved water tower of its kind in Bohemia and showcases early industrial technology. Visitors observe the remnants of a pumping machine from 1847, along with chambers for water columns and feeder tunnels that once powered the system.

This water tower was also part of the town’s fortification system, linked to the surrounding ramparts, illustrating how infrastructure served multiple functions. Seeing the replica of a waterwheel and the engineering behind the water supply helps visitors appreciate the technical skills involved in historic urban development.

The Final Stop at the Brewery Museum

The tour concludes at the Brewery Museum building, where visitors can further explore Plzen’s brewing history. Here, the focus shifts from underground architecture to the brewing process, emphasizing the city’s long-standing tradition of beer-making. For those over 18, a beer voucher is issued, allowing a tasting of 0.3 liters of Pilsner Urquell in local restaurants such as Na Spilce, U Salzmann, or Na Parkánu.

This bonus adds a delightful tasting session to the overall experience, combining history and flavor. The museum setting enriches understanding of how the underground systems supported beer production, making it a fitting end to the tour.

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Practical Details: Logistics and Accessibility

The tour departs from the Pilsen Brewery, with flexible starting times based on availability. It’s recommended to bring warm clothing, as the underground temperature hovers around 6°C year-round. Participants are advised not to wear high-heeled shoes for safety reasons, and wheelchair users should note that access is limited.

Children under 3 years are not permitted on the underground route, but older children are welcome at the same ticket price. The experience is available in English and German, with live guides providing engaging commentary. Visitors can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility for travel plans.

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The Tour’s Strengths and Considerations

The tour’s main strength is its comprehensive exploration of Plzen’s underground infrastructure, which links medieval life, brewing history, and technical innovation. The guided narration receives praise for being proficient and educational. The inclusion of a beer tasting enhances the experience, especially for those interested in local Czech brewing traditions.

However, the one-hour duration means the visit is relatively brief, and the underground system is not accessible for wheelchair users or people with claustrophobia. Visitors should also be prepared for cool temperatures and tight passageways, which are part of the charm but may be restrictive for some.

Comparing the Experience to Other Tours

Unlike some underground tours that focus solely on tunnels and architecture, this experience combines history, brewing, and engineering, making it more diverse. The beer voucher adds value, especially for beer lovers eager to taste Pilsner Urquell firsthand. The interactive exhibits and historical context provide a well-rounded picture of Plzen’s past.

This tour suits history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and those curious about medieval urban systems. Its short duration makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time but who still want a substantial glimpse into the city’s underground secrets.

Pilsen: Underground History and Beer in One Visit

This underground tour offers a solid overview of Plzen’s medieval infrastructure, combined with a taste of Czech brewing. Its accessible location in the historic town center and engaging guides make it a practical choice for visitors wanting a focused, informative experience.

While it doesn’t cater to those seeking full accessibility or extended exploration, it delivers value through its combination of history, architecture, and local beer. The free cancellation option adds peace of mind, allowing flexibility for changing travel plans.

This tour provides a convenient and educational way to discover Plzen’s underground secrets, with the added bonus of enjoying a classic Czech beer at the end.

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Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer

4.5

(371)

“We didnt expect that the undgeounds are this massive it was very interesting”

— Carolin, April 14, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the underground tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a concise but informative experience.

Is there an age restriction?
Children under 3 years are not allowed on the underground route. Participants over 18 receive a beer voucher for tasting.

What languages are available for the guided tour?
Guides conduct the tour in English or German, with live narration.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking in advance is recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Is the underground accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the underground system is not wheelchair accessible due to narrow passageways and uneven surfaces.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is advised, as the underground temperature stays around 6°C year-round.

Can I use the SmartGuide app?
Foreign visitors can download the SmartGuide app for additional content in English and German, activating it via a QR code.

Are there any safety considerations?
Yes, high-heeled shoes are not recommended, and the tour is not suitable for those with claustrophobia.

This detailed review highlights the unique blend of underground architecture, brewing history, and local culture that makes the Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer a worthwhile experience for those visiting the Czech Republic.