Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting

Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting – A Must for Beer Lovers

Starting at just $18 per person, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour in Pilsen offers a unique chance to explore the birthplace of the world’s first pilsner-style lager. This 110-minute guided experience is perfect for anyone interested in beer history, brewing techniques, or simply tasting a legendary Czech beer. The tour is highly rated, with a 4.6 out of 5 from 1777 reviews, demonstrating its popularity and quality.

The tour begins at the Visitor Center in Pilsen and takes you through the brewery’s most important sights, including the historic cellars where the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell is sampled. Practical and engaging, this experience combines learning, history, and a generous beer tasting, making it ideal for adults who want to understand what makes this beer so special.

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Key Points

• Affordable price of only $18 includes the guided tour and beer tasting.
• Duration of 110 minutes ensures a comprehensive but manageable visit.
• Officially recognized as the Best Brewery Tour in Europe by the World Travel Awards.
• Learn about the beer-making process at the brewery’s three different brew houses.
• Taste the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in the historic cellar, a highlight for beer enthusiasts.
• Visit modern bottling facilities processing 120,000 bottles per hour for insight into production.

The Historic Roots of Pilsner Urquell Since 1842

The tour dives into the origins of Pilsner Urquell, brewed since 1842, with its full flavor and golden clarity setting the standard for many modern lagers. The experience emphasizes how this model beer influenced over 80% of existing beer brands.

Tour participants start at the Visitor Center, where they receive a detailed introduction before traveling via brewery bus to the bottling plant. This move highlights the brewery’s modern scale, with bottling lines that process 120,000 bottles per hour, showcasing the blending of tradition and innovation.

Exploring the Brewery’s Historic Cellars and Brewing Halls

One of the most appreciated parts of this tour is the visit to the brewery’s historic cellar, where the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell is tasted directly from the source. The temperature down in the cellars is around 40°F, so visitors are advised to wear warm clothing.

You also explore three brew houses, each representing different centuries of brewing history, illustrating the evolution of this iconic brewery. The guided explanations make complex brewing processes accessible and interesting, especially for those curious about the ingredients and techniques used.

Modern Bottling Facilities and Production Insights

A highlight for many visitors is the visit to the state-of-the-art bottling facility. Here, you see how the brewery processes large volumes of beer with precision and efficiency. Watching 120,000 bottles per hour being filled emphasizes the scale of the operation, blending traditional brewing methods with modern technology.

This part of the tour helps explain why Pilsner Urquell remains a global icon, with consistent quality and taste that has endured for over 180 years.

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Beer Tasting in the Historic Cellars

The beer tasting is often regarded as the best part of the experience. You get to sample the original unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, directly from the brewery’s historic cellars. The freshness and flavor of the beer impress even seasoned beer fans.

Since beer tasting is only for adults over 18, children are welcome to join the tour but cannot participate in the tasting. The tasting offers a real taste of the full-bodied, golden lager that changed brewing forever.

Practical Details and Meeting Point

This tour departs from the Visitor Center at U Prazdroje 64/7 in Pilsen. Visitors need to exchange their voucher at the ticket counter before starting. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The activity is wheelchair accessible and offers guides in English and German. The SmartGuide app is available for download, providing additional content in English or German for those who want to extend their understanding during the tour.

Timing, Pacing, and Booking Flexibility

The 110-minute tour is scheduled at various times, so checking availability is recommended. The tour involves some walking and bus travel around the brewery grounds. For flexibility, tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, ideal for planning trips.

Insights from Review Highlights and Guides

Many reviews praise the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, describing them as fantastic and very knowledgeable. The clarity of explanations and friendly demeanor make the tour enjoyable for all ages. Visitors also highlight the value for money and the chance to learn about the beer’s history in a lively setting.

The beer tasting is repeatedly mentioned as a highlight, with some noting the fresh, unfiltered beer as the best part of the experience. The scale and size of the brewery also leave a lasting impression, as the vastness of the production process becomes visible.

Why This Tour Is a Must-Do in Pilsen

If you are a beer enthusiast or a history buff, this tour delivers rich insight into the world’s first pilsner lager. The combination of visiting historic cellars, seeing modern bottling lines, and finishing with a delicious beer tasting makes this experience well worth the $18 fee.

The excellent guides, easy logistics, and recognition as Europe’s best brewery tour make this activity stand out for those visiting the Czech Republic. It’s suitable for adults and children (who can join but cannot taste), and the tour duration is manageable for most schedules.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour: A Genuine Beer Experience

This tour offers a comprehensive look at the origins, brewing process, and production of Pilsner Urquell, a beer that has set the standard worldwide. Its affordable price, combined with high-quality guides and authentic tastings, provides great value for visitors in Pilsen.

While the walking and bus travel add some physical activity, the experience remains relaxed and engaging. The opportunity to taste unfiltered beer in the historic cellars is the icing on the cake for any beer lover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome to join the tour; however, beer tasting is only for those over 18 years old.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 110 minutes, with scheduled start times that can be checked for availability.

What is included in the tour?
The guided tour, entrance, and beer tasting are all included in the $18 ticket price.

Do I need to speak German or English?
Guides are available in English and German, and a SmartGuide app provides additional content in these languages.

What should I wear for the cellar visit?
Since the cellars are around 40°F, it’s advisable to wear warm clothing for comfort during the tasting.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, tickets can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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