Europe is renowned for its rich beer culture, with a long and storied history of brewing that dates back centuries. For beer enthusiasts and travelers alike, exploring the diverse brews and breweries across Europe becomes an unforgettable experience. And what better way to embark on this adventure than by combining it with a rail journey? European beer and brewery tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the captivating world of beer while enjoying the scenic beauty of the continent. In this guide, we will take you through the essentials of planning and experiencing these remarkable tours, but we will also give you a few of our recommendations!
Exploring Europe’s Beer Culture:
Europe boasts a vibrant and diverse beer culture, with each country having its unique brewing traditions and styles. Whether you prefer a stout from Ireland, a lager from Germany, or a Trappist ale from Belgium, there is something for every beer aficionado. To truly immerse yourself in the beer culture of Europe, it is essential to understand the history, brewing techniques, and local customs that shape each region’s beer scene.
One of the best ways to delve into Europe’s beer culture is by visiting local pubs, beer festivals, and specialty beer shops. These establishments offer a chance to taste a wide range of regional beers, engage with locals, and learn about the brewing process from passionate beer enthusiasts. Additionally, exploring the beer museums and historical landmarks dedicated to brewing, such as the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin or the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam, provides valuable insights into the beer-making traditions and the impact of breweries on local communities.
The Bavarian Beer Brewery Rail Tour – A 7-Day Guide to Beer Paradise
This is one of the less mile intensive rail tours on this list and it gives you time to focus on the history of Bavaria.
Day 1: Arrival in Munich
Your Bavarian beer adventure begins in Munich, a city renowned for its beer culture. Upon arrival at Munich Central Station, check into your hotel and start your journey with a visit to the world-famous Hofbräuhaus for your first taste of traditional Bavarian beer. Savor a hearty dinner at one of Munich’s beer halls.
Day 2: Munich Breweries
Spend your second day exploring Munich’s breweries. Begin with a tour of the Hofbräuhaus to learn about its history and brewing process. Next, visit the Augustiner Bräustuben and the Paulaner Bräuhaus for more beer tastings. In the evening, board a train to Nuremberg.
Day 3: Nuremberg’s Craft Scene
Explore Nuremberg’s growing craft beer scene. Start with a tour of Tucher Bräu, an old brewery now producing innovative craft beers. Enjoy lunch at Hausbrauerei Altstadthof. In the evening, take a train to Regensburg.
Day 4: Regensburg’s Historic Breweries
Discover the medieval charm of Regensburg and its historic breweries. Visit Kneitinger, one of Germany’s oldest breweries, and enjoy a guided tour. Afterward, explore the Spitalgarten, a beer garden with a view of the Danube. In the evening, travel to Bamberg.
Day 5: Bamberg – A Beer Lover’s Paradise
Bamberg is a beer lover’s paradise with nine breweries. Start your day with a visit to the famous Schlenkerla Brewery, known for its smoky beer. Continue your beer journey by exploring other breweries in Bamberg. Spend the evening at a traditional Bierkeller.
Day 6: Nuremberg Revisited
Return to Nuremberg for a final taste of its brewing heritage. Visit Weissbräu Unser and enjoy a guided tour. Explore the city’s historic district and shop for beer souvenirs. In the evening, return to Munich.
Day 7: Farewell to Bavaria
On your last day, savor a leisurely breakfast and perhaps visit one of Munich’s iconic beer gardens, such as the Englischer Garten. Reflect on your Bavarian beer brewery rail tour before heading to Munich Central Station for your departure.
Pro Tips:
- Purchase a Bavarian Rail Pass for flexible travel to and from the breweries.
- Prioritize booking brewery tours in advance, especially in peak seasons.
- Try local dishes like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel to accompany your beer.
- Don’t forget to sample the local beer specialties at each brewery.
- Be sure to enjoy the beautiful Bavarian scenery during your train journeys.
This 7-day rail tour is a beer lover’s dream, allowing you to explore the rich brewing heritage of Bavaria while enjoying the convenience of the region’s excellent rail network. Each day offers a unique experience, from Munich’s iconic beer halls to the craft beer scene of Nuremberg and the medieval charm of Regensburg and Bamberg. By the end of your journey, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Bavaria’s brewing traditions and a suitcase full of cherished beer memories. Prost!
The European Coast-to-Coast Brewery Rail Tour – A 14-Day Beer Odyssey
If you are looking for something a bit more varied that lets you sample the beers from around Europe, then this journey will take you from the warmer southern countries up through around the coast ending up Hamburg.
It’s a great tour to do because if you are like me, then you live in the United Kingdom. So you can easily fly out to Portugal, then make your way up the coast and simply get a quick flight back.
You could also extend this to a 28 day trip if you want to spend a day extra in each location. We recommend staying in cheap hostels or using overnight trains where necessary.
Day 1: Start in Lisbon, Portugal
Begin your epic European coast-to-coast brewery rail tour in Lisbon. Explore the city’s vibrant culture and make your first stop at Lisbon’s famous Cervejaria Trindade, one of Portugal’s oldest breweries. Enjoy dinner with a view of the Tagus River.
Day 2: Lisbon to Madrid, Spain
Hop on a train to Madrid, where you’ll explore Spain’s capital and sample traditional Spanish cerveza. Visit the historic La Bola taberna for Madrid’s famous tapas and beer. In the evening, take a train to Barcelona.
Day 3: Barcelona Craft Beer Scene
Discover Barcelona’s thriving craft beer scene. Start your day at Edge Brewing and continue to local favorites like Biercab and Garage Beer Co. Enjoy the beachside atmosphere in the evening with a cold beer in hand.
Day 4: Onward to Marseille, France
Take a scenic train ride to Marseille, France. Enjoy the coastal ambiance and a visit to La Canebière, where you can try local French beers and seafood. Spend the evening at the Old Port.
Day 5: French Riviera Beer Exploration
Travel east along the French Riviera, making stops in Nice and Cannes. Taste local craft beers and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. Take a late train to Genoa, Italy.
Day 6: Italian Beer and Seafood
In Genoa, experience Italian beer culture. Visit Genova Brignole Brewery and enjoy some of the region’s best seafood. In the evening, board a train to Milan.
Day 7: Milan’s Brewpubs
Discover Milan’s brewpubs and craft beer bars. Highlights include Birrificio Lambrate and Birrificio Italiano. Savor aperitivo with beer and local dishes in the lively Navigli district.
Day 8: Alps Scenic Route to Innsbruck, Austria
Travel through the stunning Alps on your way to Innsbruck. Taste Tyrolean beer specialties at one of the city’s traditional beer halls. Explore Innsbruck’s charming old town.
Day 9: Munich, Germany – Beer Capital
Munich, known for its beer culture, awaits. Begin with a tour of the Hofbräuhaus, followed by visits to other iconic beer halls like Augustiner Bräustuben and Paulaner Bräuhaus.
Day 10: Bavarian Beer Adventures
Dive deeper into Munich’s beer scene. Explore local craft breweries and beer gardens. Don’t miss the historic Schneider Bräuhaus and a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace beer garden.
Day 11: Prague, Czech Republic
Travel to Prague, a city known for its historic beer traditions. Sample the renowned Pilsner Urquell at one of the city’s traditional pubs. Stroll through the charming streets of Prague’s Old Town.
Day 12: Czech Beer Exploration
Continue your Czech beer adventure with a visit to craft breweries in Prague. Enjoy a scenic river view at the LetnĂĄ Beer Garden. Take a train to Berlin, Germany.
Day 13: Berlin Craft Beer Scene
Discover Berlin’s vibrant craft beer scene. Visit microbreweries, beer gardens, and craft beer bars. Explore the city’s history and vibrant culture.
Day 14: Hamburg – Your Final Destination
Finish your coast-to-coast journey in Hamburg, Germany. Enjoy local Hamburg beers, explore the bustling harbor, and reflect on your incredible European beer odyssey. Depart from Hamburg at the end of your adventure.
Pro Tips:
- Purchase a Eurail Pass for flexible train travel across Europe.
- Book brewery tours and tastings in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Embrace local food pairings with your beer, from tapas in Spain to sausages in Germany.
- Familiarize yourself with each country’s beer culture and traditions.
- Savor the scenic train journeys and enjoy picturesque coastal views.
Your 14-day European coast-to-coast brewery rail tour is an unforgettable journey through diverse cultures, beer traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. From the sunny shores of Portugal to the historic streets of Prague and the vibrant cities of Germany, this epic adventure promises a taste of Europe’s rich beer heritage and coastal beauty. Raise your glass to a remarkable beer odyssey! Prost!
The Ultimate 10-Day German Beer Rail Tour – A Brewer’s Dream Journey
Day 1: Start in Berlin
Commence your German beer rail tour in Berlin, the capital city. Explore the craft beer scene in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Visit BRLO Brwhouse, Berliner Kindl Brauerei, and enjoy a hearty German dinner at a local brewpub.
Day 2: Berlin Breweries & History
Continue your exploration of Berlin’s breweries, such as Vagabund Brauerei and BRLO Brwhouse. Visit historical sites like the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate before taking an evening train to Leipzig.
Day 3: Leipzig’s Beer and Culture
Discover Leipzig’s beer culture and visit historic breweries like Bayerischer Bahnhof. Explore the city’s cultural attractions, including the famous St. Thomas Church. In the evening, board a train to Nuremberg.
Day 4: Nuremberg’s Brewing Tradition
Explore Nuremberg’s brewing heritage with visits to traditional breweries like Tucher Bräustuben. Stroll through Nuremberg’s picturesque old town and savor traditional Franconian cuisine.
Day 5: Munich – Beer Capital
Travel to Munich, Germany’s beer capital. Start with a visit to the iconic Hofbräuhaus. Explore Augustiner Bräustuben and Paulaner Bräuhaus. Enjoy Bavarian beer specialties for dinner.
Day 6: Munich Beer Adventures
Dive deeper into Munich’s beer scene with visits to craft breweries and beer gardens. Don’t miss the historic Schneider Bräuhaus and a visit to the Nymphenburg Palace beer garden.
Day 7: Bamberg – A Beer Lover’s Paradise
Journey to Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beer. Explore nine breweries, starting with Schlenkerla Brewery, famous for its smoky beer. Savor the traditional Bierkeller experience.
Day 8: Bamberg Breweries & Scenery
Continue your beer adventure in Bamberg, visiting more breweries like Klosterbräu and Fässla. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the old town and the Regnitz River.
Day 9: Regensburg’s Historic Breweries
Travel to Regensburg, home to medieval breweries. Visit the historic Kneitinger Brewery and enjoy the Spitalgarten beer garden overlooking the Danube River. In the evening, return to Munich.
Day 10: Farewell to Bavaria
On your last day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps visit one of Munich’s iconic beer gardens, such as the Englischer Garten. Reflect on your German beer rail tour before departing from Munich.
Pro Tips:
- Purchase a Eurail Pass for convenient train travel within Germany.
- Book brewery tours and tastings in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Explore the cultural and historical sites in each city to balance your beer experience.
- Savor local food pairings with your beer, from pretzels in Munich to sausages in Nuremberg.
- Enjoy the scenic train journeys and picturesque German landscapes.
Your 10-day German beer rail tour is a brewer’s dream journey through some of Germany’s most iconic beer cities and breweries. From Berlin’s vibrant craft beer scene to the historic brewing towns of Bavaria, this tour promises an unforgettable immersion into German beer culture, history, and scenic beauty. Raise your glass to a remarkable beer adventure in the heart of Europe! Prost!
We can’t think of a better way to tour the breweries across Europe than on a train.
European beer and brewery tours have gained immense popularity among travelers seeking an immersive beer experience. Combining the convenience of rail travel with the thrill of brewery visits, these tours offer a unique perspective on the beer culture of each region. From visiting centuries-old breweries in Belgium to exploring modern craft beer scenes in Germany, the options are endless.
When planning a brewery tour, it is crucial to research the breweries you wish to visit and their accessibility by train. Many European countries have excellent rail networks that allow for seamless travel between cities, making it easy to hop from one brewery to another. Some popular brewery tour destinations include the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in the Czech Republic, the Trappist breweries in Belgium, and the Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany.
European beer and brewery tours provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich beer culture that Europe has to offer. By combining your love for beer with a rail journey, you can discover the unique flavors, traditions, and stories behind each brewery. So whether you are a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply someone with a curious palate, grab your train ticket and embark on a memorable adventure through Europe’s beer destinations. Prost!