Page 24 - All About History - Issue 186-19

BEER

Places to Explore

HISTORICBREWERIES

Five sites that offer a fascinating history of beer

1 WEIHENSTEPHAN BREWERY

FREISING

Weihenstephan was founded as a monastery brewery of the 5
Benedictine monks almost a thousand years ago in 1040, 4
making it the oldest operating brewery in the world.
Located around 45 minutes from Munich, the brewery is
run today by the Bavarian state after the monastery was 3
secularized in 1803. Visitors can enjoy a behind-the-scenes
guided tour – in German or English – of the brewery, which
begins with a visit to the brewery’s museum and explores
the unique traditions and brewing culture that have
become established at Weihenstephan over centuries.
There’s also an optional extra to take part in a beer tasting,
with a souvenir beer glass at the end of the guided tour,
and there’s a restaurant and shop on site. If you want to
go on one of the tours you must book your place before
arriving at the brewery, and it’s important to take note
of the age restrictions beforehand.

Tours run on Monday and Wednesday at 10am, and
Tuesday at 10am and 1:30pm. Ticket prices range from
€8 to €11 per person. www.weihenstephaner.de/en/ 2 PILSNER URQUELL BREWERY

PLZEN
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German brewing world’s first pilsner, is the birthplace
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for those who are
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passionate about the
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history of beer. Their
guided tours will
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t ake you around the
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original locations
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where the pilsner
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beer was first
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brewed 177 years
ago, before a
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brewery bus
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Pilsner Urquell’s
ties whichprocesses120 000bottlesanhour Visitorswillalso
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modern bottling facilities, which processes 120,000 bottles an hour. Visitors will also
earn about the ingredients used to brew the famous beer, and you’ll explore the
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brewery’s three brewhouses, each from a different century, before ending the tour with
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a
a tasting of Pilsner Urquell in the historical cellars. The tours are available in Czech,
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German, English, Russian and French. The brewery also offers experiences such as
a
a beer workshop and the journey of a brewery apprentice, which vary in price. Please
© Getty Images r emember to check age restrictions before your visit!
O
Open Monday–Sunday from 8am, closing time differs depending on the month. Average
ticket price is CZK 250 (about £8), discounts are available. www.prazdrojvisit.cz/en/
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