Introduction

The Czech city of Pilsen is renowned worldwide for its historic brewing traditions. Pilsner beer originated here in 1842, transforming the beer industry forever with its golden color and refreshing taste. While Pilsner Urquell is the most famous brewery, Pilsen has much more to offer beer lovers and even those who aren’t fans of beer. From small craft breweries to beer spas and festivals, Pilsen provides a unique travel experience centered around beer’s cultural impact. Even beyond the breweries, the city’s architecture, history and natural surroundings make it worth a visit.

Pilsner Urquell Brewery

No trip to Pilsen is complete without a visit to the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Beer has been brewed here since the 1300s, but it was in 1842 that a brewer named Josef Groll created the first batch of Pilsner Urquell. Using soft local water, Saaz hops and pale Moravian barley, Groll crafted a golden lager that was revolutionary at the time. Word of this new beer spread quickly, and brewers across Europe rushed to emulate it. Pilsner Urquell can be credited with sparking the popularity of pale lagers around the world.

Visitors can tour parts of the massive brewery to learn about the brewing process and history. An informative guided tour ends with a tasting in the cellars, where you can sample unpasteurized and unfiltered Pilsner Urquell straight from oak barrels. It’s an experience every beer lover should have.

Smaller Breweries in Pilsen

In addition to Pilsner Urquell, Pilsen has several smaller brewpubs and microbreweries waiting to be discovered. The Rampušák Brewery occupies a historic monastery building and serves beers like their sweet, caramel-tinged lager. At Purkmistr Brewery, sip one of their classic Czech lagers on an outdoor patio overlooking the city. Or sample unique beers like chili chocolate stout and sour cherry weissbier at the Prazdroj Pit Stop microbrewery. Going on a small-brewery pub crawl is a fun way to explore different beer styles.

Beer Spas

Relaxing in a warm, frothy beer bath might sound unconventional, but it has a long history in the Czech Republic. Hops have natural antibacterial effects, while the yeast in the beer nourishes and softens skin. The carbonation helps circulation and provides a soothing massage-like effect. You can get the full spa experience at places like the Chodovar Beer Spa in Pilsen, which has private baths, massages, saunas and more. Sipping a cold beer while soaking in an even colder beer bath is a paradoxically relaxing experience!

Beer Festivals

Not only does Pilsen have great beer year-round, but the city also hosts special beer festivals and events. The annual Pilsen Beer Fest in May is one of the largest in the country, taking over Pilsen’s main square. In addition to all the major Czech breweries, you can find international beers, food vendors and live music. There’s also the Dny Piva non-alcoholic beer festival geared towards families and children, demonstrating beer’s place in all parts of Czech culture.

Beer-Inspired Dining

It’s easy to find restaurants and cafes focused around beer in Pilsen. Classic Czech pubs like Na Parkanu serve hearty fare like pork knuckle and duck with slivovitz brandy sauce, all accompanied by excellent beer. U Salzmannu is famous for its beer cheese, a local specialty blended with Pilsner Urquell. For fine dining, the Brewery Restaurant pairs creative modern cuisine with its own house-brewed beers. Going on a beer-centered pub crawl trip is a delicious way to experience Pilsen’s food scene.

Beyond Beer

Even non-beer drinkers can appreciate Pilsen’s appealing atmosphere and sights. The city center is home to many examples of Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Walking tours showcase landmarks like the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew with its soaring Gothic tower. The Great Synagogue, Patton Memorial Pilsen and other historic sites relate to Pilsen’s World War II history. The surrounding Bohemian Forest offers beautiful hiking and rock climbing. With its rich cultural heritage and scenic natural setting, Pilsen has much more to enjoy than just beer.

Conclusion

Pilsen provides visitors with an immersive experience centered around beer’s significance and history. From touring the original Pilsner brewery to soaking in frothy beer baths, there are many ways to experience beer culture first-hand. The city also boasts unique small breweries, beer-inspired dining and festivals to discover. Even beyond the beer scene, Pilsen has architectural gems, an important war history and outdoor activities that make it a worthwhile travel destination. Beer put Pilsen on the map, but the city’s charm and culture continue to bring visitors from around the world.

FAQs

Q: What style of beer was invented in Pilsen?

A: Pilsner beer, a golden lager that changed beer brewing worldwide, was first created in Pilsen in 1842.

Q: Where was Pilsner Urquell beer originally brewed?

A: Pilsner Urquell originated at the brewery in Pilsen, which is still in operation and makes Pilsner Urquell today.

Q: What ingredients make Pilsner beer unique?

A: Pilsner is brewed with soft water, Saaz hops and pale Moravian barley malt which give it a distinct golden color and crisp, refreshing taste.

Q: What are some good beer festivals to attend in Pilsen?

A: The Pilsen Beer Fest in May and the non-alcoholic Dny Piva festival are popular annual beer festivals held in the city.

Q: What is there to do in Pilsen besides visiting breweries and beer halls?

A: Pilsen has architectural sights like the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, World War II history, and outdoor activities in the Bohemian Forest.