Table of Contents
Introduction
With its world-famous pilsners, beer spas, and rowdy beer halls, the Czech Republic boasts one of the richest beer cultures on earth. Beer plays an integral role in Czech cuisine, hospitality, and history. This is especially evident in the cities of Prague and Plzen, two essential destinations for understanding Czechia’s obsession with the brew. By exploring these cities and the countryside in between, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the country’s hoppy heritage. From medieval breweries to modern beer festivals, prepare your taste buds for the ultimate Czech beer experience.
Prague
As the capital and largest city in the Czech Republic, Prague has centuries of storied beer history under its belt. Beer has been brewed here since the 11th century, and the city has long held a reputation for its delicious dark lagers and strong ales.
Beer History in Prague
In Prague, beer reigns supreme. Breweries used to be located in monasteries, as monks were among the first brewmasters in the region. Later on, brewing became the domain of guilds and aristocrats. Major breweries still operate in Prague today, including Pilsner Urquell and Staropramen. These giants compete with a thriving craft beer scene full of local upstarts and nanobreweries.
Major Breweries
Some of the major longstanding breweries in Prague include Staropramen, Krusovice, Branik, and U Fleku. These breweries operate brewpubs where you can sip their classic Czech lagers straight from the source.
Beer Halls and Pubs
No trip to Prague is complete without visiting the beer halls and pubs where locals have gathered for ages to drink beer. Must-visit pubs include U Medvidku, U Zlateho Tygra, and U Supa. Don’t miss the historic U Fleku Brewery, which has made beer since 1499 AD.
Beer Festivals
Time your visit right to join Prague’s famous beer festivals like Prague Beer Week or the annual Czech Beer Festival, where you can sample Czech’s best brews from around the country while soaking up the friendly atmosphere.
Plzen
West of Prague lies the city of Plzen, world-famous as the original home of pilsner beer. Pilsner originated here in 1842, changing beer history forever. It’s since become the most popular beer style globally.
History of Pilsner Beer
Before pale lagers like pilsner, most beers were dark ales. In Plzen, a new brewery called Pilsner Urquell pioneered lighter malts and Saaz hops to create the very first pilsner in 1842. It caught on like wildfire, and the rest is history. Pilsner Urquell still operates in Plzen today.
Touring the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
At the Pilsner Urquell Brewery, you can tour underground cellars and taste unfiltered and unpasteurized pilsner straight from oak barrels. It’s an immersive experience in the birthplace of pilsners.
Beer Museums
Plzen is home to not one but two beer museums – the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Museum and the Brewery Museum of Plzen. Both offer an in-depth look at Pilsen’s brewing history and traditions.
Great Pubs in Plzen
In addition to Pilsner Urquell, don’t miss other iconic Plzen pubs like Gambrinus, Purkmistr, or Na Spilce. Sample regional specialties like yeast beer or try a “hodgepodge” mix of light and dark beers.
Beyond Prague and Plzen
Bohemia and Moravia, the two historical regions that make up the Czech Republic, are dotted with small towns boasting their own unique beer cultures. As you travel between Prague and Plzen or beyond, keep an eye out for these spots off the beaten path.
Smaller Towns with Brewing Tradition
Ceske Budejovice is an up-and-coming beer city thanks to its world-famous Budvar brewery. The town of Decin in northern Bohemia is situated along the Elbe River beer trail. Hluboka nad Vltavou charms with its medieval castle that houses a brewery and pub.
Unique Beer Styles and Local Breweries
Don’t limit yourself to pilsners! Traditional Bohemian dark lagers and Moravian märzen-style beers are brewing stalwarts. Try regional specialties like chodovar from Chodova Plana or Zatec hops from Zatec, prized by brewers for centuries.
Following Beer Trails through the Countryside
Lace up your walking shoes and follow one of Czechia’s many beer trails winding through the landscape. The Plzen Beer Trail features wild hops, the Eagle Mountains Beer Trail weaves through mountain villages, and the Elbe River Beer Trail follows Bohemia’s mighty river.
Pairing Czech Beer with Food
In the Czech Republic, beer doesn’t just accompany meals – it’s an essential ingredient in the dining experience. Meals aren’t complete without the right brew to match.
Traditional Pub Fare
At a traditional Czech pub or beer hall, pair your pilsner with hearty classics like pork knee, goulash, or schnitzel. Fresh rye bread and spicy mustard complete the meal.
Local Meats and Cheeses
Sample meats like bratwurst, kielbasa, smoked ham, or boar with a light Czech lager. For cheeses like niva or uzene syre, go for a richer, maltier dark beer.
Regional Cuisine
Dive into dishes like Vysocina’s duck, South Bohemian carp, or Moravian sparrow with matching regional brews. Let the beer you sip enhance the distinct flavors of Czech cuisine.
Transport and Logistics
Luckily, Czechia makes it easy to get around between breweries. Here are the best transportation options:
Trains Connecting Prague and Plzen
Regular direct trains connect Prague and Plzen in just 1.5 hours, making day trips or longer stops a breeze. Sit back and watch the Bohemian countryside roll by as you travel between these two amazing cities.
Getting Around Each City
Prague and Plzen both have excellent public transportation systems, with metro, tram, and bus options. Walking between nearby breweries is also easy. Joining guided brewery tours takes the planning hassle out of navigating each city.
Guided Beer Tours
Let a local expert handle the logistics during a guided Czech beer tour. Reputable operators like Czech Beer Tours cover all the highlights in Prague, Plzen, and beyond via bus, often with food and accommodation included.
Accommodations
Rest your head in some of Czechia’s most beer-soaked lodgings:
Beer-Themed Hotels
Prague’s Brewery Hotel offers modern rooms literally inside a brewery. Plzen’s Primavera Hotel pays homage to Pilsner Urquell with beer-inspired decor.
Camping and Hostels
For budget travelers, camping grounds and hostels around Plzen and Prague provide easy access to breweries. Hostel Steam in Plzen is just steps from Pilsner Urquell.
Spa Resorts with Microbreweries
Treat yourself to a beer spa experience at a resort like the Chodova Plana Beer Spa or Prague Beer Spa, then savor locally brewed beers onsite.
Planning Your Beer Trip
Follow these tips for an unforgettable, hassle-free Czech beer vacation:
Recommended Itineraries
For a full immersion in 9-14 days, spend 2-4 nights each in Prague, Plzen, and Ceske Budejovice, with day trips to nearby villages. A hurried 4-5 night trip should devote 2 nights each for Prague and Plzen.
Timing Your Visit
Aim for May-October when the weather is ideal for both cities and countryside. Unless you love crowds, avoid Prague in peak summer. Hit harvest festivals in September or Prague Beer Week in early May.
Resources for Booking
Use aggregators like TripAdvisor to compare hotels and relied on tour operators like European Beer Tours to book packages, guides, and transport. Check Individual brewery websites for tours.
Beer Etiquette and Culture
Brush up on these etiquette tips before grabbing a pint like a local:
Tipping and Ordering
In Czech pubs, it’s customary to tip around 10% by rounding up the bill or leaving the change. When ordering, get the bartender’s attention by making eye contact and holding up your empty glass.
Beer Language
Learn handy Czech beer phrases like “Na zdraví!” (cheers) and “Ještě jedno!” (another one!). Study up on beer vocabulary like “pivo” (beer) and “hospoda” (pub).
Meeting the Locals
Immerse yourself in Czech beer culture by chatting with local patrons in beer halls. Learn about their recommendations, brewing stories, and homemade hooch.
Conclusion
From medieval brewing to innovative nanobreweries, few countries can match the Czech Republic’s illustrious beer heritage. Each sip showcases ingredient quality, craftsmanship, and close ties to local culture. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a die-hard hophead, exploring Prague, Plzen, and beyond will give you an unparalleled appreciation of what makes Czech beer so special. Let the bubbling perfection in your glass be your guide through this promised land for beer lovers. Na zdraví!
What are the major beer styles brewed in Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is best known for pale lagers like pilsner, as well as golden Czech lagers. However, brewers also produce Bavarian-style helles, light and dark Czech ales, Bohemian pilsners, and Schwarzbiers, among other styles.
Where was pilsner beer first brewed?
Pilsner originated in the city of Plzen in the Czech Republic. The first pilsner was brewed in 1842 by a brewery called Plzensky Prazdroj, now known as Pilsner Urquell.
What is the best way to travel between Prague and Plzen?
Fast and frequent trains connect Prague and Plzen in just 1.5 hours, making trains the most convenient transport option. Direct buses are also available. Many guided beer tours include roundtrip transport between the cities.
What time of year is best to visit for beer lovers?
Late spring through early autumn (May-October) is ideal for enjoying Czechia’s beer gardens and brewery tours. September brings harvest festivals, while May hosts Prague Beer Week. Go in winter to avoid crowds.
What are some key Czech beer vocabulary words to know?
Handy Czech beer words include: pivnice (beer hall), pivo (beer), pěna (foam), naražet (to tap/pour beer), degustace (tasting), na zdraví! (cheers!), hospoda (pub), and tankové pivo (draught/tap beer).