Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour With Beer Tasting

Visiting the birthplace of the world’s first pilsner lager is a must for beer enthusiasts. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour in Pilsen, Czech Republic, offers a captivating 110-minute experience. Guests can explore the historic cellars, modern production facilities, and enjoy a guided tasting of the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell. This wheelchair-accessible tour, recognized as Europe’s Best Brewery Tour, promises an immersive journey through brewing history and innovation. What secrets does this iconic brewery hold?

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Key Points

The Pilsner Urquell brewery tour is a 110-minute experience that showcases the historical significance and modern production of the iconic pilsner lager.
Visitors can explore the brewery’s historical cellars and modern facilities, and taste the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell as part of the tour.
The brewery is renowned for its pioneering brewing process that established the pilsner style, which now accounts for over 80% of beer brands globally.
The tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at the state-of-the-art bottling plant, which can process up to 120,000 bottles per hour.
The beer tasting experience allows visitors to compare the aroma, color, and flavor profile of the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, with a complimentary souvenir glass.

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Tour Overview

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour is a 110-minute activity that allows visitors to explore the historical brewery and sample the iconic Pilsner Urquell beer.

Available in English and German, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Priced from Kč 400 per person, the tour can be booked with a reserve now and pay later option.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour has been recognized as the Best Brewery Tour in Europe by the World Travel Awards, offering a unique insight into the birthplace of the pilsner lager and modern beer production.

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Highlights of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour

Awarded the World Travel Awards for Best Brewery Tour in Europe, the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the historical significance and modern production of this iconic pilsner lager. From touring the historical cellars to witnessing the impressive 120,000 bottles per hour bottling facility, the tour provides an immersive experience. Guests can taste the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell, which has served as a model for over 80% of existing beer brands since its inception in 1842. The tour’s highlights are summarized in the table below.

| Experience | Historical Significance | Bottling Facility |

| — | — | — |

| Explore historical cellars
See beer production
Taste unfiltered Pilsner Urquell | First pilsner type lager brewed in 1842
Model for over 80% of existing beer brands | Processes 120,000 bottles per hour |

Exploring the Historical Significance of the Brewery

Though first brewed in 1842, Pilsner Urquell‘s historical significance endures as the original pilsner-style lager that has since inspired over 80% of the world’s beer brands.

The brewery’s pioneering brewing process and distinct golden color helped establish the pilsner as the most popular beer style globally.

Visitors can witness this legacy firsthand by exploring the historical brew houses, where the iconic recipe has been perfected over generations.

The modern bottling plant‘s ability to process 120,000 bottles per hour further showcases Pilsner Urquell’s continued innovation and influence in the beer industry.

Visiting the Modern Bottling Facilities

What awaits visitors at the modern bottling facilities of Pilsner Urquell? The brewery’s state-of-the-art bottling plant processes an astonishing 120,000 bottles per hour.

Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at this impressive operation, witnessing the seamless efficiency of the automated system. From bottle rinsing and filling to capping and labeling, the entire process unfolds with remarkable speed and precision.

Visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the logistics involved in delivering the iconic Pilsner Urquell to consumers worldwide. This captivating glimpse into the brewery’s modern capabilities rounds out the comprehensive Pilsner Urquell experience.

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Guided Tour of the Brewery

Guests begin the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour at the U Prazdroje 64/7 Visitor Center in Plzeň, where a knowledgeable guide leads them through the historical cellars and modern production facilities.

A knowledgeable guide leads guests through the historical cellars and modern production facilities at the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour in Plzeň.

They explore three brew houses from different centuries, learning about the brewery’s rich history as the birthplace of the original pilsner lager in 1842.

The tour highlights the significance of Pilsner Urquell as a model for over 80% of existing beer brands worldwide.

Visitors also witness the high-speed bottling process, which can handle 120,000 bottles per hour.

The guided experience culminates in an unfiltered Pilsner Urquell beer tasting.

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Beer Tasting Experience

The beer tasting experience caps off the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour, allowing visitors to savor the brewery’s flagship unfiltered lager.

After the guided tour, guests are invited to a special tasting room to sample the fresh, unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell.

The tasting includes:

Informative commentary from an expert guide on the beer’s history and unique brewing process.
Comparison of the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell to the filtered version served in pubs.
Opportunity to appreciate the beer’s distinct aroma, color, and flavor profile.
Complimentary Pilsner Urquell glass to take home as a souvenir.

Souvenir Shopping and Dining

After the tour and beer tasting, visitors can browse the Pilsner Urquell gift shop for a variety of souvenirs. They can find traditional Czech glassware, apparel, accessories, and even a selection of specialty Pilsner Urquell beers to take home.

| Product | Price |

| — | — |

| Pilsner Urquell Branded Glassware | Kč 150 – Kč 500 |

| Pilsner Urquell Apparel (T-shirts, Hats) | Kč 300 – Kč 800 |

| Pilsner Urquell Beer Gift Sets | Kč 500 – Kč 1,000 |

| Pilsner Urquell Accessories (Keychains, Magnets) | Kč 100 – Kč 300 |

| Pilsner Urquell Collectibles (Mugs, Coasters) | Kč 200 – Kč 800 |

After shopping, visitors can dine at the Na Spilce Pub, located on-site, to enjoy traditional Czech cuisine and more Pilsner Urquell beer.

Practical Information for Visitors

Visitors can reach the Pilsner Urquell Brewery by taking the Plzen trolley from the city center, alighting at the U Prazdroje stop. Ticket pricing is the same for children and adults, though beer tasting is reserved for those 18 and over.

A SmartGuide app is available for foreign visitors, providing guided content in English or German. To fully enjoy the experience, it’s recommended to dress warmly, as the cellar tours take place in around 40°F temperatures.

Key visitor information includes:

Accessible to wheelchair users
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Reserve now, pay later option available
Souvenir shopping and dining at Na Spilce Pub after the tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour, though they may be asked to avoid certain areas for safety or privacy reasons. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specific guidance.

How Long Does the Entire Visit Typically Take?

The entire visit typically takes around 110 minutes. This includes the guided tour of the brewery, beer tasting, and exploring the various brew houses and modern bottling facilities.

Is There an Option to Add a Food Pairing Experience?

While the standard tour does not include a food pairing experience, visitors can extend their visit by dining at the Na Spilce Pub located on-site after the tour. The pub offers a variety of local cuisine to complement the beer tasting.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors. Student and senior visitors receive a 10% discount on the tour price. Visitors must present valid identification to receive the discounted rate.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Drinks Into the Brewery?

No, visitors are not allowed to bring their own snacks or drinks into the brewery. This policy helps maintain the tour experience and ensure the safety of all guests. Refreshments are available for purchase at the on-site pub and souvenir shop.

The Sum Up

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour offers a captivating journey through the history and production of the world’s first pilsner lager. With a guided tasting of the unfiltered brew, visitors can enjoy the brewery’s rich legacy and innovative spirit. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply curious, this wheelchair-accessible tour promises a memorable experience that showcases the art of crafting the iconic Pilsner Urquell.