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Pilsner Urquell Brewery
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The Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) in Pilsen is the birthplace of the world's first pale lager, which established the global standard for the Pilsner style. In 1842, Bavarian brewer Josef Groll utilized local soft water and Saaz hops to create the golden-colored beer that revolutionized the industry. The brewery's sprawling complex is a major economic pillar of the region and a premier example of industrial heritage, featuring historic brewhouses alongside state-of-the-art production lines. A key highlight is the extensive network of historic sandstone cellars where beer is still matured in traditional wooden barrels. Its iconic neo-Baroque main gate, erected in 1892, serves as a symbol of the brewery's prestige. Now part of the Asahi Group, the brewery exports its flagship product to over 50 countries and remains a cornerstone of Czech national identity and its world-renowned beer culture.
- Location: Czech Republic
- Top sights: Prohlídkové trasy Pilsner Urquell · vozík pro sudy · pivovarský vagon
- Nearby: Rokycany (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -1 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 41 | 48 | 43 | 77 | 88 | 87 | 90 | 58 | 51 | 49 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery is the historic birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager, founded in 1842 and serving as a cornerstone of the Czech Republic's food and beverage export industry. It remains a massive symbol of national pride and brewing heritage.
Visiting
Unlike many modern factories, this working brewery is highly accessible to the public, offering comprehensive guided tours that explore both the contemporary bottling facilities and the historic underground cellars. Visitors can typically taste unfiltered beer directly from oak barrels at the end of the tour.
Where to view it
The iconic ornate entrance gate, built to commemorate the brewery's fiftieth anniversary, provides a quintessential photo opportunity from the public street. The vast industrial complex can also be appreciated from various elevated spots around the city center of Plzeň.
Local products
Inside the expansive visitor center and the on-site gift shop, guests can purchase a wide array of official merchandise, specialized beer glasses, and naturally, freshly brewed Pilsner Urquell. The local pubs around Plzeň exclusively serve this exceptionally fresh, locally produced lager.
Active season
The brewery buzzes with significant activity year-round due to consistent global demand, but the atmosphere reaches its peak during the annual Pilsner Fest in early October, celebrating the very first brew from 1842. Summer months also see a high volume of lively tourist activity around the courtyards.
Nearby
A visit to the brewery pairs perfectly with exploring the historic center of Plzeň, including the soaring Cathedral of St. Bartholomew and the fascinating Plzeň Historical Underground. For families, the nearby Techmania Science Center gives engaging interactive exhibits in a former factory building.
Geography
Facts
- The first batch of Pilsner Urquell was brewed on October 5, 1842.
- The brewery's historic cellars span approximately 9 kilometers in length.
- The iconic neo-Baroque entrance gate was built for the 50th anniversary in 1892.
- Pilsner Urquell is exported to more than 50 countries worldwide.
- The brewery welcomes over 700,000 visitors annually through its tours.
- The facility's modern bottling line has a capacity of 120,000 bottles per hour.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Pilsner Urquell Brewery (10)
Současná varna🏛 museum
Současná varna museum covers modern brewing technology.
most U Jána
most U Jána bridge spans a river in the Czech Republic.
Hopsina
Hopsina theme park is dedicated to hops and beer.
Vodárenská věž
Vodárenská věž is a historic water tower.
Křižíkovy sady🌳 park
Křižíkovy sady park is located along a street in Plzeň.
Masné krámy
Masné krámy gallery exhibits art in former meat stalls.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Pilsner Urquell brewery tour take?
The classic tour takes about 100 minutes.
Is beer tasting included in the tour?
Yes, for adults, there is a tasting of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in the cellars.
Are there tours available in German?
Yes, tours in German, English, and Czech are offered daily.
Is the brewery wheelchair accessible?
Most parts of the tour are accessible; there are special elevators available.
Is there a souvenir shop?
Yes, there is a large brand shop with clothing, glasses, and of course, beer.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery: where is it located?
Pilsner Urquell Brewery is located in Czech Republic.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prohlídkové trasy Pilsner Urquell, vozík pro sudy, pivovarský vagon.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pilsner Urquell Brewery: why is it worth visiting?
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery (Plzeňský Prazdroj) in Pilsen is the birthplace of the world's first pale lager, which established the global standard for the Pilsner style.
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