If you’re heading to the Czech Republic and love beer, chances are Pilsen is on your list. This tour is often recommended for those curious about the birthplace of the world’s first pilsner lager and eager to learn what makes this beer so iconic. We’ve looked into the experience so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
What we really like about this tour is its blend of history and hands-on experience. First, it’s a chance to see where the famous Pilsner Urquell was created back in 1842, and then to taste fresh, unfiltered pilsner right from the source. Plus, it’s a pretty good deal for the value — at just $18 per person, you get a guided tour, a peek into a historic brewery, and a tasting in about 110 minutes.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tour can be quite busy and touristy, especially during peak seasons. It’s well-organized but might not feel super intimate if you prefer off-the-beaten-path experiences. Also, if you’re traveling with kids, note that beer tasting is only for those over 18, though children are welcome to explore the brewery and its fascinating history.
All in all, this experience is best suited for beer lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a fun, straightforward tour of a legendary Czech brewery. It’s particularly ideal if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive look into Pilsen’s brewing heritage.
Key Points
- Authentic Experience: You’ll walk through historic brew houses and visit the original locations where Pilsner Urquell was born.
- Educational & Engaging: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the tour both fun and informative.
- Tasty Rewards: The highlight for many is tasting unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in the historic cellars—delicious and memorable.
- Modern Facilities: The brewery’s bottling plant is new and impressive, processing 120,000 bottles per hour, showing the scale of this operation.
- Value for Money: At $18, it’s considered a fair price, especially given the quality of the tour and tasting included.
- Accessible & Flexible: The tour lasts about 110 minutes, with options to download a SmartGuide app for content in English or German, and it’s wheelchair accessible.
What to Expect from the Tour
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Starting Point & Arrival
The tour begins at the Visitor Center of Pilsner Urquell Brewery, located conveniently in Pilsen. Before the tour kicks off, you’ll exchange your voucher at the ticket counter—an easy process. The meeting point is straightforward, and the whole experience is designed to be hassle-free.
Transport & Journey Through the Brewery
From the Visitor Center, you’ll hop onto a brewery bus to explore the different parts of this extensive operation. One highlight is visiting the historic cellars, where the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell is stored and eventually poured. Be prepared for a cool, slightly damp environment—wear warm clothing, especially in the cellar, where temperatures hover around 40°F.
The Brewing Process & Facilities
You’ll get an inside look at how Pilsner Urquell is made. The tour showcases three different brew houses spanning different centuries, illustrating how brewing methods have evolved. Guides share engaging stories and explanations, bringing the process to life. You’ll see ingredients, equipment, and hear about the careful craftsmanship involved.
More Great Tours NearbyModern Bottling & Packaging
Next, the tour takes you to a state-of-the-art bottling plant, processing a staggering 120,000 bottles per hour. This part of the visit really emphasizes the scale of production and how tradition and modern technology work together to create this beloved beer.
Tasting & Gift Shop
The finale is tasting the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell in the historic cellars. Many reviewers rave about the freshness and flavor—this is the real deal, straight from the source, and definitely one of the tour’s biggest highlights. Afterwards, you can browse the gift shop for souvenirs, and maybe enjoy some Czech food and beer at Na Spilce Pub, which is right on site.
What the Reviews Say
Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendly approach. One reviewer remarked, “Our tour guide was fantastic and very knowledgeable!” Similarly, others mention that the guide kept things lively and fun throughout.
The value is also a common theme—many say that, for just $18, you get a lot of insight and a memorable tasting experience. As one reviewer put it, “Great value for the money,” and another called it “really a quality program.”
The highlight for many is the beer tasting itself, with numerous reviews describing the unfiltered Pilsner Urquell as delicious and worth the trip. One shared, “The best part was tasting, with guide explaining what you are tasting,” emphasizing the educational component.
Some feedback notes that the tour is quite busy and quite touristy, but most agree that it’s still worth doing for the historical and cultural insights. A few mention that the tour has become more geared toward travelers in recent years, but the quality remains high.
The Practical Details
Duration & Accessibility
At just under two hours, it’s a manageable time commitment. The tour includes some walking and bus transport, but it’s wheelchair accessible. If you’re visiting in winter or cooler months, pack warm clothes—especially for the cellar visit.
Price & Value
$18 per person is budget-friendly, especially considering the guided experience, the tour of multiple historic brew houses, and a tasting feature. Compared to other brewery tours, this is quite reasonable, and with positive reviews emphasizing the knowledge and friendliness of guides, it’s a good value.
Booking & Cancellation
You can reserve your spot with flexibility—cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, so you can plan with confidence. There’s also an option to reserve now and pay later, which is helpful if your travel dates are still flexible.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect if you’re a beer enthusiast eager to learn about Pilsner Urquell’s origins. It’s also great for those interested in historic brewing methods or Czech culture. Families with older children might enjoy the visit, but remember that beer tasting is only for adults over 18.
Travelers who want a well-organized, educational, and tasty experience will appreciate the guided aspect and the chance to try fresh, unfiltered Pilsner Urquell. If you enjoy seeing production facilities and hearing stories from knowledgeable guides, this tour hits all the right notes.
Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting
“Great tour with a great guide. I had fun more than other beer experience visits before such as Heineken and Guinness.”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome to join the tour, but beer tasting is only for those over 18. Kids can explore the brewery and learn about its history, making it a family-friendly activity if you’re okay with not participating in the tasting.
How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 110 minutes, covering multiple parts of the brewery with some walking and bus rides included.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the brewery tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for more travelers to participate.
What language is the tour in?
Guides are available in English and German, and you can download a SmartGuide app for additional commentary in these languages.
What should I wear for the cellar visit?
Since the cellar temperature is around 40°F, it’s best to wear warm clothing to stay comfortable during that part of the tour.
Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your schedule shifts.
What’s included in the price?
The ticket covers entrance, a guided tour, and a beer tasting. You can also browse the gift shop afterward.
Is the bottling plant part of the tour?
Yes, you’ll visit a modern bottling facility that processes 120,000 bottles per hour, showcasing the scale of production.
Are there food options after the tour?
Yes, the on-site Na Spilce Pub offers Czech food and beers, which many visitors enjoy after the tour.
If you’re a beer lover or curious traveler looking to explore Pilsen’s brewing legacy, this tour offers a solid mix of history, craftsmanship, and tasting pleasure. The guides’ praise and the overall positive reviews suggest it’s a well-run experience that most will find enjoyable. For just $18, you get a glimpse into the birthplace of the world’s first pilsner, making it a worthwhile addition to your Czech adventure.
While it’s busy and somewhat touristy, most visitors find that the quality of the tour and the chance to taste fresh beer outweigh any minor drawbacks. It’s especially perfect for those who want a fun, straightforward, and educational activity that enriches their understanding of Czech brewing culture.
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