I am heading to Budapest in October and cruising the Danube to Regensburg. We are overnighting in Vienna. After that we are heading to Prague for a few days. What are the must-visit breweries to drink local beer? Has anyone done the trip to Pilsner Urquell’s brewery in Pilsen? Is it worth it or are there other 2nd tier Pilsner breweries in Prague?
Paul
Regensburg:
Kneitenger has some very good beers, and good food. Spital is good, and if the Biergaten on the banks of the Danube is a fine place to enjoy a beer. There are a few small brewpubs. The Helles at the Weißbäuhaus had a clove flavor which was not what a Helles should have. The Wurstkuchen near the Stone Bridge has excellent Wurst and beer the drink, and it eas built to feed the workers building the bridge centuries ago.
The Pilsner Urquell brewery tour is very much worth it. The unfiltered unpasteurized PU in the cellar is one of the best beers I’ve ever had.
Prague was too long ago to make a recommendation. U Fleku should be a stop due to it being 500+ years old.
Can’t comment on the other cities as I’ve never been.
Paul, I just committed to the same trip in August 2026 I plan to return to boh Pilsen and Prague at the end of the trip. PIlsner Urquell is an ineresting brewery tour. It is a large brewery and it went something along the lines of English tours start here, Japanese tours start here in ten minutes. Not a good tour for a homebrewer looking for additional knowledge on brewing, but as mentioned above, the unfiltered PIls Urquaell expereience is not to be missed. There are several small microbreweries in Pilsen, be sure to check them out. I am returning to take a course from Luker on sidepull facets. Several options are available. Make sure to taste the tap water in Pilsen. Plan at least one night in Pilsen. Plan at least 5 days in Prague. Unbelevable lagers and at a reasonable price. To your reserach and find a local pub (stay away from New Town). There is a bier garden on a hill overlooking Prague that is a must for the view.
I enjoyed my trip to Pilsen and Pilsner Urquell brewery tapping course where we learned how to pour Pilsner Urquell and toured the brewery. The brewery itself is like any other large commercial brewery. IMO the basic brewery tour is not worth the time to travel to Pilsen.
I do think that drinking fresh unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell is worth it. So, find a tankova bar in Prague that serves it. Here is a link Pub List - Prague Pubs .
Thanks James. Good information. I just spent 15 minutes learning what a Tankova bar is and why it’s important. I think I’ll look for a smaller brewery to visit in Prague rather than traveling to Pilsen to visit PU.
There is also an PU Experience in Prague. Beer experience exhibition in the center of Prague | Pilsner Urquell Experience. Did not go as I went to Pilsen instead. Would be curious about it. As I said in my original reply, the Tapster Academy was worth it to me.
Regarding Vienna…7Stern Brau and 1516 for their small-batch beers and good food. For a classic beer garden esperience, head to https://www.schweizerhaus.at/ in Prater.