The Tradition of Beer Brewing

Many Chapters of Beer History Were Written in Eastern Bavaria

Eastern Bavaria, the region between the Bavarian Jura and the Upper Palatinate Forest, is the Land of Beer: The Purity Law originates from here and so do the world's oldest breweries as well as the creator of the Pilsner; it is also home to the largest contiguous area of hops cultivation, and the region where the best raw materials are grown. The highest density of brewhouses cannot be found in Munich, as you might think, but in the Amberg region in the upper Palatinate Forest. Its citizens still own brewing rights, and on weekends many private breweries get to work on their own beer.

The roots of this delicious  beverage can be traced back to Lower Bavaria and the Upper Palatinate Forest: The Hallertau ranks number one among hops cultivation regions worldwide and the fields around Straubing are known as Bavaria's granary. The Purity Law was written in Landshut, the Pilsner was developed by the Lower Bavarian farmer Josef Groll, who worked in Pilsen at the time. About 40 per cent of all European breweries are based in Bavaria: The diversity of tastes and sorts is gigantic. The county of Kelheim/Hallertau alone hosts 17 breweries producing 101 different kinds of beer.

Beer History has become a trademark for the Bavarian Jura and the Upper Palatinate Forest: Whether you prefer a relaxing bath in the hops spa of Illschwang near Amberg, a brewery seminar for aspiring home brewers, a diploma for beer aficionados or a tour of the world's oldest monastic brewery at the Weltenburg Abbey; or maybe a beer-themed walking tour through the Upper Palatinate Forest with its castles and palaces, a visit to the peculiar "beer barrel rolling" on the "Golden Road", or a taste of the unique beer punch at the christmas market at the baronial courtyard of Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg - you won't be disappointed.