Pilsen Brewery: Discover the Iconic Brewery and the Home of Pilsner Lager

Located in the heart of the Czech Republic, Pilsen Brewery (also known as Plzeňský Prazdroj) is not just a brewery – it's the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner lager. Established in 1842, Pilsner Brewery revolutionized the brewing world with its pale, crisp lager, which became a global sensation and defined the style of beer we know today.
 

often simply referred to as Pilsner, was first brewed in Pilsen (Plzeň) and has since become one of the most popular and widely consumed types of beer around the world. If you’re a beer enthusiast or someone interested in the history of brewing, Pilsen Brewery is an essential destination.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the history of Pilsen Brewery, the brewery tour experience, top things to do in the region, and more, helping you plan your visit to this iconic brewery.

📍 Location of Pilsen Brewery

Country: Czech Republic

City: Pilsen (Plzeň)

Coordinates: 49°44′N 13°22′E

Distance from Prague: Approximately 90 km west

Pilsen Brewery is located in the city of Pilsen, the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic. Pilsen is easily accessible from Prague, which is just a 1.5-hour drive or train ride away. The brewery itself is in the heart of Pilsen, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.

🍺 A Brief History of Pilsen Brewery

The story of Pilsner lager begins in 1842, when a group of local brewers in Pilsen decided to create a beer that was lighter, crisper, and more refreshing than the traditional dark beers of the time. The key to their success was the use of light pale malts, soft Pilsen water, and Saaz hops, which gave the beer a distinctive flavor and clarity.

The result was the world’s first pilsner beer, which was named after the city – Pilsner Urquell. This pale lager quickly became popular, and the brewing methods used in Pilsen became the blueprint for pilsner-style beers worldwide.

Today, Pilsner Urquell is still brewed in Pilsen, using the same methods and ingredients that were first used over 175 years ago. The brewery remains one of the most important in the Czech Republic and continues to brew the iconic Pilsner Urquell lager, which is exported worldwide.

🌟 Top Attractions at Pilsen Brewery

Visiting Pilsen Brewery offers a glimpse into the world of brewing, as well as the opportunity to experience the rich history of Pilsner lager. Here are some top attractions to explore:

1. The Brewery Tour

The Pilsen Brewery Tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the city. The tour takes you through the historic brewing halls, where you can see the traditional brewing methods in action and learn about the history of Pilsner beer. Highlights of the tour include:

The Original Brewing Room: Step into the heart of the brewery and discover where Pilsner beer was first brewed in 1842. Learn about the traditional methods used to brew the iconic lager.

The Cellars: Take a tour of the brewery’s vast underground cellars, where beer has been stored and matured for centuries. The cellars provide a cool and atmospheric setting to learn about the beer aging process.

The Tasting Room: After the tour, visit the brewery’s tasting room, where you can sample freshly brewed Pilsner Urquell and other beers. Enjoy the distinct flavor of beer straight from the barrel, just like the brewers did in the 19th century.

The Brewery Museum: The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Museum is a fascinating place to dive deeper into the brewing history of Pilsner. Here, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the tools, equipment, and stories behind Pilsner Urquell’s creation and success.

2. The Pilsner Urquell Taproom

After your tour, be sure to stop by the Pilsner Urquell Taproom, where you can enjoy a glass of Pilsner Urquell straight from the barrel. The taproom offers a unique experience where you can taste the beer as it was originally brewed, without the influence of modern filtration and pasteurization processes. It’s a great place to sample the freshest Pilsner Urquell and immerse yourself in the rich tradition of the brewery.

3. Pilsner Urquell Brewery Shop

The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Shop is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your visit. The shop sells a range of Pilsner-themed merchandise, including glasses, T-shirts, and limited-edition beers. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you can also find unique Pilsner Urquell products that are not available elsewhere.

🥾 Things to Do in Pilsen

Pilsen is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to complement your visit to the brewery. Here are some other activities you can enjoy while in the city:

1. Explore Pilsen’s Historic Center

Pilsen’s historic city center is full of beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and charming squares. Visit Pilsen’s Town Hall, St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, and the Great Synagogue, the second-largest synagogue in Europe. The city is also home to a number of charming cafes, restaurants, and breweries, making it a great place to wander and explore.

2. Visit the Pilsen Underground

Take a tour of the Pilsen Underground, a network of tunnels that stretches beneath the city. These tunnels were originally used for beer storage and transportation and offer a unique perspective on Pilsen’s brewing history.

3. Go to Pilsen Zoo

If you’re traveling with family, the Pilsen Zoo is a great spot to visit. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the Czech Republic and houses a wide variety of animals, including rare and endangered species.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Pilsen

Pilsen is home to a number of excellent restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Czech dishes and local beer. Some popular spots include:

Na Spilce: Located within the brewery complex, Na Spilce offers traditional Czech cuisine, including hearty dishes like svíčková and goulash, paired with fresh Pilsner Urquell.

Švejk Restaurant: For an authentic Czech experience, visit Švejk Restaurant, where you can enjoy classic Czech comfort food in a lively, beer hall-style setting.

Pilsner Urquell Restaurant: Another great option within the brewery complex, this restaurant offers a variety of Czech dishes served alongside the brewery’s famous beer.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Pilsen

There are plenty of accommodation options in Pilsen, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses:

Hotel Rous: A charming hotel located in the heart of Pilsen, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to the brewery and city center.

Angelo Hotel Pilsen: A modern hotel with a convenient location, offering contemporary amenities and easy access to local attractions.

Pension Kamenne Slunce: A cozy guesthouse located near the city center, offering a more intimate and affordable accommodation option.

🚗 How to Get to Pilsen Brewery

Pilsen Brewery is located in the city of Pilsen, which is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. From Prague, you can take a direct train or bus to Pilsen, which takes around 1.5 hours. If you’re traveling by car, the journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. The brewery is within walking distance from Pilsen’s main train station.

Final Thoughts

Pilsen Brewery is a must-visit destination for any beer lover or anyone interested in the history of brewing. With its rich history, world-famous Pilsner Urquell, and immersive brewery tours, it offers a unique and educational experience. Whether you’re visiting for the brewery tour, enjoying fresh beer at the Pilsner Urquell Taproom, or exploring the city of Pilsen itself, this iconic brewery offers something for everyone.

Plan your visit to Pilsen Brewery and immerse yourself in the birthplace of one of the world’s most iconic beers!