The historic brewery in Český Krumlov stands on the bank of the Vltava in the Latrán quarter and has brewed beer on the site since the 13th century, with a building more than 400 years old. It is long associated with the Eggenberg name and later the Schwarzenberg family, who also owned Třeboň and Hluboká. The brewery makes lighter and stronger lagers, a smoked dark lager and seasonal specials, including strong Christmas beers, as well as top-fermented ales such as pale ale and IPA. Visitors are invited on a tour that covers the production process and ends with a tasting, and the brewery sells souvenirs. A pivnice, or beer hall, serves Czech food and beer in a former ice store. The visit is warm and indoors, which suits winter, and the seasonal Christmas beers make November and December a good time to go.
What the tour covers
A guided beer tour product visits the historical brewery, including its old and new brewhouses and the fermentation and maturation cellars, with a tasting of the local Krumlov beer. It then moves on to pubs for a craft beer tasting of up to four beers from mini-breweries, with traditional snacks such as pickled sausage and marinated cheese. It lasts about two hours and is a good way to understand Czech brewing and to meet local pubs.
Planning
Tour times and days can change by season, so confirm before you go. Independent visitors have reported a guided brewery tour with tasting at 11:00 on days when it runs, and the beer hall serves from late morning to the evening. The brewery sits on Pivovarská street, a few minutes from the Latrán gate. Groups should book ahead, particularly at weekends and in December.
Practical tips
Wear flat shoes for wet floors and cellar steps, and expect cool temperatures inside. Tasting is for adults only. If you do not drink alcohol, ask about the production tour or visit the beer hall for food. Beer lovers might also try the seasonal specials, such as the strong Christmas beers, which appear in winter and sell out. A small brewery shop offers souvenirs. The brewery is easy to pair with the Schiele Art Centrum and an evening meal in the Latrán quarter.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour through brewhouses and cellars, ending with a tasting; a combined beer tour adds craft pubs and snacks.
Best time
Late morning for the standard tour, or a winter afternoon when you want something warm and indoors.
How long
About two hours for the combined beer tour; the production tour alone is shorter.
Tips
Confirm tour times first, wear flat shoes and try the seasonal strong Christmas beers in winter.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer lovers and anyone who wants a warm, indoor activity.
- Families
- The tasting is for adults; older children can join the tour but will find it slow.
- Couples
- A shared tasting followed by dinner in the Latrán quarter.
- Pair with
- The Schiele Art Centrum and the castle.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours including the beer hall.
Good questions
How old is the brewery?+
Beer has been brewed on the site since the 13th century, and the brewery building is over 400 years old.
Does the tour include tasting?+
Yes, brewery tours end with a tasting of the local beer. A combined beer tour adds a craft beer tasting of up to four beers in pubs.
What beers does it make?+
Lighter and stronger lagers, a smoked dark lager, seasonal specials such as strong Christmas beers and top-fermented ales including pale ale and IPA.
Is there a beer hall?+
Yes, a pivnice in a former ice store serves Czech food and the brewery's beer.
Do I need to book?+
Booking ahead is wise at weekends and in December. Confirm tour times, because they can change with the season.
