Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour and Pilsen’s Hidden Gems
If you’re visiting Prague and have a day to spare, a trip to Pilsen (Plzeň) offers a perfect escape. Just a 90-minute train ride from the capital, this charming city is the birthplace of one of the world’s most iconic beers: Pilsner Urquell. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Pilsen, from the history of Pilsner Urquell to getting there and enjoying a brewery tour.
The History of Pilsner Urquell
Pilsner Urquell is often considered the father of all pilsners. The brewery was established in 1842 when Bavarian brewmaster Josef Groll revolutionized beer-making by creating the world’s first pale lager. This new style of beer, golden and crisp, quickly became popular and has influenced countless brewers around the globe. Today, Pilsner Urquell continues to brew using the same methods developed in the 19th century, preserving its rich tradition.
How to Get to Pilsen from Prague
Getting to Pilsen from Prague is straightforward and stress-free. Trains depart regularly from Prague’s main station (Praha hlavní nádraží) to Pilsen (Plzeň hlavní nádraží). The journey takes about 90 minutes, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station. For a smooth ride, it’s best to catch one of the express trains, which will get you there faster than regional options. Once in Pilsen, the brewery is a short walk or a quick tram ride from the station. We booked our train tickets online using Rail Europe.
The Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
The highlight of your trip to Pilsen will undoubtedly be the Pilsner Urquell Brewery tour. This guided tour offers a fascinating look into the history and brewing process of this world-famous beer. You’ll start with an engaging film about the brewery’s origins, then move on to explore the vast brewing facilities.
One of the most memorable parts of the tour is the visit to the historic cellars, where you’ll get to taste unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell straight from the oak barrels. The tour also includes a visit to the bottling plant, where you can see the beer being packaged for distribution. It’s a must-do for any beer lover, offering both a deep dive into brewing and a chance to savor the product at its freshest.
Tour tickets can be purchased through the Pilsen Visitor Site. Make sure to book tickets ahead of time as the tours do sell out.
Bonus Stop: Na Spilce
Located within the walls of Pilsner Urquell you’ll find the brewery’s on-site restaurant Na Spilce. This is a large, traditional Czech beer hall which serves up tasty dishes at reasonable prices. A perfect spot to refuel before or after your tour. Connected to Na Spilce you’ll also find a bar serving up beers to those who want a drink in the courtyard. These two spots are the only place in the world that you’ll be able to purchase a glass of unfiltered and unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell!
Exploring Pilsen’s Underground Tunnels
While Pilsner Urquell is the main draw, Pilsen offers more than just beer. Take some time to explore the city’s historic underground tunnels, which date back to the 14th century. This labyrinth of passageways beneath the city once served as storage for food and beer, and during times of war, as a shelter for residents. Today, you can tour this subterranean world, learning about its role in Pilsen’s history while navigating through dark, narrow tunnels.
The underground tunnels can only be explored on a guided tour. These tours can also be purchased through the Pilsen Visitor Site and can be bundled with a brewery tour. The tour includes a free 0.3l pour of Pilsner Urquell at a local bar once completed!
Making the Most of Your Day Trip
A day trip to Pilsen from Prague is an easy and rewarding experience. Beyond the brewery and underground tunnels, Pilsen also boasts beautiful architecture, including the Gothic St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral and the Renaissance-style Great Synagogue, the third largest synagogue in the world. If time permits, enjoy a leisurely walk through the city’s parks or relax at a local café before heading back to Prague.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a day of exploration, Pilsen offers something for everyone. Check out our International Travel posts for more trip inspiration.