Germany’s best cities to try beer

Germany is primarily associated with beer. Indeed, it is an iconic drink in the country and the number of varieties is impressive. You don’t have to wait until Oktoberfest to enjoy the best beer variations, because there are 5 cities where you can taste only the best varieties at any time.

Munich

The city is considered the “beer capital” of Germany, as this is where the famous Oktoberfest takes place. The festival lasts for 18 days and during this time over 7 million litres of beer can be drunk. Local beers can be tasted at the beer gardens. These are open-air and can accommodate an incredible number of tasters at a time. There are also indoor venues that provide comfort in bad weather.

The top venues are Hofbräuhaus and Chinesischer Turm. The Isarblu is located close to the Theresa’s Meadow, where the festival takes place. Its bar also serves a variety of hops. Sit on the rooftop terrace and catch a glimpse of the festival.

Berlin

Berlin’s breweries are renowned for their love of experimentation. Craft beverages vary in taste and aroma, making it hard to believe that it’s the beer you’re tasting. Speaking of brews, Berliner Weisse has been the pride of beer since the 16th century. It’s distinctive for its cloudy appearance and sour taste. Previously brewed by more than 50 breweries, it’s now confined to a single brewery, Berliner Kindl Weisse.

You can stay at the comfortable Hotel Oderberger. It’s just a short walk to the Prater Garten. The Prater Garten is only open seasonally and is self-service.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf also has its own signature beer, Altbier. It is only brewed in and around Düsseldorf. The beer gets its name from the way it is brewed. It is made the way it was in the olden days by means of top fermentation. This process involves the leaching of yeast on the surface during the brewing process. It results in a fruity aroma.

You can sample it in any of the 8 breweries operating in Altstadt and the Old Town. A variation called Sticke, which is available depending on the season, is also recommended. Have quick walking access to the Old Town and the iconic drink by staying at the Living De Medici by Derag.

Cologne

Cologne also has its own “beer highlight” called Kölsch. Its production began back in 1906 with the top fermentation method. This beer is characterised by its status as a regional speciality. It received it due to the peculiarities associated with Köln. A total of 13 local breweries in various districts of the city offer a sampling of the variety.

Nuremberg

Brewing in Nuremberg dates back to 1303. That’s when the “Reinheitsgebot” law, which translates as “purity requirement”, started. According to the law, beer could only be brewed using barley malt. After the law came into force, an era of brewing that is still going on today began.

Today one can not only enjoy the delicious drink, but also get to know the ancient cellars created in the rock where the drink was kept. They are still functional. If you stay at the Dürer-Hotel, the entrance to the city’s catacombs, where the famous cellars are located, is within walking distance.