The best beer tasting in Europe

Who doesn’t love an icy beer after a long day of work or a tiring sports session? Some of us are even eager to travel to taste the best brews in the world! If you are one of those beer lovers ready to organize a holiday all about ale, we got you covered. Follow us around Europe to discover the best beer tasting festivals.

The beer tradition in Europe dates back thousands of years and many beer producing countries are happy to celebrate this heritage with beer tasting festivals big and small. If Oktoberfest is the most famous, it is not the only one for sure. All around Europe you can find plenty of epic events, perfect to discover regional brews.

1. Berlin International Beer Festival – Germany

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Beer is a national favourite everywhere in Germany, not only in Munich! For more than 20 years Berlin has celebrated this golden drink with a summer street festival that combines good ale with folk music and tasty munchies. The Berlin International Beer Festival hosts more than 350 breweries from almost 90 countries. Approximately 2,400 different beer specialities are showcased in this mile-long street beer tasting festival that takes place on Karl-Marx-Alle every August.

Dates: August 2-4, 2019
Location: Karl-Marx-Alle, Berlin, Germany

2. Belgian Beer Weekend – Belgium

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Speaking of European beer producers, Belgium is for sure on top of the list. The traditional Trappist beers made by monks are some of the world finest. The best occasion to try them all is the Belgian Beer Weekend. It takes place in September in the Grand Place, the heart of the old town. Make sure to try the Bière Flambée, the country’s flamboyant speciality.

Dates:  September 6-8, 2019
Location: Grand-Place, Bruxelles, Belgium

3. Pilsner Fest – Czech Republic

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One of the most loved styles of beer comes from its homonyms town in the Czech Republic: Pilsner. During the annual Pilsner Fest, you can try all of the Pilsen varieties, and of course the local Pilsner Urquell. Every October, the brewery opens its doors and organizes beer tastings, sporting events, carnival attractions and competitions. Make sure not to miss the traditional mass toast with Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus!

Dates: October 4-5, 2019
Location: Plzen, Czech Republic

4. Altausseer Bierzelt – Austria

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This alpine beer festival is the best choice if you want to combine hiking and beer tasting. Located in the village of Altaussee in the Austrian Alps, this is definitely the authentic alternative to the Oktoberfest. Less crowded and with stunning natural surroundings, the Altausseer Bierzelt is the place to be if you want to experience what Oktoberfest might have looked like 30 years ago. Here the locals still don their traditional garments for the occasion, so you better find a pair of lederhosen!

Dates: August 31 – September 2, 2019
Location: Altaussee, Austria

5. Great British Beer Festival – England

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This popular city beer tasting festival is perfect for those who don’t really fancy the loud, manly vibe of the traditional beer festivals. The Great British Beer Festival is a more hipster alternative located in Olympia, London, United Kingdom. The festival offers not only beers but also a selection of craft gin (the most fashionable spirit in Europe at the moment), wine, street food, music and entertainment.

Dates August 6 – 10, 2019
Location: Olympia, London, England

6. Birròforum – Italy

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Italy might not be the first country that comes to your mind when thinking of ale, but craft beers and microbreweries have become extremely fashionable in the last ten years. The Italians definitely found their voice in the beer world and are proudly showcasing it during Birròforum. The beer tasting festival takes place in Rome and has a huge plus: with your beer you can get a “Fritto Misto” a seafood fry-up. The perfect snack after a long day of beer tasting.

Dates: June 27 – 30, 2019

Location: Rome, Italy

Read more about other drinking festivals around the world and the 10 Must-Attend Summer Beer Festivals