Samson Brewery
The oldest brewery in České Budějovice, founded on the tradition of brewing rights in the townhouses of Budějovice, where this craft has been practiced since the 13th century.
The tradition of the Samson Municipal Brewery dates back to 1795 when Budějovice brewing rights holders founded a company to manage two breweries in the inner city – the small brewery, which today houses a hotel and restaurant, and the so-called large or white brewery, located on Dr. Stejskal Street opposite the current building of the South Bohemian Theatre. In 1848, a third, modern brewery was built, where production from the two existing breweries was consolidated. The brewery operates at this site to this day.
In 1958, it was decided to rename the brewery, and so the famous beer from the original Budweiser Municipal Brewery was given the name Samson – after the strongman taming the lion on the fountain in the main square of Budějovice. In 2017, extensive modernization was completed. The current owner, the world’s largest brewing group AB InBev, invested in modernizing production technology to improve beer quality, allowing the brewery to once again win numerous awards in professional quality competitions.
The Samson Brewery is located on the banks of the Malše River, making it possible to combine a brewery tour with a river cruise. Visitors can reach the brewery by taking the Sv. Rozálie boat from the oxbow lake in the city center. In 2022, the "Originál Samson" Beer Garden was opened near the dock on the brewery grounds, designed in the style of a 1930s summer river pool. Unfiltered beer from the brewery is served on tap here.
Beers Produced: Samson 10°, Samson 11°, Samson 12°, Samson Hoppy Lager, Samson BOCK, Pito, Pito Cold-Hopped.
Where to taste: On the brewery premises – Company store, summer operation at the Beer Garden near the Small Weir.
Accessibility
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tours are available year-round. The beer garden is open in summer. In September, the St. Wenceslas Festivities take place in the brewery courtyard.
Brewery tours are available year-round, but reservations are required in advance.
How to get there
Accessible on foot along the Malše River from the center of České Budějovice, by bike on the cycling path, by boat, by public transport, or by car.
