In search of beer in Southern Bohemia

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South Bohemian pub

Beer culture in the South Bohemian Region

South Bohemia is a traditional region with a strong and vibrant beer culture. The tradition of meeting at the pub and "having a beer" has been passed down for centuries, helping people share joys and sorrows across generations of adult communities.

Historically, South Bohemia has been home to numerous small and large breweries. Therefore, on May 4, 2023, beer culture was added to the Register of Intangible Assets of Traditional Folk Culture in the South Bohemian Region, at the request of the South Bohemian Museum in collaboration with the Czech Association of Breweries and Malt Houses. "Meeting over beer" is thus considered a unique phenomenon of local community and social customs in the South Bohemian Region. However, beer culture is not just about drinking the golden alcoholic beverage; it is also about local gastronomy filled with delicious specialties, interior decorations, specific designs, and many local customs and traditions.

Currently, alongside globally known breweries, South Bohemia is home to many microbreweries and brewery courtyards inviting visitors for tours and tastings.

Beer and beer trails in South Bohemia are not just an experience for individuals but are also ideal for corporate and group clientele. The region offers a diverse array of experiences – from tours of large breweries to discovering the charm of microbreweries increasingly focused on experiential programs. Companies can treat their employees or business partners to unique experiences, such as beer brewing classes led by experienced brewers. These activities not only strengthen team spirit but also provide a unique opportunity to connect with local culture and traditions.

For inspiration in experiential programs, companies can visit the corporate client website at sbcb.cz.

 

Become a South Bohemian Beer Connoisseur

We have prepared for you a clear and mainly entertaining MAP of all South Bohemian breweries and microbreweries. You can download the map, print it out and take it with you on your trip.

And what makes the map fun? The map will show you how beer is brewed in the Czech Republic or how you can become a South Bohemian beer connoisseur with the help of the map. And how? Collect at least 3 commas on each route for "receipts" (1 visit = 1 comma) and get a diploma of a South Bohemian beer connoisseur.

Various formats for home printing can be found here.

Route 1: Budějovicko

Follow in the footsteps of the rich brewing tradition in Budějovice. The Beer Trail will take you through the places where beer is brewed. You will have the opportunity to taste the best beer delicacies and you can also visit the breweries. 

Budějovický Budvar - Brewery
Samson Brewery

Tourist destinations

Samson Brewery
Research and Teaching Microbrewery of FZT JU
Solnice Brewery

Tourist destinations

Solnice Brewery
Minibrewery BEERANEK

Tourist destinations

Minibrewery BEERANEK
Krajinská 27 Mini brewery and Restaurant
Small brewery Kněžínek

Tourist destinations

Small brewery Kněžínek
Hluboká Brewery

Tourist destinations

Hluboká Brewery
Vltavotýnský Brewery

Tourist destinations

Vltavotýnský Brewery
Bukovar Family Brewery

Tourist destinations

Bukovar Family Brewery

Route 2: Toulava

The Toulava Beer Trail takes you to a total of nine regional breweries, one former brewery, and restaurants where you can enjoy regional beers. Simply taste at least seven different local beers, and you’ll receive a special Toulava beer mug as a reward for exploring this trail. Find more information on the website www.toulava.cz.

Brewery Garage

Tourist destinations

Brewery Garage

Tourist destinations

Family Brewery Obora

Tourist destinations

Family Brewery Obora
Brewery Keras Bechyně

Tourist destinations

Brewery Keras Bechyně
Brewery Transformátor Hlavatce
Brewery Soběslav

Tourist destinations

Brewery Soběslav
Brewery Brandlínská Kuna

Tourist destinations

Brewery Brandlínská Kuna
Brewery Vysoký Chlumec

Tourist destinations

Brewery Vysoký Chlumec
Brewery Vítek z Prčice

Tourist destinations

Brewery Vítek z Prčice
Beer path of Toulava

Tips for trips

Beer path of Toulava

Route 3: Písecko-Blatensko-Strakonicko-Vodňansko

The third beer trail will take you to the largest tourist area in South Bohemia, which offers itself as an ideal destination for exploration, fun and wandering through unspoilt nature. In short, enjoy a trip around Písek, including exploring the local beer and culinary delights from plate to plate.

Brewery Strakonice

Tourist destinations

Brewery Strakonice
Haďák Microbrewery

Tourist destinations

Haďák Microbrewery
Castle Distillery and Brewery Blatná
Zvíkov Brewery

Tourist destinations

Zvíkov Brewery
Čížová Brewery

Tourist destinations

Čížová Brewery
Protivín Brewery

Tourist destinations

Protivín Brewery
Brewery Courtyard Lipany

Tourist destinations

Brewery Courtyard Lipany
Hulvát Brewery

Tourist destinations

Hulvát Brewery
OPILDA Brewery

Tourist destinations

OPILDA Brewery
Orlík Brewery

Tourist destinations

Orlík Brewery

Route 4: Šumava region

The fourth route of the beer trail will take you not only among the picturesque hills of the Šumava region and into the Šumava forests, but also to the Šumava breweries and microbreweries. These stops are guaranteed to quench your thirst, no matter how great it may be, as you wander around the Šumava region on foot or by bike.

Prachatice Brewery

Tourist destinations

Prachatice Brewery
Bobík Hotel Microbrewery

Tourist destinations

Bobík Hotel Microbrewery
Bakery Brewery Kvilda

Tourist destinations

Bakery Brewery Kvilda
Šumava Brewery Vimperk

Tourist destinations

Šumava Brewery Vimperk
Březí Koza - Vlachovo Březí Brewery
Horní Chrášťany Brewery

Tourist destinations

Horní Chrášťany Brewery

Route 5: Český Krumlov region and Lipno

The fifth route will take you along the beer trail from historic Český Krumlov to Lipno. You will start at the only local brewery, which has been linked to the history of the town since the 13th century, following the successful tradition of the Schwarzenberg Brewery. The trail then takes you to the monastery brewery in Vyšší Brod and finally to the immediate vicinity of the largest water reservoir in the Czech Republic in Lipno.

Krumlov Brewery (Port 1560)

Tourist destinations

Krumlov Brewery (Port 1560)
Brewery Rožmberk

Tourist destinations

Brewery Rožmberk
Studánky Microbrewery

Tourist destinations

Studánky Microbrewery

Route 6: Novohradsko-Doudlebsko

The sixth route takes you to the landscape of two faces. One is the land of good waters, the other is the land of the soul and also of forgotten stories. This characteristic belongs to the Novohradsko-Doudlebsko tourist region. During your visit you can discover local breweries and microbreweries. In addition, you have the opportunity to try the beer spa or play golf.

Zevlův Mlýn with a Microbrewery
Žumberk Brewery

Tourist destinations

Žumberk Brewery
Jílovice Brewery

Tourist destinations

Jílovice Brewery
Petrovice Brewery

Tourist destinations

Petrovice Brewery
Doudle*beer Brewery

Tourist destinations

Doudle*beer Brewery
Glokner Brewery

Tourist destinations

Glokner Brewery

Route 7: Česká Kanada and the Třeboň region

The last beer route in South Bohemia will take you through the tourist areas of Česká Kanada and Třeboňsko, which are an idyllic paradise for cyclists. However, remember that alcohol has no place in road traffic.

Bohemia Regent Brewery

Tourist destinations

Bohemia Regent Brewery
Stráž Brewery

Tourist destinations

Stráž Brewery
Popelín Brewery

Tourist destinations

Popelín Brewery
Grasel Brewery

Tourist destinations

Grasel Brewery
Nová Bystřice Brewery

Tourist destinations

Nová Bystřice Brewery

Beer-Themed Trip

While discovering the South Bohemian beer treasure, we don't forget about tips for interesting experiences. The Beer Trail offers many opportunities and places to visit. The South Bohemian region is renowned for its cultural monuments, ancient towns and beautiful nature. In addition to the many tempting events that are organised throughout the year, you can choose from a wide range of activities for an active holiday or relaxation. You can combine the beer trails in South Bohemia with various activities such as sport, culture, nature and entertainment.

Beer path of Toulava

Tips for trips

Beer path of Toulava
Beer Trail of the Budweis Region
Český Krumlov and beer

Taste South Bohemian beer!

South Bohemia was visited by a couple of travel bloggers and video creators Bobo and Chichi - Scott Herder and Megan Indoe.