Brewing tradition is one of Europe's many historic crown jewels. Blending beauty, function, and family heritage, the breweries within which some of the world's finest ales are crafted make for charming and culturally rich destinations, even for non-beer lovers. Here we'll explore a diverse array of European breweries worth seeing for yourself, from Trappist monasteries to vintage English breweries.

Sünner Brauerei

Founded in 1830, the Sünner brewery and distillery are said to be on the “right” side of the Rhine River in the Deutz neighborhood of Cologne, as opposed to other, less indelible breweries situated on the opposite bank. Hence, the company's glassware reads “Kölsch van seiner schönsten Seite", which translates to “Kölsch from the most beautiful side." 

True to the slogan, the brewery is a remarkably beautiful facility, and the oldest historical building in Cologne which still functions for its original purpose. From outside, an imposing brick facade frames a large window, offering views of the polished copper kettles within. The inside of the brewery has been modernized, but has not sacrificed its traditional design, and when possible, utilizes traditional equipment, like its open fermenters. 

Adjacent to the brewhouse lies a large, 400-seat beer garden, built in 1996. When the weather's nice, it's open every day but Monday from April to September. But you can also enjoy a meal and drink underneath the brewery, in its repurposed cellars. Remodeled into a bar and restaurant in 2009, the cellars offer a cozy, well-lit environment to enjoy a Kölsch within the intimate brick walls.

Brewery tours for groups of up to 25 people are available upon reservation, and the price per 75 minute tour is just under 10 Euros, and includes one Kölsch and one Zwickelbier. 

For more info on booking a tour, follow this link.

Harvey's Brewery

Harvey's in East Sussex, UK is so popular that the wait list for brewery tours is at more than two years! As such, they've had to put a hold on taking requests. What's the fuss about?

In keeping with the rest of the breweries on our list, Harvey's has history. Founded in 1790 by John Harvey, this brewery maintains as much of its original rustic charm as possible. Unfinished timber contrasts copper for a feel that could only be evoked in England.

The original Georgian-style brewery was partially rebuilt in 1880, altering the tower and brewhouse to a Neo-Gothic style, still visible today. Below the tower sits the Georgian fermenting room, cellars and vat house. All remain unchanged in their design, save for repairs and technological improvements as-needed.

Beyond the allure of a truly traditional English brewery, the wait times at Harvey's can be attributed to the in-depth attention every guest receives. Each tour takes place after normal working hours, and can last up to three hours. As evidenced by this statement from Harvey's, the team considers these tours an integral, valuable part of their job:

"Unlike many tours of commercial premises, our brewery tour is not simply a walk around with a guide; it is a chance for us to meet our customers and give an insight to the heritage of brewing at Harvey’s. The informal sampling session that follows is a catalyst for one to one questions and answers. We also gain a great insight from the experience and it is always a pleasure to entertain our customers in this manner."

If you're planning on touring Harvey's, it's best not to hesitate. Despite the hold on applications, they will acknowledge every request for a tour, and will occasionally make exceptions for smaller parties.

It's worth a shot to visit this quintessentially British brewery. For more info and tour requests, reach out here. 

Brasserie St-Feuillien

Based in Le Roeulx, Belgium, St-Feuillien is a testament to consistency and tradition. A family brewery since its inception, the Friarts have worked hard to maintain their high standard of brewing quality without relinquishing their authenticity.

While the last decade has seen a complete overhaul of the brewing facility, with brand new Belgian-made stainless steel tanks and pipelines, but a visit to St-Feuillien remains imbued with generational charm.

Tours of St-Feuillien are available by appointment. They take about an hour and a half, and begin in the original brewery. Guides will explain the brewing process and showcase past equipment, including the brewhouse's original mixing vessel, which was in use until 2013. You'll also find an antique threshing mill which was used to grind the malt.

Tours continue into the yeast hall, with its rows of storage tanks, before moving into the modernized area of the brewery. You’ll see the bottling plant, which bottles up to nine liter “Salmanazar” sizes, and the production line, before journeying to the tasting room for two beers of your choice.

You may also catch a glimpse of the artesian well within St-Feuillien, which supplies all its water and lends a unique quality to each brew. 

For more information on visiting St-Feuillien, follow this link.

Trappist Brewery Koningshoeven

Since 1884, Trappist monks have been brewing fine ales inside the walls of this Cistercian abbey as a way to raise money to support themselves and maintain their charitable causes. Located in Tilburg, Netherlands, it is one of few breweries which can label its products 'Authentic Trappist Ale', as it is not a for-profit venture. This makes the beer and locale all the more magical – the monumental abbey appears part palace, part castle with its turrets, and gleams throughout with the inimitable care the devoted monks provide. The carefully tended grounds and detailed masonry of its walls set an epic and reverent scene for drinkers. 

Further living up to its noble nature, visitors are almost always welcome, and there are myriad ways to enjoy the stunning environment. You may enjoy lunch indoors in the adjacent outdoor area of the tasting room, located directly in the middle of the abbey gardens. You might also browse the extensive gift shop, which offers all La Trappe beers, along with glassware, gift sets, handmade biscuits, chocolates, bread, soaps, cheeses, jams and much more.

Biking routes intersect with La Trappe, allowing you to set out from the brewery, or to plan a trip to it from a nearby part of town – a great way to work off all the delicious food and drink you'll have. 

Of course, if you book in advance, you can take a 45-minute tour of the abbey and brewery as well, with different options available. Hours will vary, as will the abbey's open status, based on holidays and other goings-on, so be sure to confirm ahead of time. 

Book a tour here.

Brauhaus Riegele

Heading northwest from Munich will bring you to Augsburg, one of Germany's oldest cities, and home to one of the world's oldest breweries – Brauhaus Riegele.

Though brewing began in 1386, the brewery which stands today looks ultra-modern while still holding on to its historic allure, blending a mix of oak and hardwood with copper and tile.

Built in the art-noveau style, the high-ceilinged rooms of the brewhouse are lined with earthtone tiles, bracketing a symmetrical array of copper kettles and piping. Much of it has been in use for generations, and served as inspiration for Sierra Nevada's destination brewery in Mill's River, NC (the two brewers collaborated on an Oktoberfest and pale ale back in 2015.)

A tour of the facility takes you through the entire building – beginning in the malting area, continuing through the brewhouse, fermentation area and lagering cellar before descending into the brewery's deep wells. Stops are commonplace during the roughly two-hour tour, with information abounding on raw materials, the brewing process and the brewery's bountiful history.

Unsurprisingly, you'll cap it off with a beer and appetizer. Afterwards, you can rest your legs in patio area, browse the gift shop, or possibly even enroll in the Beer Academy, designed to build knowledge and sensory prowess. 

Register for a tour here

Photos courtesy Respective Breweries