Just like glass and untamed nature, beer is an integral part of the Lusatian Mountains. The local beer culture is lively, unconventional, and, last but not least, quite frothy. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of breweries that we believe are definitely worth your attention.
Already a legend among breweries, it resumed its beer-brewing operations in 2013. Since then, the brewery has expanded and now includes a restaurant, hotel, and a new bakery offering delicious homemade bread and pastries, cakes, and pies. The beers are given symbolic names inspired by the landmarks of the Lusatian Mountains – feel free to taste Hvozd, Luž, Klíč, or Sklář. A little adventure in the mountains or a brewery tour is definitely in order! In addition, the brewery offers a lively cultural scene – beer festivals, Christmas tree lighting, New Year’s Eve celebrations and many other events take place here. For every one of them and for every season, special beers are also brewed. The brewery also offers tours with tastings.
Since 2019, local beer has also been brewed in Nový Bor at the Born Brewery. In honour of the Nový Bor chess club, the beers are named after chess pieces – APA Knight, APA Queen, 12° King, and IPA Rook. You can enjoy the beer during a tour of the brewery cellars followed by a tasting, or in the brewery restaurant, which regularly hosts concerts and pub quizzes.
When in the picturesque village of Kytlice, make sure to visit the Helene microbrewery. They brew their own beer there, poetically named after Greek gods. You can try Adonis and Grace 12°, Pale Ale, and black Stout 11°. In addition, you can delight your taste buds with excellent cuisine and homemade bread in the on-site restaurant. The beer is only available at the microbrewery, but you can buy it to take home.
In Trávníček, not far from Český Dub, you will find Beranův hostinec Pod Lipami, a traditional establishment built in the Upper Lusatian style. In the outdoor bar, you can sample the offerings of Beran’s Flying Brewery. Ale, Jedenáctka, Dvanáctka, and Třináctka are waiting for you here. In addition to good beer, you can soak up the pleasant atmosphere of the early 20th century at themed cultural and social events held at the inn and the surrounding area.
The only brewery you can reach by train. Kocour is the only brewery in the Czech Republic that boasts its own railway station! It is located in Varnsdorf and as soon as you enter the brewery grounds, you will find yourself in an entirely different world. In addition to more than a dozen types of top- and bottom-fermented beer, you can also try the local homemade lemonades. Whether you choose Sumeček, Jantar, or Kocour, be sure to grab a bite at the Kocour restaurant. The brewery offers accommodation in a hotel, sleeper cars, or a camping site. Of course, you can also take a tour of the brewery or visit the Kocour mini zoo.
