The Pilsen Region and the Bohemian Forest

Copyright: První plzeňské pivní lázně Purkmistr The first pilsner beer spa Purkmistr

In Bohemia, we have wealth at our fingertips. From time to time, each of us can immerse ourselves in the local treasure – Czech gold with a beautiful froth. www.visitpilsen.eu

At the Birth of a Legend


When the Slavs got hold of barley and water, they fortunately did not knead bread, but turned the simple ingredients into a beverage that has come down through the centuries to be a source of Czech pride.

Our story is about good beer, which is, one could say, wedded, to the city of Pilsen. When King Wenceslas II founded it, he gave the town the right to brew beer. But it was not until 1842 that brew master Josef Groll boiled the first light-coloured Pilsen lager. This strong beer that has lots of pep and whose fame has spilled all over the world quenches thirst across continents, no matter whether they refer to it as Pils, Pilsner, or Pilsener. Would you fancy one chilled? They will happily give you one when you tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Unfiltered and unpasturised, drawn from oak barrels, in the old-fashioned way.

Copyright: CzechTourism Pilsen, Gate of the brewery
Copyright: CzechTourism Pilsner Urquell, brewhouse
Copyright: CzechTourism Pilsner Urquell, brewery cellars

The Scent of Malt and Hops


They say that all Czechs are musicians, but above all, they are beer drinkers. You should not be surprised to find 12 breweries in the Pilsen area alone, boasting classic as well as special beers.

The Purkmistr Brewery will draw you in with its stylish exterior, its Písař wheat beer, refreshing blueberry beer, and a special Christmas lager. The Groll Brewery is nearly in the heart of Pilsen, boasting its pride – the thirteen-degree Lotr. In Modrá Hvězda in Dobřany near Pilsen, you can not only taste beer, but also beer brandy. After a wholesome walk through the Šumava landscape, you will be welcomed in style at the Belveder Brewery in Želežná Ruda – with the 13° Pašerák (Smuggler beer). In addition, each of the breweries offers excellent food and, after all those lagers, some even offer you a good-night’s sleep.

Copyright: ThinkStock Czech beer
Copyright: CzechTourism Pub Na Parkánu
Copyright: CzechTourism Brewery Dobřany

On Your Own Skin


Even though you may not have fallen for its bitter taste yet, don't dismiss the Czech national drink prematurely, and try to immerse yourself in the beer matter somewhat more deeply.  And we mean that literally.

Beer is a unique source of minerals and vitamins from the B group and does not affect the body only from the inside – it helps regenerate the skin. It contains so many substances that are beneficial for the body that cosmetics and shampoos are made of it, and it is even added to baths. There are several places in the Pilsen region where you can enjoy the delight of a beer spa. Beer baths in a modern environment are offered for example by the Purkmistr micro-brewery in the centre of Pilsen. More traditional bathing in the Czech gold can be found at the Chodová Planá spa near Tachov. So pack your bathing suit.

Copyright: První plzeňské pivní lázně Purkmistr Beer spa, relaxation room
Copyright: Plzeňské pivní lázně Purkmistr Pilsner beer spa Purkmistr
Copyright: Plzeňské pivní lázně Purkmistr Beer spa Purkmistr, sauna

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