No alcoholic drink can unite people as much as beer can. Almost every nation in the world has its own version of this very popular beverage, and each one has its own distinct flavor and aroma. This is why there are beer festivals everywhere – to celebrate the cheer and good will that beer brings to this world. To get you started, Tourism-review.com brings the top five beer festivals that you can enjoy in Europe.
GERMANY
Of course, Oktoberfest has to be on this list. With 6 million visitors and revelers yearly, this Munich-based festival is easily the largest (and oldest as well since the event started in 1810) of its kind in the world. If you want to taste the best beers that Munich can offer, you can head to the city anytime from September 19th to October 4th this year.
Photo: Studio Kubinska & Hofmann
UNITED KINGDOM
Unlike Oktoberfest which only showcases beer that is local to the area, the Great British Beer Festival features more than 800 varieties of bottled and cask real ales, ciders, and beers from all over the world. This event by the “Campaign for Real Ale” organization is a crowd drawer; last year over 55,000 people attended the fest held at the London Olympia. This year, it will take place from August 11 to 15.
BELGIUM
The Market Place in Brussels transforms into a beer-drinking haven as the Belgian Beer Weekend rolls in. Belgian beers are among the best in the world, and this festival celebrates that fact with more than 350 Pilsners, Trappist, and other Belgian brews that are featured during the event. This fest is traditionally celebrated during the first weekend of September (that date would fall on September 5th-6th, for this year).
CZECH REPUBLIC
Drink your beer…and make it too! This festival in Pilsen, Czech Republic isn't just mere merrymaking, it's actually an anniversary celebration for the brewing of the first batch of the celebrated Pilsner Urquell first produced here nearly 200 years ago! There's music, beer-drinking, and brewery tours. The more adventurous ones can even try their hand on the art of beer brewing. This festival will take place on October 5th this year.
Photo: CzechTourism
SWEDEN
This event celebrates two drinks in one festival. While you can get the best brews that top class Swedish breweries can offer, you can also get a taste of other drinks like whiskey, cider, and calvados. The festival is split into two dates; the first one is on 25th-27nd September and the second one is on 2nd-4th October.