Big news for beer lovers: Hungary in top 10 European destinations for beer fans

Unsurprisingly, Germany tops the list with more than 1,500 breweries and the world-famous Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich. According to the recommendations, the Hungarian craft beer industry has slowly but effectively taken flight in the recent past.

The travel portal Weloveholidays has compiled a top list of the best European destinations for beer fans, turizmus.com wrote.

In Munich, the Oktoberfest is in full swing and attracts hordes of beer-drinking tourists to the Bavarian capital every year. Halfway through this year’s event, 3.4 million guests have already registered in the first eight days. But Germany is not the only destination for beer fans.

The travel portal has compiled a top list of the best destinations for beer fans in Europe. Factors such as the number of breweries, the amount of beer exported, the amount of beer produced, the per capita beer consumption, the offer of beer tastings and brewery tours as well as the price were taken into account – all factors that give a good indication of the beer culture in a country, according to the portal.

A total of 32 countries were assessed in the competition

Unsurprisingly, Germany tops the list with more than 1,500 breweries. Travellers interested in beer should visit many German cities and try a wide variety of beers, from Kölsch to Bock. In second place is the Czech Republic, where the per capita consumption of beer is extremely high at around 182 litres and where you will find many historic breweries. In third place is the Netherlands, home of Heineken and Grolsch, with a wide range of beer tastings and brewery tours.

Hungary is in this elegant company, ranking 10th on the list. According to the recommendation, our country is home to a number of unique beer styles and a growing craft beer movement, and the iconic ruin pubs of Budapest offer a unique, eclectic ambience in which to enjoy local beers.

Hungarian Craft beers getting more and more popular

A few years ago locally made artisanal beers experienced a golden age in Hungary, especially in Budapest. While Magyar brewers continually pay meticulous attention to the flavor of their suds, they were also being increasingly creative in the conceptualization and design of the bottles. After the Covid and the permanent crisis situation, a lot of small breweries vanished, but a few newcomers showed up in the market.  According to Tripadvisor, the best breweries in Budapest are as follows: FIRST Craft Beer Brewery & Taproom, Guri Serház, Fehér Nyúl-, and Legenda Brewery. Also worth mentioning the Élesztőház in Tűzoltó utca became a melting pot.

                                               Beer festival in 5th district Budapest/Source: Facebook/Belvarosi Sorfesztival

Szent András Brewery is among the oldest rural brewery its history dates back to the beginning of the ’90s.  The small town called  Békésszentandrás (which after the brewery received its name) is the birthplace of Hungary’s first premium craft beer.  One of their most well-known products are the Ogre, and the Szent András könnye (“St. Andrew’s tear”).

Source: Facebook /Szentandras Brewery

The Night of Brewpubs

It is the special night when is all about taprooms, craft beer, and matching pub food. So if that sounds like your kind of evening, set off on a tour of the participating breweries in and around Budapest on October 7th! You can enjoy the hospitality of Etyeki Sörmanufaktúra, Hoptop Brewery, Horizont Brewing, Hübris, and Monyo.