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Planning a beer-focused trip: Where should I head in Europe?

travelcraft beereurope
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Aleksandar_K
Joined:
20.12.2022
Posts: 2371
Topic Starter
12.01.2025 00:34
My partner and I are finally planning a two-week vacation for next summer, and we want to center the trip around visiting some of the best craft beer scenes in Europe. We've already done the standard tourist rounds in Belgium and Germany, so we are looking for somewhere a bit different this time. We are particularly interested in smaller, independent breweries that focus on experimental styles rather than just traditional lagers. Does anyone have recommendations for cities or regions that have a thriving craft scene right now? We'd love to hear about places that are also easy to navigate without a car.
15 replies in this topic
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Timo_G
Joined:
12.09.2023
Posts: 529
23.03.2025 17:02
You definitely need to check out Copenhagen. The craft beer scene there is insane, especially around the Vesterbro neighborhood, and you don't need a car at all.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
24.04.2025
Posts: 448
04.06.2025 06:58
In reply to a previous post
I second the Copenhagen recommendation. Make sure you hit up Mikkeller and Warpigs, they are absolute staples for experimental brewing.
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Aleks_K
Joined:
14.05.2023
Posts: 1479
10.06.2025 04:03
If you want something a bit different from the usual, Warsaw is actually having a huge craft beer renaissance right now. It's affordable and the variety is world-class.
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jacek_bg
Joined:
21.03.2024
Posts: 1748
13.06.2025 12:30
In reply to a previous post
Is Warsaw really that good? I always assumed it was just lagers there.
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Zhivko_D
Joined:
30.06.2020
Posts: 558
04.08.2025 12:47
In reply to a previous post
Trust me, the scene in Warsaw has exploded in the last five years. You'll find plenty of IPAs, sours, and experimental stuff that puts many Western European cities to shame.
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nabludatel_x
Joined:
01.01.2024
Posts: 81
01.10.2025 08:11
Don't sleep on Tallinn, Estonia. The Põhjala Brewery is incredible and the old town is super walkable.
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Yavor_K
Joined:
30.07.2022
Posts: 2198
03.11.2025 09:39
I'd suggest looking into the Basque Country, specifically San Sebastián. The pintxos and craft beer culture there is a match made in heaven.
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Iva_R
Joined:
22.04.2021
Posts: 1485
13.11.2025 02:24
In reply to a previous post
San Sebastián is great for food, but is the beer scene actually 'thriving'? I found it a bit lacking compared to the north.
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Iggy_R
Joined:
09.10.2025
Posts: 1884
19.12.2025 22:33
In reply to a previous post
It's definitely growing! Look up Mala Gissona if you go, they are doing some cool stuff.
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Iggy_R
Joined:
28.06.2023
Posts: 1483
22.12.2025 22:49
Honestly, just go to London. People think it's traditional, but the Bermondsey Beer Mile is unmatched for sheer volume of independent, experimental breweries.
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Poli_H
Joined:
05.07.2023
Posts: 1829
22.01.2026 16:46
In reply to a previous post
The Beer Mile is fun, but can get incredibly crowded on weekends. Maybe try going on a weekday if you want to actually talk to the brewers.
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Brayan_Z
Joined:
30.09.2022
Posts: 2388
04.03.2026 14:56
Barcelona has some fantastic independent spots too, like Garage Beer Co. It's a great city to explore on foot or by metro.
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ObiknovenChovek
Joined:
08.11.2022
Posts: 116
17.03.2026 03:46
In reply to a previous post
I went to Barcelona last year and the craft scene blew my expectations away. Definitely add that to your list.
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Bobi_J
Joined:
02.12.2020
Posts: 1946
07.04.2026 21:42
If you want something truly unique, try Ljubljana in Slovenia. It's small, very walkable, and they have some really interesting craft beer festivals.
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Alan_K
Joined:
17.05.2023
Posts: 648
13.04.2026 00:46
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! Really excited to start mapping this out now.

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