The Hallertau is the largest contiguous hops-growing region in the world. Situated between Ingolstadt, Freising and Kelheim, right in the heart of Bavaria, this centuries-old cultural landscape is a wonderful destination for a day trip, easily accessible even from Munich.
- The Hallertau cultural landscape
- Discover hops and beer
- Deutsches Hopfenmuseum
- Other places to visit
- Hallertau: How to get there from Munich
In the Hallertau region a large proportion of Germany's hops has been cultivated for centuries. This area covers a total of 2,400 km², making it almost as large as the German federal state of Saarland. Around 90% of the “green gold“ processed in Germany comes from here, as does more than 30% of global production. The hops gardens, which can reach heights of up to seven metres, characterise the hilly landscape all year round and have a certain charm. However, in the spring months, when the hops plant begins to grow, the landscape in the Hallertau changes particularly rapidly. It is said that you can actually watch the hops grow, as on good days the plant can grow up to 30 cm.
During the summer harvest season, a pleasantly spicy scent of fresh hops hangs over the entire region. There is a buzz of activity everywhere, as this marks the start of the most exciting time of the year: for visitors, it offers a particularly authentic opportunity to get to know the Hallertau.
Hops, which is exported all over the world in various forms, can be truly “experienced“ in the Hallertau region. On a hops experience tour led by a qualified hops ambassador and tour guide, you'll learn interesting facts about the cultivation and harvesting of hops, as well as gaining an insight into the life of a hops-growing family. It's particularly fascinating to visit the hops growers during the harvest season in August to get a glimpse of what it's like to work with this very special plant.
And what could be more natural than discovering the art of brewing and the pleasure of beer in the Hallertau region? Thanks to the tradition of hops cultivation, there is a particularly high concentration of breweries here: around 20 breweries produce over 70 different types of beer. High-quality Hallertau hops, malting barley from the nearby Bavarian Jura and excellent water create ideal conditions for brewing. No wonder, then, that the region looks back on a centuries-old brewing tradition – with historic breweries such as the Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, the Weltenburg Abbey Brewery and the Herrngiersdorf Brewery. But many smaller breweries, such as the Scheyern Abbey Brewery, Müllerbräu and the Kuchlbauer Brewery, are also highly regarded.
Throughout the year, visitors to the German Hops Museum in Wolnzach can explore an interactive exhibition covering over 1000 m² dedicated to hops and beer. Visitors learn in an exciting and vivid way how the plants are grown, harvested and processed into beer worldwide. Interactive displays, historical equipment and the scent of fresh hops make the tour an experience for all the senses. And in special beer appreciation seminars, you can experience the world of beer from entirely new perspectives.
As well as its hops, the Hallertau region also captivates visitors with its diverse natural landscape. Gentle hills, vast fields and wooded areas characterise the region's scenery, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Numerous well-maintained walking and cycling trails wind through the idyllic surroundings, constantly offering fresh views of the characteristic landscape. Along the way, you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature – and discover the Hallertau from ever-changing perspectives. Furthermore, other attractions such as the Danube Gorge in Kelheim, the Hundertwasser Tower in Abensberg, Kuchlbauer's Beer World, and idyllic towns and villages are waiting to be explored.
Train from Munich: approx. 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your destination. For more information, visit www.bahn.de
By car: Towards Pfaffenhofen and Ingolstadt: approx. 1 hour via the A9; towards Wolnzach, Mainburg and Kelheim: approx. 45 minutes to 1.5 hours via the A9 and A93.
