Like wine in Italy, vodka in Russia, and tequila in Mexico, beer is a big part of many cultures across Europe. Whether you’re a fan of pale ales or stouts, lagers or sours, there’s a fantastic selection of microbreweries across the countries. From sunny Spain to the blustery Iceland, thirsty pilgrims will love making the trip to these 7 microbreweries in Europe.
If you work up a thirst after reading the article, you can sample some of Australia’s own craft beers before you go. Browse Liquorland’s range here.
Mikkeller – Copenhagen, Denmark
One of the most successful microbreweries in the world is Mikkeller. Started in 2006 in Copenhagen, in under two decades this nomad brewery has expanded around the world.
Not only do they sell their delicious beers in some of the most coveted restaurants and venues, but they also operate breweries pretty much everywhere, from South Korea to San Francisco. But nothing beats visiting the original location in Copenhagen, where the magic began. Their most popular beer is the one that started it all, a stout called the Beer Geek Breakfast.
Brewdog – Edinburgh, Scotland
Another of the most successful microbreweries (despite now lying outside the EU) is Brewdog. Started in 2007, in just over the decade this brewery has expanded to locations around the world, from the United States to Japan.
Despite not being a microbrewery anymore, we thought it was a necessary inclusion on this list for their hard work, and of course, incredible beer. Their main brewery is in Ellen, Scotland, but they also have bars across the UK where you can sample the favorites. The star of the lineup is their delicious Punk IPA.
SOMA Beer – Girona, Spain
Spain is the land of long sunny days, of flamenco dancers, eating olives by the bowl-full in sun-dappled squares, and enjoying a crisp glass of beer in the midday sun. It’s not a country known for craft beer, but one microbrewery stands out above the rest: SOMA Beer.
SOMA Beer is a small microbrewery located in Girona, Catalonia, about an hour and a half northeast of Barcelona by train. Their IPAs have been making a name for themselves across Europe and have even grown in popularity in the USA. If you’re in Spain’s northeast corner next time you’re in Europe, this microbrewery is well worth visiting.
Bierol – Tyrol, Austria
Located at the foot of Scheffauer Mountain in Tyrol, Austria, the Bierol Brewery is one of the best in Austria. Serving up pale ales, IPAs, stouts, and plenty more, they source their grains from local farms in the surrounding valleys and forests.
The best part about visiting this tap room is the location, surrounded by green meadows and jagged mountain peaks that will have you yodeling in no time. Don’t miss out on their popular American pale ale, The Padawan.
The Garden Brewery – Zagreb, Croatia
One of the most successful microbreweries in Croatia, the Garden Brewery has only been around since 2016. Founded to bring craft beers to the punters at summer music festivals in Croatia, they’ve since gone on to host some of the world’s biggest DJs in their taproom.
When visiting Zagreb, it’s well worth making the pilgrimage out to their taproom, housed in a large industrial warehouse. Tours are also offered, letting you see behind the scenes. Out the back is a spacious garden with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the beer. Visitors won’t want to miss their stellar line up of IPAs.
Fauve – Paris, France
One of the most successful microbreweries in France is Fauve Craft Beer. Located in Paris, this creative and funky brewery is without a doubt one of the most popular in Europe.
For a taste of their beers while in Paris, visit their brewpub “Les Cuves de Fauve” in the 11th Arrondissement of Paris. IPAs are of course a mainstay of their beer menu, as are pilsners, lagers, pale ales, and stouts.
Borg Brugghús –Reykjavik, Iceland
Founded in Reykjavik in 2010, Borg Brugghús has quickly become one of the most popular microbreweries in Iceland. In a country where beer was banned until 1989, they’ve had a lot of catching up to do.
Making use of the clear glacial water and sub-arctic ingredients on offer in the country, their line-up of beers ranges from IPAs to stouts, porters, and sours. Visit their tap room in Reykjavik and be sure to try their Snorri beer, containing Icelandic barley and arctic thyme in honour of the Viking chieftain, Snorri Sturluson.
