Historic steam tram in front of a brewery in Brno, Moravia between 1896 and 1900

Starobrno Brewery

Starobrno Brewery Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Brno Historical Sites

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: The Heart of Brno’s Brewing Heritage

Located in the lively city of Brno, Czech Republic, Starobrno Brewery is both a pillar of Moravian brewing tradition and a vibrant cultural landmark. With origins dating to the 13th century and its formal foundation on the grounds of a former Cistercian convent in 1872, Starobrno seamlessly blends historical authenticity with contemporary brewing innovation. As one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated breweries, it offers visitors a rich journey through Czech beer heritage, combining architectural splendor, immersive tours, and a deep connection to the city’s social fabric. The brewery is ideally situated near major historical sites, making it a perfect starting point for cultural exploration in Brno. For more information on its history and significance, see the Starobrno Official History and Heineken Starobrno.

Starobrno Brewery: A Historical Gem in Brno
Origins and Historical Development
Brewery Expansion and Modernization
Starobrno’s Role in Brno’s Culture
Visitor Information: Hours, Tours, and Accessibility
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Special Events and Seasonal Experiences
Architectural and Historical Highlights
Beer Portfolio and Tasting Notes
Sustainability and Modernization
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary Table: Core Beers
Conclusion and How to Plan Your Visit
Sources

Starobrno Brewery: A Historical Gem in Brno

Situated in the Staré Brno district, Starobrno Brewery is a living testament to the evolution of Czech brewing. It offers guided tours that trace the journey from medieval beer-making to today’s innovative methods. The brewery remains integral to Brno’s identity, celebrated for its contributions to local festivals, community gatherings, and the city’s renowned beer culture.

Origins and Historical Development

Brewing in Brno dates back to the 13th century, with the first records of beer production associated with the area’s Cistercian monastery. Following the monastery’s closure in 1782, brewing continued on the premises, culminating in the establishment of Starobrno Brewery in 1872 by Josef Mandel and partners. The brewery’s foundation marked the beginning of industrial-scale beer production in Brno, quickly making it a leading producer in Moravia (Starobrno Official History).

The brewery’s name—“Starobrno,” or “Old Brno”—reflects its deep roots in local history. Its original complex, constructed in the industrial style of the era and equipped with advanced German and Austrian brewing technology, became a symbol of local progress and ambition.

Brewery Expansion and Modernization

By the late 19th century, Starobrno’s annual output exceeded 100,000 hectoliters, positioning it among the largest in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The brewery pioneered refrigeration and electric lighting, further modernizing its operations (Visit Czech Republic).

Despite the challenges of war and the Communist era—including nationalization in 1948—Starobrno maintained quality and continued to innovate. The Velvet Revolution ushered in privatization, followed by Heineken Group’s acquisition in 2003, bringing new investment and international reach (Heineken Starobrno).

Starobrno’s Role in Brno’s Culture

Starobrno Brewery is more than a production site—it is a cornerstone of local identity and social life. The brewery’s iconic red-brick buildings on Mendel Square are a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors. Starobrno actively supports cultural events, including the annual Starobrno Day, and supplies many of Brno’s beloved pubs and beer gardens, strengthening the city’s communal spirit (Destination Abroad: Brno Beer Culture).

The brewery’s traditions, such as the celebrated Easter Green Beer, have become important cultural milestones, drawing crowds and marking the passage of seasons (Visit Czech Republic). In addition, Starobrno’s commitment to using local ingredients underscores its deep connection to Moravian agriculture and heritage (Chlohemian).

Visitor Information: Hours, Tours, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and major public holidays
Tour hours may vary for special events; always check the official website for the latest updates.

Tickets and Guided Tours

Guided tours: Approx. 60 minutes, available in Czech and English
Tickets: 150–300 CZK, inclusive of beer tasting
Booking: Reserve online via the official Starobrno website, Heineken Česká Republika, or at the visitor center
Group tours and private tastings: Available by appointment

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible (ramps, adapted restrooms)
Some areas (e.g., footbridges, cellars) may have limited accessibility; contact in advance for special assistance

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Location: Pivovarská 1, Brno, near Mendlovo náměstí (Mendel Square)
Transport: Easily reached by trams (lines 1, 2, 4), bus, or on foot from the city center
Parking: Limited; public transport recommended
Nearby Sites: Špilberk Castle, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Staré Brno Monastery, and the Brno Ossuary

For more on exploring the city, see the Eventbrite Brno Audio Tour.

Special Events and Seasonal Experiences

Starobrno Day: Annual festival with live music, brewery tours, and special beer releases
Easter Green Beer: Unique seasonal brew celebrated across Brno each spring
Open House Brno: Access to rarely opened historical brewery sections (Open House Brno)
Private Events and Themed Tastings: Available year-round

Architectural and Historical Highlights

The brewery complex showcases a blend of medieval and industrial architecture, with notable features including:

The historic malt house adjacent to the Staré Brno monastery
Brewing and fermentation halls with original industrial layouts
Modern facilities like the bottling plant and cylindro-conical maturation tanks
Panoramic footbridge offering unique views of Brno (openhousebrno.cz)

Beer Portfolio and Tasting Notes

Starobrno offers a diverse range of unpasteurized beers, expertly crafted from Moravian barley, Žatec hops, and high-quality local water.

Beer Name	Style	ABV (%)	Key Features
Medium 11°	Pale Lager (Ležák)	4.7–4.9	Balanced, crisp, flagship lager
Drak	Premium Pale Lager	5.0–5.2	Fuller body, richer malt, more hops
Tradiční	Draught Beer (Výčepní)	~4.0	Light, sessionable, mild bitterness
Černé	Dark Lager (Tmavé)	3.8–4.1	Roasted malt, caramel, smooth
Zelené Pivo	Seasonal Pale Lager	~4.2	Herbal, green color, Easter special
Štatl 12	Premium Lager (Ležák)	~5.0	Malty, balanced, celebratory release

Unfiltered and Tank Beers: Freshly drawn, with fuller body and yeast character

Seasonal and specialty releases, such as the blue Modré Komety beer, are also available for special occasions (wikiwand.com).

Sustainability and Modernization

Under Heineken’s ownership, Starobrno has maintained traditional brewing practices while investing in sustainable technologies, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly raw material sourcing (heinekenceskarepublika.cz). Spent malt is repurposed for local agriculture, and operational updates ensure minimal environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the brewery’s regular visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

Q: How can I purchase tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the visitor center. Advance booking recommended.

Q: Are tours available in English?
A: Yes, tours are available in both Czech and English.

Q: Is the brewery accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and adapted facilities. Some areas may have limited access.

Q: Are children allowed on tours?
A: Yes, but tastings are only for visitors over 18.

Q: Is photography permitted?
A: Yes, except in restricted production areas.

Q: Is there a restaurant on site?
A: Yes, serving traditional Moravian dishes and Starobrno beers (Starobrno Brewery Restaurant).

Visuals and Media

Historic malt house and brewery exterior (alt: “Starobrno Brewery historic malt house in Brno”)
Brewing hall and fermentation tanks (alt: “Starobrno Brewery brewing hall interior”)
Beer tastings in the lager cellar (alt: “Starobrno Brewery beer tasting experience”)
Footbridge offering panoramic views (alt: “View of Brno from Starobrno Brewery footbridge”)

Virtual tours and high-quality images are available on the official website.

Conclusion and How to Plan Your Visit

Starobrno Brewery is a vital part of Brno’s cultural and historical landscape, offering a unique combination of tradition, innovation, and local pride. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a history enthusiast, or a cultural traveler, a visit to Starobrno promises an immersive experience. To plan your visit, book tours, and stay updated on special events, check the Starobrno excursion page and Open House Brno.

Maximize your experience by downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and exclusive content, and follow Starobrno on social media for the latest updates and offers. Pair your brewery visit with a tour of Brno’s other historical landmarks for a deeply enriching cultural journey.