Ralph Sondermann, Tourismus NRW e.V.
Should we call this one of the most ‘thirst-quenching’ reasons for travel? The beer route through North Rhine-Westphalia takes you through a variety of location and taste-based beer destinations. But don't forget: NRW has a lot more culinary experiences to offer!
Oliver Franke, Tourismus NRW e.V.
Düsseldorf Airport to Düsseldorf, the "Home of Altbier"
0:10 hour by train to Düsseldorf city
Start your trip at Düsseldorf Airport and taking advantage of the easy public transport connections, (no issue with drink driving!) , it’s just a 10 minute ride to the city centre where you start the ‘Beer Route’. Dusseldorf’s Old Town is known as the „the longest bar counter in the world“ and where can try the local speciality, “Altbier”! „Prost“ – as we say in Germany! Altbier is savoured by locals and visitors alike. Good to know: this very drinkable dark beer is inextricably linked to Dusseldorf . What’s in a name? “Altus” is Latin for “high” and refers to the high-rising yeast used to make this delicious, top-fermenting beer.
Tourismus NRW e.V.
Düsseldorf to Cologne, the "Home of Kölsch"
1:00 hour by train
From one beer connoisseur’s city to another: onward to Cologne. Just a half hour’s train journey from Dusseldorf, Cologne is the home of Kölsch, a different speciality local brew to Altbier. Good to know: For the people of Cologne, Kölsch is more than just a beer. This pale, top-fermented brew is firmly embedded in the city’s culture and ranks alongside Cologne Cathedral as a symbol of the city and its surrounding region. In fact the history of Kölsch is almost as old as that of the cathedral! Records of Kölsch breweries date as far back as the 13th century. Today, 25 different Kölsch brands are produced. Some are made in large-scale breweries whilst others are produced in traditional microbreweries and mostly served in the rustic, convivial atmosphere of an adjoining inn.
Tourismus NRW e.V.
Cologne to Fiege Brewery Bochum to Düsseldorf Airport
1:30 hour by train to Bochum | 1:15 hour by train to Düsseldorf Airport
Back to the train: you’re headed to the city of Bochum in the Ruhr Area. Pilsner is what they brew here and you’ll find a variety of the traditional, original Pilsener beers of the highest quality, for which North Rhine-Westphalia is known throughout the world. Good to know: this bottom-fermented beer is characterised by its pale to golden hue and ranks as one of the most popular beers in North Rhine-Westphalia. Apart from the well-known brands produced by commercial breweries, a large number of microbreweries produce their own regional specialities. Come and sample these tasty beers! They are brewed with passion, following traditional recipes. Your beer tour ends here – we hope it was to your taste!
