Vienna: Guided tour of the Ottakringer brewery

Exploring Vienna’s local flavors isn’t complete without a visit to the Ottakringer Brewery. This guided experience offers a look into the city’s oldest private brewery, blending history and craft brewing in a way that appeals to beer lovers and curious travelers alike.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the chance to see beer production up close, from the brewhouse to bottling lines. Second, the informative guides—many users mention guides like Daniel—who make the process engaging without overwhelming. Third, the generous beer tastings at the end, providing a relaxed way to savor Ottakringer’s varied range.

One consideration? The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which means a fair amount of standing and walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s best suited for those who enjoy beer, appreciate local traditions, and want an authentic experience that’s both educational and fun. This tour offers a great value—especially if you want a behind-the-scenes look at Vienna’s brewing scene.

Good To Know

• Authentic behind-the-scenes access to Vienna’s oldest private brewery.
• Guided by knowledgeable staff who share engaging insights into beer production and history.
• Tastings included, with a range of Ottakringer beers to sample at the end.
• Affordable price point, offering great value for the depth of experience.
• Accessible location, easily reached by public transport.
• Not suitable for children under 18 or those with mobility issues due to walking and standing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction to the Ottakringer Brewery Tour

Vienna’s beer culture is alive and well, with Ottakringer standing as a pillar of the city’s brewing traditions since 1837. This tour provides an opportunity to peek behind the scenes of this historic brewery, gaining insight into its process and history—all while enjoying local beers in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

What we love about this experience is the combination of storytelling, craftsmanship, and the chance to taste award-winning beers without leaving the city center. The guided aspect means you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of Vienna’s brewing heritage, and the tasting sessions make it a relaxed, social occasion.

A minor point to consider: the tour involves quite a bit of standing, so it’s best suited for those who are reasonably mobile and comfortable on their feet. It’s perfect for beer enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone looking for a fun and informal activity that captures Vienna’s local spirit.

Why Choose This Tour? Key Highlights

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access
This isn’t just a tasting at a pub—you’re taken through the actual production process of Ottakringer beer, from the brewhouse to the bottling lines. You’ll see where the magic happens and learn how they’ve kept their traditions alive while innovating over the years.

Engaging, Knowledgeable Guides
Reviewers mention guides like Daniel, who are clear communicators and able to share the brewery’s story with enthusiasm. Their insights make complex brewing processes understandable and add personal touches that make the experience memorable.

Tasting of Varied Ottakringer Beers
The tour culminates in a generous sampling period—approximately 30 minutes—where you can enjoy as much beer as you like from the brewery’s range. This is a highlight for many, providing a chance to compare different styles and find your favorite.

Affordable and Convenient
At just $23 per person, the value here is considerable. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and departs from a central, easily accessible location near public transport options such as U3, 2, 46, 44, 9 lines.

The Itinerary—What to Expect

Meeting Point & Start
You’ll gather at the Ottakringer forecourt on the corner of Feßtgasse and Ottakringer Straße. The location is straightforward to reach via public transport, making it easy to integrate into your day. The tour begins with a brief introduction before heading into the brewery.

Walking Through the Brewing Process
As you follow the guide, you’ll see the brewing area, where the raw ingredients are combined and heated to produce wort. The guide shares interesting tidbits, such as Ottakringer’s long-standing history and how they’ve adapted over nearly two centuries.

Insights into Production & Storage
You’ll learn about the various stages of beer production, including fermentation, maturation, and storage. Restrictions around access mean you won’t wander freely through the entire brewery, but the guided route offers enough to satisfy curiosity.

Bottling & Packaging
A highlight is watching the bottling process—an industrial ballet of machinery and precision. Reviewers note that access to certain areas is limited for safety reasons, but the guided commentary makes up for it.

Tasting & Socializing
The final stretch is a tasting session, where you can try multiple varieties of Ottakringer beer. Many reviewers, such as Ryan, appreciated the generous amount of beer, making it a fun, relaxed finish to the tour.

End of Tour
The experience concludes back at the starting point, with plenty of opportunity to purchase souvenirs or additional beverages nearby.

Authenticity and Value

The cost of $23 is quite reasonable for what you get—entry to a historic brewery, a guided tour, and a generous sampling of beers. When you consider the quality of guides, the behind-the-scenes access, and the educational component, it offers excellent value.

Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s clarity and friendliness, making complex brewing processes accessible. The knowledge imparted about Ottakringer’s history and methods enriches your understanding of Vienna’s brewing scene.

The tour is also practical: the location is central, the tour length fits easily into a day, and the inclusion of beer tasting makes it both fun and educational. It’s not just a quick peek; it’s a well-rounded experience that provides authentic insights into Vienna’s beer traditions.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who Would Love This?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy craft beer, history, or authentic local experiences. It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed, social activity that’s both informative and fun. Beer enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the tasting component, while history fans will enjoy learning about the brewery’s longstanding legacy.

It’s best suited for adults over 18, and those with mobility concerns should be aware of the standing involved. The experience takes place rain or shine, so don’t worry about weather—another reason it’s a flexible choice.

Final Thoughts

The guided tour of the Ottakringer Brewery offers a compelling mix of history, craft, and conviviality. For just $23, you gain detailed insights into Vienna’s oldest private brewery and sample its award-winning beers in a friendly setting. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to connect with local traditions without spending a fortune.

Whether you’re a casual beer drinker, a history buff, or just curious about Vienna’s brewing heritage, this tour provides a genuine, enjoyable escape from the usual sightseeing. The knowledgeable guides, behind-the-scenes access, and generous tastings combine to make it a memorable experience worth seeking out.

It’s a fun, authentic way to see a different side of Vienna—one that celebrates craftsmanship, tradition, and community. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your enthusiasm for a taste of Vienna’s liquid gold.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is only for individuals 18 and older due to alcohol consumption.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for travel plans.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1.5 hours long, including the tasting session.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the guided tour, beer tastings, and close-up views of the brewing process.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is conveniently reachable by buses and U3 subway, such as lines 2, 9, 44, 46.

Are photography and filming allowed?
Yes, photography is permitted, but filming and sound recordings require prior approval from the guide.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, mobility impairments may limit participation due to the walking and standing involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and comfort.

Will there be options for non-drinkers?
The focus is on beer tasting, so non-drinkers might want to consider if they’re comfortable skipping the tastings or if they prefer other experiences.

To sum it up, the Vienna guided tour of the Ottakringer brewery offers a balanced blend of education, authenticity, and fun, all at a modest price. It’s an ideal activity for those looking to indulge in Vienna’s local craft while gaining meaningful insights into its brewing tradition—an experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for the city’s liquid gold.

You can check if your dates are available here: