Brauereimuseum Aldersbach

About the museum

Aldersbach Abbey in the Vils valley of Lower Bavaria was founded in 1120 by Augustinian canons and passed to the Cistercians in 1146. The monks soon began brewing beer; an arbitration letter from 1268 documents brewing operations, which is why the brewery counts among the oldest in the world and celebrated its 750th anniversary in 2018. In 1812 Johann Adam Freiherr von Aretin acquired the monastery and brewery, and the business has been family-owned ever since. The brewery uses the south wing of the monastery, where the well-known Bräustüberl is also located.

The brewery museum is housed in the brewhouse and cellar building of the former monastery brewery, dating from the 18th century. It was created as part of a cross-border project on brewing history in Lower Bavaria and South Bohemia, together with the municipality of Aldersbach and the University of South Bohemia in Budweis. On display are original objects from inn culture, a preserved malt kiln (Darre), a grain mill and other historical equipment, along with media stations and short films about brewing traditions.

The brewery also shows the Bavarian exhibition "Wirtshaussterben? Wirtshausleben!", created in cooperation with the Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte and on view exclusively in Aldersbach.

Highlights

• Museum in the former brewhouse of the monastery brewery (18th century)
• Original preserved malt kiln (Darre) and historical grain mill
• Bavarian exhibition "Wirtshaussterben? Wirtshausleben!"
• Interactive media station and cinema room with short films
• Combined visit with a brewery tour and the Asamkirche

Permanent exhibitions

• Wirtshaussterben? Wirtshausleben! – Bavarian exhibition, created with the Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte, on the history of Bavarian hospitality from the tavern to the beer palace and on the current crisis of traditional inns.
• Bier & Wir – Brewery museum on the shared brewing history and brewing tradition of Lower Bavaria and South Bohemia, with a media station, malt kiln and grain mill.

Operated by

Brauerei Aldersbach (Frhr. v. Aretin GmbH & Co. KG)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibitions can be reached barrier-free via the monastery shop.

Kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The inn exhibition has hands-on stations, and the museum has an interactive media station.

Getting there & parking

Address: Freiherr-von-Aretin-Platz 1, 94501 Aldersbach.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The brewery's Bräustüberl (daily from 12:00) and the monastery shop with beers and gift items.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 500 guests.

The Stüberl rooms of the Bräustüberl (space for 20 to 500 people) can be rented for celebrations, club outings and company outings.

Plan your visit