Deutsches Hopfenmuseum

About the museum

In 1984, citizens of Wolnzach founded the Verein Deutsches Hopfenmuseum (association) with the aim of creating a museum of national scope on the history of hop growing in the center of the Hallertau, the world's largest hop-growing region. The hop industry and breweries supported the project early on. Because the originally planned Lipphof was not available, a long search for a site followed, with numerous rejected options.

In 1990 the market town of Wolnzach, the district of Pfaffenhofen an der Ilm, and the Upper Bavaria district formed the Zweckverband Deutsches Hopfenmuseum (special-purpose association) as operator; since 2007 the association has also been a member. In 2000 the decision was made for the Lipphof site in the town center, and an architectural competition selected the design by the Munich firm Krug & Partner: a building whose roof and column structure recalls the rows of poles in a hop garden. After construction began in spring 2002, the museum opened on January 22, 2005.

The permanent exhibition, covering about 1,000 square meters, leads from the wild plant through medieval charters and the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Purity Law) to mechanization. On display are a walk-in giant hop cone, a hop pole garden, a reconstructed hop kiln, a hop bale press from 1880, and a large picking machine, along with sections on trade and brewing. A demonstration hop garden grows in front of the building.

Highlights

• Walk-in hop cone at the entrance
• Hop picking machine "Eiserner Pflücker" (Iron Picker)
• Faithfully reconstructed hop kiln
• Hop bale press from 1880
• Reconstructed Hallertau home brewery
• Demonstration hop garden in front of the museum

Permanent exhibitions

• Eine Reise durch die Hopfengeschichte – A journey through time from the wild medicinal plant through the Reinheitsgebot and the Enlightenment to the hop boom of the 19th century and mechanization with the large picking machine.
• Einblicke in den Hopfenbau – Work in the hop garden over the course of a year, from erecting the trellis through plant protection and harvest by hop pickers to drying in the kiln, with many hands-on stations.
• Handelspflanze Hopfen – Hop trade, price fluctuations, and brewing: with a historic bale press, the furnishings of a hop dealer, and a Hallertau home brewery.

Operated by

Zweckverband Deutsches Hopfenmuseum

Director

Christoph Pinzl

Admission & discounts

Members of the Verein Deutsches Hopfenmuseum have free admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Accessible main entrance (door 90 cm), ramp from the ticket area into the exhibition, elevator to the upper floor, no thresholds, media stations that can be rolled under. Accessible parking space in the underground garage; direct access from there after advance registration. Vehicles may drive up to the entrance for getting in and out. Staff assistance after prior registration.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Hop picker backpack with puzzles and craft ideas for ages 6 to 12, museum scavenger hunt (from age 9 on your own), children's audio guide, a large info and game station, and the board game "Das große Hopfen-Rennen" (The Great Hop Race). Children's birthday parties individually by arrangement; museum education programs for school classes and children's groups.

Getting there & parking

Via the A 9 (Munich–Nuremberg) or A 93 (Regensburg), Autobahndreieck Holledau, exit Wolnzach. From Munich Airport just under 30 minutes by car.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with products around hops and beer, also as a web shop. Coffee and cake only for groups in connection with a tour. Dogs are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 300 guests.

Large event room (up to 200 people in rows, 150 at tables) with kitchen and conference technology, foyer, and a covered museum forecourt for up to 300 guests; also outside opening hours, catering through regional businesses.

Plan your visit