Understanding Moravian Beer Culture

Moravia is famous for its wine, but its beer culture is equally impressive. Olomouc has held brewing rights since the Middle Ages. Today, a new wave of microbreweries is reviving these old traditions. These brewers focus on high-quality ingredients and small batches.

Local pubs in Olomouc often serve beer that is unpasteurized and unfiltered. This means the flavor is fresher and more complex than mass-produced brands. You will notice a strong sense of pride in local craftsmanship here. Most pubs are located within the historic center, making them easy to reach.

Drinking beer here is a social ritual. It is about slow enjoyment and good conversation. To truly enjoy the experience, you should learn about authentic Czech pub etiquette for tourists in Olomouc. This will help you feel like a local from your very first pint.

10 Best Local Beers to Try in Olomouc Pubs

Here are the top selections for your beer tour. This list includes iconic city center spots and unique suburban gems. Each offers a distinct taste of Moravian brewing excellence.

1. Name: Moritz 11° Lager Type: Microbrewery Why go: This is a classic, unfiltered Czech lager served in a beautiful wood-paneled cellar. Best for: Traditional atmosphere. Where: Pivovar Moritz (near the city walls). Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 45-60 CZK. Getting there: A short walk from the Upper Square. Tip: Check the Moritz microbrewery Olomouc food and beer menu before you go.
2. Name: Svatováclavský Vašek 12° Type: Microbrewery/History Why go: Located near the cathedral, this brewery offers a wide range of flavored beers and traditional pilsners. Best for: Variety and history. Where: Svatováclavský pivovar. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 50-65 CZK. Getting there: Walk towards Saint Wenceslas Cathedral. Tip: Try their beer spa if you want a unique wellness experience.
3. Name: Chomout Režná Bára Type: Suburb/Nature trip Why go: This rye special is an award-winning craft beer from the city's outskirts. Best for: Craft beer enthusiasts. Where: Hostinec u Chomouta (Chomoutov district). Time: 2-3 hours. Cost: 55-75 CZK. Getting there: Take bus number 18 or 20 from the center. Tip: Combine this with a walk in the nearby Litovelské Pomoraví nature reserve.
4. Name: Twinberg IPA Type: Modern/Craft Why go: A fresh take on modern brewing styles, perfect for those who like hoppy flavors. Best for: Younger crowds and craft fans. Where: Local craft bars like Local Beer Lounge. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 65-85 CZK. Getting there: Located in the central pedestrian zone. Tip: They often have rotating taps, so ask what is freshest.
5. Name: Jadrníček 12° Lager Type: Family/Local Why go: A small-batch beer that captures the essence of Moravian family brewing. Best for: A quiet, local vibe. Where: Pivovar Jadrníček (Náměšť na Hané or local outlets). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: 40-55 CZK. Getting there: Look for it in specialized beer shops in the center. Tip: This beer pairs perfectly with local smoked meats.
6. Name: Richard 12° Type: Neighborhood Why go: This brewery is famous for its honey beer and classic pale lagers. Best for: Trying something sweet and unique. Where: Pivovarský dům (Černovír district). Time: 2 hours. Cost: 45-60 CZK. Getting there: Take a short tram or bus ride to the Černovír area. Tip: The outdoor seating is great during the summer months.
7. Name: Tank Pilsner Urquell Type: Iconic experience Why go: While not brewed in Olomouc, the "tank" version at Drápal is the gold standard of Czech beer. Best for: Seeing how beer should be served. Where: Restaurace Drápal. Time: 1-2 hours. Cost: 60-75 CZK. Getting there: Located on the edge of the historic center. Tip: Observe the bartender's skill in pouring the perfect head of foam.
8. Name: Litovel Premium Type: Regional classic Why go: This is the major regional beer from the nearby town of Litovel. Best for: A standard, reliable local pint. Where: Most traditional pubs in the city. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 35-50 CZK. Getting there: Available everywhere in the city. Tip: It is often the most affordable high-quality option on the menu.
9. Name: Kosíř 11° Type: Day trip/Nature Why go: Brewed near the highest peak in the region, this beer is crisp and refreshing. Best for: Hikers and nature lovers. Where: Pivovar Kosíř (Lhota pod Kosířem). Time: Half-day trip. Cost: 40-55 CZK. Getting there: Best reached by car or a regional train/bus combo. Tip: Visit the Visit Czechia site for transport tips to the Haná region.
10. Name: Melichárek Pale Ale Type: Unique/Small batch Why go: An experimental brewery that produces small, high-quality batches of ale. Best for: People who want to discover something new. Where: U Dvou Strašidel or specialized craft pubs. Time: 1 hour. Cost: 60-80 CZK. Getting there: Check the narrow streets near the Lower Square. Tip: Their labels are often works of art themselves.

Essential Tips for Olomouc Beer Lovers

When you enter a pub, always look for a coaster first. Place it in front of you to signal you want a beer. The server will bring a pint and mark your tab. Do not move the coaster once your beer arrives.

Beer is best enjoyed with food. You must try the local specialty known as Tvarůžky. This is a pungent, ripened cheese that pairs perfectly with a bitter lager. Learn more about tasting authentic Olomoucké tvarůžky cheese to complete your experience.

Tipping is common but not mandatory. Usually, you round up the bill to the nearest ten or twenty CZK. Most pubs in the center accept cards, but smaller neighborhood spots might prefer cash. Always keep some small change ready for your server.