Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan is in Freising, Bavaria, and calls itself the oldest existing brewery in the world. Beer has been brewed on the Weihenstephan hill since 1040, first by Benedictine monks, now as a Bavarian state brewery. They are best known for their weissbier and for a long list of medals.
- LocationFreising, Bayern
- Founded1040
- TypeRegional brewery
- Untappd 3.7 · 1.3M ratings
- At Hoptimaal0 in stock · 1 in total
In stock now 0
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Previously at Hoptimaal 1
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A monastery brewery on the hill near Freising
Weihenstephan monastery stands high above Freising, on the Weihenstephan hill. According to the brewery, Corbinian founded a Benedictine monastery on the Nährberg in 725 together with twelve companions. In 1040 Abbot Arnold received a licence to brew and sell beer. That date is seen as the birth of the monastery brewery.
It was not easy. Between 1085 and 1463 the monastery burned down completely four times and was hit by plague epidemics, famines and a major earthquake. Later, among others the Swedes and the French plundered it during the Thirty Years' War. The monks rebuilt every time. In 1516 Duke Wilhelm IV of Bavaria issued the Reinheitsgebot close to the monastery: only barley, hops and water.
When the monastery ceased to exist in 1803, the Bavarian state took it over. Since 1921 the brewery has been called Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan. It is one of the two state breweries in Germany, and it sits next to the science centre of the Technical University of Munich. The claim of being the oldest brewery in the world comes from the brewery itself.
Weissbier at the core, with modern technology
Weihenstephan is best known for hefeweizen, which is exported worldwide. Behind the historic walls you will find modern brewing technology. The brewery works to its own standard, Premium Bavaricum.
The range goes beyond weissbier. You will find Hefeweissbier Dunkel, Kristallweissbier and weizenbocks such as Vitus, alongside Original (helles), Pils, Festbier, Korbinian (doppelbock) and 1516 Kellerbier. There is also a Pale Ale, and there are collaborations with Sierra Nevada.
The trophy cabinet is well filled. In 2025 Weihenstephan won eight medals at the AIBA in Australia and the title Champion Large International Brewery. Vitus and Kristallweißbier took medals at the European Beer Star, and at the World Beer Cup 2026 came gold and silver.
Weihenstephan at Hoptimaal
With us you will find Weihenstephan in 50 cl, in the styles weizen and Lager & Pilsner. Highly rated on Untappd are Kristallweissbier, a clear weizen of 5.4%, and Original Helles Alkoholfrei. That puts the strength range in our selection at 0.5 to 5.4%. Exactly what is in stock changes, so check the brewery page.
Drink these beers fresh and well chilled. Weissbier is a beer to drink young: keep it cool and do not leave it for months. Pour it into a tall weizen glass, and the aroma of banana and clove comes out best. The alcohol-free helles is a fresh choice when you want something light during the week.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Weihenstephan come from?
Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan is in Freising, Bavaria, Germany, north of Munich. The brewery sits on the Weihenstephan hill, where a Benedictine monastery once stood.
What kind of beer does Weihenstephan make?
Mainly weissbier, such as Hefeweissbier, Dunkel and Kristallweissbier, plus stronger weizenbocks such as Vitus. They also make helles, pils, Festbier, Kellerbier and doppelbock.
Is Weihenstephan the oldest brewery in the world?
That is what the brewery says itself. Since 1040 beer has officially been allowed to be brewed and sold on the hill. The Oxford Companion to Beer more cautiously calls Weihenstephan 'reputedly' the oldest continuously operating brewery in the world.
