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Beer is a tradition in Germany and a ritual that the Germans can not give up as well as being an integral part of their culture. After the Czechs and the Irish, the Germans are the biggest beer drinkers. The historical importance of German beer comes from a law called “Reinheitsgebot,” which was enacted in 1500 which still remains in force in some German cities today. It prohibited the use of poor quality materials in the production process of this great beverage. Because of the importance to the Germans and their culture, it would be guaranteed an affordable price.

Another concern in Germany in addition to the costs, were the chemicals used in its production. To avoid food poisoning or illness, the law was changed that prevented the use of poor quality ingredients in the making of beer. Initially, the fermentation process to convert the malt into alcohol was seen as an act of witchcraft. It was said that they were witches who made the fermentation process possible, but over time, people saw that the substance that rose to the surface was yeast and that this was the cause of fermentation. However, it was Louis Pasteur who discovered that the real cause of the fermentation were microorganisms which transforms the malt into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

All cities have at least one brewery. The world’s oldest still in operation is the Weihenstephan Abbey, located in the Bavarian town of Freising. In total there are about 1,300 breweries in Germany and a production of over 5,000 brands. Half of the German brewers say it’s a Bavarian.

Thanks to this wide variety, almost every village has its own beer, and sometimes more than one. Being able to list them all would be an impossible task, but here are some of the most famous ones: Pilsner, Maibock, or Helles bock – a springtime beer, Doppelbock and Altbier. Italy, Spain and many other countries also have well known beers, too. Together, all these countries in unison give a broad overview of the German beer culture and how it has developed over the centuries.

The beer festivals are quite popular in several countries. In Germany, a famous one that is visited by many foreigners is the Oktoberfest in Bavaria, one of the most popular festivals in Europe for Germany beer that goes back to the nineteenth century. The main attraction of course, is the beer, along with meat and sausages. There are all sorts of attractions and popular bands and many have the traditional Bavarian costume, which is almost a must for the locals. The festival begins in late September, lasts 16 days, starting with the parade through the city with wagons carrying barrels of beer accompanied by a crowd in a procession to the park. Once there, the mayor officially opens the first barrel with the opening phrase of “O’zapft is!” (“It’s tapped!” in the Austro-Bavarian dialect).

If you like beer you must travel to Berlin. You’ll discover their traditions and their beer, and get to taste all the different types, too! Rent apartments in Berlin, you’ll have fun tasting hundreds of different brews while enjoying cheap and comfortable accommodation.

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