If you’re traveling around the Netherlands and love a good beer, you’re in for a treat. Dutch beer culture goes way beyond Heineken (though yes, you can tour that too). From cozy craft breweries tucked inside old churches to hip taprooms with a view of the canals, the Netherlands has a seriously fun, and very drinkable, brewery scene.
Here’s your guide to some of the best Dutch breweries you can actually visit. Cheers, or as the Dutch say, proost! (pronounced [proh-st]).
Contents
- 1. Brouwerij ’t IJ, Amsterdam
- 2. De Prael, Amsterdam
- 3. Oedipus Brewing, Amsterdam
- 4. Heineken Experience, Amsterdam
- 5. Breugem Brewery, Amsterdam
- 6. Brouwerij HOOP, Zaandijk
- 7. Oproer Brouwerij, Utrecht
- 8. Texelse Bierbrouwerij, Texel (Frisian Islands)
- 9. Jopenkerk, Haarlem
- 10. Brouwerij Noordt, Rotterdam
- 11. Stadshaven Brewery, Rotterdam
- 12. Kaapse Brouwers, Rotterdam
- 13. Gulpener Brouwlokaal, Gulpen
- 14. Abdij Rolduc, Kerkrade
- 15. Bavaria (Swinkels Family Brewers), Lieshout
- 16. Rabauw Brewery, Eindhoven
- 17. Brouwerij De Hemel, Nijmegen
- 18. Stadsbrouwerij Wageningen, Wageningen
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1. Brouwerij ’t IJ, Amsterdam
This Amsterdam icon started in 1985 and is located right next to the De Gooyer windmill, making it one of the most photographed breweries in the Netherlands. Brouwerij ’t IJ was one of the first microbreweries in the city and quickly became a local favorite thanks to its Belgian-style beers made with organic ingredients.

Their most famous beers are Zatte, a strong tripel, and Natte, a smooth dubbel, along with IJwit, a refreshing wheat beer. You can enjoy a tour, grab a spot on the sunny terrace, and taste a flight of their beers.
Address: Stadshouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam
Tour: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 15:00 (English), at 16:00 (Dutch)
2. De Prael, Amsterdam
Founded in 2001, De Prael is known not just for its beer but also for its social mission. The brewery employs people who face challenges entering the workforce, creating a community-focused space right in Amsterdam’s city center.
De Prael’s beers often carry people’s names as a tribute to the workers who brew them, like the Johnny Blond Ale. They also offer an IPA and a strong barley wine. The Red Light District location is easy to reach on foot and has a cozy tasting room by the canals.
Address: Old Side Armsteeg 26, 1012 GP Amsterdam
Opening hours: Monday, from 14:00 till 00:00; Tuesday-Sunday, from 12:00 till 00:00
3. Oedipus Brewing, Amsterdam
Oedipus started as a garage project by four friends and has grown into one of the Netherlands’ most creative breweries. Located in Amsterdam-Noord, the taproom is colorful and full of energy, often hosting music events and art shows.
Oedipus is known for playful beers like Mannenliefde, a saison with lemongrass and Szechuan pepper, and Thai Thai, a spiced tripel inspired by Thai cuisine. Take the free ferry from Central Station and bike to their taproom for a fun afternoon.
Address: Schaafstraat 21, 1021KD Amsterdam
Opening hours: Wednesday & Thursday, from 16:00 till 22:30; Friday, from 16:00 till 00:30; Saturday, from 14:00 till 00:30; Sunday, from 14:00 till 21:30
4. Heineken Experience, Amsterdam
If you want to visit the most famous Dutch beer brand, the Heineken Experience is a must. Located in the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood, this interactive museum walks you through the company’s history and brewing process.

While the site no longer produces beer, you can see original brewing equipment, enjoy multimedia exhibits, and finish with a couple of Heinekens at the rooftop bar. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam, so book ahead.
Practical info
Address: Stadshouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam
Opening times: Sunday-Tuesday, from 10:30 till 19:30; Friday-Saturday, from 10:30 till 21:00
5. Breugem Brewery, Amsterdam
Breugem Brewery, founded in 2009, is a cozy craft brewery in Amsterdam West with a social mission. When you visit, you can sample their tasty beers, like the smooth Tripel or the hoppy High Five, right in their relaxed taproom.
The brewery also offers tours, so you can see how the beer is made and learn about their unique approach to brewing. Plus, it’s run with a focus on giving people opportunities in the workforce, so every visit supports something meaningful while you enjoy a great drink.
Practical info
Address: Nieuwe Hemweg 2, 1013BG Amsterdam
Opening times: Tuesday-Thursday, from 11:00 till 23:00; Friday-Saturday, from 11:00 till 00:00; Sunday, from 12:00 till 21:00
6. Brouwerij HOOP, Zaandijk
Brouwerij HOOP was founded in 2016 and is the only brewery in the Zaan region and sits just across from the iconic windmills of the Zaanse Schans. Housed in a modern building inspired by traditional Zaanse architecture, it features a state-of-the-art brewing system.
Their tasting café serves a wide range of beers, including year-round favorites like Bleke Nelis, Pride Ale, Queen Bee, Salmiak Stout, and Zaanse Cacao Porter, as well as seasonal and experimental brews. You can enjoy a tasting, have a meal, and pick up bottles or beer packs from the onsite store, making it a perfect stop when exploring Zaandam and the nearby windmills.
Practical info
Address: Lagedijk 69, 1544 BC Zaandijk
Opening times: Sunday-Thursday, from 12:00 till 23:00; Friday-Saturday, from 12:00 till 00:00
7. Oproer Brouwerij, Utrecht
Oproer was created in 2016 when two Utrecht breweries merged, and it has since developed a strong reputation for hoppy IPAs and bold stouts. The brewery also operates a vegan kitchen, making it a great stop for both beer lovers and foodies.
The taproom is located in a former warehouse near Utrecht Zuilen station and has an industrial, relaxed vibe. Popular beers include Refuse/Resist IPA and Black Flag, a rich stout.
Read more: Best things to do in Utrecht
Address: Beyaertdreef 5, Utrecht
Opening hours: Wednesday, from 12:00 till 22:00; Thursday- Saturday, from 12:00 till 00:00; Sunday, from 12:00 till 21:00
8. Texelse Bierbrouwerij, Texel (Frisian Islands)
Texels Brewery brings a true island experience to your Dutch beer journey. Founded in 1999, it brews beers using local ingredients, including Texel-grown barley and even seawater for some recipes.

The brewery is famous for its Texels Skuumkoppe, a smooth, dark wheat beer that has become one of the most beloved beers in the Netherlands. You can enjoy there a guided tour, learn about the island’s beer traditions, and taste fresh pours right by the North Sea.
Read more: Best things to do on Texel
Address: Schilderweg 214 b, 1792 CK Oudeschild, Texel
Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday, from 10:00 till 18:00; Saturday, from 10:00 till 19:30; Sunday, from 12:00 till 18:00
Click here to book a tour
9. Jopenkerk, Haarlem
Jopenkerk combines history and modern brewing in a spectacular way. Located in a former church in Haarlem, this brewery and restaurant opened in 2010 with the goal of reviving historic Haarlem beer recipes. They even brew with gruit, an ancient herb mix once used before hops became common.
Their best-known beer is Mooie Nel, an award-winning American-style IPA, and they also make Ongelovige Thomas, a rich quadrupel. It’s a short train ride from Amsterdam and worth a visit for both the beer and the setting.
Address: Gedempte Voldersgracht 2, 2011 WD Haarlem
Book a tour with a visit to the brewery
Read more: Best things to do in Haarlem
10. Brouwerij Noordt, Rotterdam
Brouwerij Noordt opened in 2015 in a former fire station near Rotterdam Central Station. The brewery prides itself on creating beers that are clean, balanced, and easy to drink, from crisp pilsners to bold IPAs.
The taproom is spacious and modern, making it a great spot to relax after exploring Rotterdam. Noordt Blond and Noordt Weizen are two popular choices, and they also brew an excellent double IPA.
Practical info
Address: Zaagmolenkade 46, 3035KA Rotterdam
Opening times: Thursday, from 16:00 till 23:00; Friday-Saturday, from 14:00 till 23:00; Sunday, from 14:00 till 21:00
Tours in English: Friday at 17:30; Saturday at 16:30
11. Stadshaven Brewery, Rotterdam
Stadshaven Brewery is located in a beautifully restored 100-year-old fruit warehouse in Rotterdam’s Merwe-Vierhavens district and is the second-largest independent craft brewery in the Netherlands. When you visit, you can take a guided tour to see how they brew sustainably while learning about the building’s rich history.
Read more: Best things to do in Rotterdam
In the tasting session, you can sample some of their standout beers, like Octopus Blond, a refreshing blonde ale, Great White, a citrusy wheat beer, the tropical Moray IPA, the fruity Piranha Tripel, or Devil’s Fruit, a cherry, raspberry, and blackcurrant blend. It’s a perfect stop if you want to experience Rotterdam’s craft beer scene in a unique and historic setting.
Practical info
Address: Galileïstraat 24, 3029 AM Rotterdam
Opening times: Thursday, from 16:00 till 23:00; Firday-Saturday, from 14:00 till 23:00; Sunday, from 14:00 till 21:00
Tours in English: Saturday at 12:30
Tours + Tasting: Wednesday at 15:00; Thursday at 17:15; Friday at 15:00; Saturday at 13:45
12. Kaapse Brouwers, Rotterdam
Kaapse Brouwers helped kickstart Rotterdam’s craft beer scene and remains one of its most innovative breweries. Based in the Fenix Food Factory in Katendrecht, the brewery offers great views of the harbor along with an ever-changing selection of beers.

Kaapse experiments with bold flavors and barrel aging, so you might find a sour with raspberries, a bourbon-aged stout, or a hop-forward IPA. It’s an essential stop for craft beer fans in the city.
Address: Kaapse Kaap, Nico Koomanskade 1025, 3072 LM Rotterdam
Opening hours: Wednesday-Thursday, from 16:00 till 22:00; Friday-Saturday, from 12:00 till 23:00; Sunday, from 12:00 till 20:00
This boat tour in Rotterdam includes a visit to the Kaapse Brouwers.
13. Gulpener Brouwlokaal, Gulpen
Gulpener has been brewing beer in South Limburg since 1825 and is known for its commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. All the ingredients come from farms within the region, which is rare for a large-scale brewery.

At the Brouwlokaal, you can tour the brewery, learn about their green brewing methods, and enjoy regional dishes in the restaurant. Classic beers include Gulpener Pilsner and Korenwolf, a spiced witbier with orange peel and elderflower.
Address: Gulpener BrouwLokaal, Rijksweg 19a, 6271 AB Gulpen
Opening hours: Tuesday and Sunday, from 11:30 till 20:00; Wednesday-Saturday, from 11:30 till 22:00
Here you can book a tour in the Gulpener Brewery
14. Abdij Rolduc, Kerkrade
Abdij Rolduc is one of the oldest abbeys in the Netherlands, founded in 1104. Brewing took place here for centuries before stopping in the 18th century, but in recent years, the tradition was revived with a small modern brewery on-site.

Today, you can tour the historic abbey, which is a designated rijksmonument and one of the top 100 Dutch monuments, and taste beers like Rolduc Abdijbier, a strong blond ale, and Rolducker Zwaere, a hearty tripel. The abbey also has a brasserie and hotel if you want to stay overnight.
Address: Heyendallaan 82, 6464 EP Kerkrade
Opening hours: Friday, from 15:00 till 17:00; Saturday, from 13:00 till 17:00; Sunday, from 12:00 till 15:00
Read more: Best things to do in Kerkrade
15. Bavaria (Swinkels Family Brewers), Lieshout
Bavaria is one of the biggest and oldest breweries in the Netherlands, with a history dating back to 1719. Still owned by the Swinkels family, the brewery produces mainstream lagers but also oversees specialty brands like La Trappe, the Dutch Trappist beer.
The brewery offers tours that give you a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country’s brewing giants, and you can taste beers like Swinckels’ Superior Pilsner and Bavaria 8.6.
Address: Royal Swinkels Family Brewers, De Stater 1, 5737 RV Lieshout
16. Rabauw Brewery, Eindhoven
Rabauw Brewery is a lively brewpub in Eindhoven’s creative Strijp-S district that combines craft beer with a meaningful mission. When you visit, you can taste beers like Blonde Rauwdouwer, Tripelende Landloper, and Witte Woesteling in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Read more: Best things to do in Eindhoven
The brewery is socially inclusive, giving opportunities to people who face barriers to employment, so your visit supports a good cause while you enjoy some excellent Dutch craft beer.
Practical info
Address: Torenallee 55, 5617 BA Eindhoven
Opening times: Wednesday-Thursday, from 15:00 till 23:00; Friday-Saturday, from 15:00 till 1:00
Tours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 16.00
17. Brouwerij De Hemel, Nijmegen
Brouwerij De Hemel, which means “The Heaven” is one of the oldest craft breweries in the Netherlands. It opened in 1983 in a former monastery in Nijmegen and still operates in that historic setting.
Read more: Best things to do in Nijmegen
De Hemel makes a wide variety of beers, including Serafijn, a golden blond ale, and Helse Engel, a strong amber beer. They also produce spirits and mustard, so it’s an interesting place to explore for more than just beer.
Address: Franseplaats 1, 6511 VS Nijmegen
Tours: Saturday at 14:00 and 16.00
18. Stadsbrouwerij Wageningen, Wageningen
This small community brewery sits along the Rhine and focuses on seasonal, locally inspired beers. It’s a relaxed, friendly spot where you can enjoy a tasting flight and talk to the brewers.
Popular beers include Wagenings Wit, a refreshing wheat beer, and Wagenings Bok, a rich autumn beer. If you’re cycling through the Veluwe or exploring the region, it’s a nice stop for a drink and a snack.
Address: 1e Kloostersteeg 5, 6701 DL Wageningen
Tours: Saturday at 14:00
