BEER WAY Kamnik Craft Brewery

Kamnik is a small town at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, north of Ljubljana, with a medieval centre, two ruined hilltop castles and a surprising beer scene. For its size, the town has an unusually large number of microbreweries, and a handful of them are within walking distance of each other, which makes Kamnik an easy place to do a guided beer tour on foot. BEER WAY Kamnik is one of the operators offering that experience, and it is a good way to get to know the town through its craft beers rather than only through its monuments.

Craft brewing in Slovenia has grown quickly over the past decade, and Kamnik has been at the centre of that growth, with small independent breweries making everything from pale ales and IPAs to stouts, wheat beers and seasonal specialities. The guided tour takes you to several of these microbreweries in one evening, usually including some of the larger local ones, and you taste a number of different beers along the way, often paired with snacks and local dishes. The guide talks about how the beers are made, the history of brewing in the town and the personalities behind the breweries, and passes on stories and legends of Kamnik between stops. Groups are kept small, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed, and tours are usually offered in Slovenian and English. Check the current schedule, group size limits and cancellation conditions before booking, since small operators vary their programme through the year.

The walking is easy and mostly flat, along the old streets of the town, and the tour usually finishes in the centre, close to restaurants and public transport. Because several beers are tasted, plan your journey home in advance and eat something substantial beforehand or during the tour.

Kamnik offers more than beer, and daytime sightseeing makes a good partner to an evening tasting. Šutna Street is the old main street, lined with historic houses, and the Franciscan Library is one of the oldest monastic libraries in the region. The Parish Church of Mary Immaculate and the Sadnikar Museum add culture, and the Birthplace of Rudolf Maister commemorates the general and poet born in the town in 1874, who is remembered for his role in securing Slovenian territory after the First World War. Walking Tours (Kamnik) offer guided introductions to all of this, and the mountains behind the town provide hiking.

The beer tour suits adults who enjoy craft beer, groups of friends and travellers who like to see a town through its food and drink. Visit in late spring or autumn for comfortable walking weather. The BEER WAY Kamnik Beer Tasting & Brewery Tour is a good evening in an Alpine town. Whether you are a beer geek or a casual drinker, Kamnik’s small breweries and Slovenia’s craft scene are a pleasant surprise.