Dutch drinking tours offer practical ways to experience the country’s beer culture without tourist traps. I’m especially fond of the Uddelaer Brewery tour – a compact 3-hour experience that includes three craft beer tastings perfectly matched with local cheese and sausage. For independent travelers, the app-guided pub trails in Emmen and Zwolle are smart alternatives to traditional tours. They’re wheelchair accessible and allow you to explore at your own pace while solving fun challenges along the way. Whether you choose guided or self-guided options, you’ll find authentic Dutch brewing traditions without the touristy markup. Let’s explore my favorite drinking tours across the Netherlands.
Good To Know
Key Points:
- The Uddelaer Brewery Tour offers a 3-hour craft beer tasting experience in Ermelo, Netherlands, with a minimum of 4 participants and accessibility features.
- The Pub Trail tours in Emmen and Zwolle provide a unique, interactive way to explore local pubs using a smartphone app, with flexible booking options.
- The craft beer selection at the Uddelaer Brewery Tour features a variety of flavors, including special Uddelaer beers, along with educational insights into the brewing process.
- The Pub Trail tours in Emmen and Zwolle operate daily from April 26, 2022, to January 5, 2026, with a starting price of $11.69 per person.
- The Pub Trail tours combine pub-hopping with surprise-filled experiences, catering to travelers with service animals and wheelchair access.
Beer Tasting: 3 Craft Beers and Tour of the Uddelaer Brewery
Visitors often begin their beer tasting experience at the Uddelaer Brewery with a warm welcome and an overview of the day’s activities.
The 3-hour tour starts at 1 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and requires a minimum of 4 participants to proceed. Located in Ermelo, Netherlands, the brewery offers a unique opportunity to sample three craft beers and explore the facilities.
The tasting portion of the experience features a selection of Uddelaer Special beers, accompanied by a cheese and sausage board. Guests can expect a variety of flavors, from malty to hoppy, as they savor each 15 cl pour.
The tour provides an inside look at the brewery‘s operations, giving participants a deeper appreciation for the art of craft beer making.
Accessibility is a priority, with the venue accommodating wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals.
Advance booking is recommended, as the experience can be rescheduled or canceled up to 24 hours before the start time.
Read our full review: Beer Tasting: 3 Craft Beers and Tour of the Uddelaer Brewery Review
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Pub Trail Emmen: an Adventure Full of Surprises
For those seeking a delightful adventure in Emmen, the Pub Trail offers a surprise-filled journey. Available from April 26, 2022, to January 5, 2026, the trail is open daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, making it accessible to most travelers. The meeting and end point is at Kapelstraat, 7811 HA Emmen, Netherlands.
To participate, guests will need a free online app and a smartphone with data. They should also bring a pen, paper or post-its, and dice, which are available on the smartphone. The trail is stroller and wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.
With a lowest price guarantee starting at $11.69 per person, the Pub Trail boasts free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers can opt for the reserve now, pay later option.
Whether you’re looking for a unique way to explore Emmen or simply enjoy a pub-hopping adventure, the Pub Trail is sure to deliver a memorable experience.
Read our full review: Pub Trail Emmen: an Adventure Full of Surprises Review
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Pub Trail Zwolle: an Adventure Full of Surprises
The Pub Trail in Zwolle offers an adventure full of surprises for those seeking a unique way to explore the city.
Located in the Netherlands, this private tour/activity is open from April 26, 2022, to January 5, 2026, with operating hours from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM every day.
The meeting and ending point is at Assiesplein, 8011 XD Zwolle.
To participate, guests need to have confirmation of their booking and be free of any serious medical conditions.
The tour is accessible for most travelers, including those with service animals and wheelchair users.
Guests can download a free online app for gameplay and should bring a pen, paper, or post-its, as dice are available on the smartphone.
The Pub Trail Zwolle experience is priced at a lowest guarantee of $11.69 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Guests can also enjoy free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the event.
Read our full review: Pub Trail Zwolle: an Adventure Full of Surprises Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Private Tour for a Group?
To book a private tour for a group, you can contact tour companies directly. They’ll work with you to customize the itinerary and arrange transportation. Provide the group size, preferred dates, and any special requests to get a personalized quote.
Are Children Allowed on the Pub Trail Tours?
Children are generally not allowed on pub trail tours, as they are focused on adult experiences such as beer tastings and visiting local pubs. Most tour operators have age restrictions in place and do not permit minors to participate.
Can I Request a Specific Beer to Be Sampled?
Most tour providers allow you to request specific beers to be sampled during the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your preferences.
Are There Any Vegetarian/Vegan Food Options Available?
Many drinking tour companies offer vegetarian and vegan food options to accommodate various dietary needs. Travelers can often request these special menus in advance to ensure their preferences are met during the tour.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Drinking Tours?
The cancellation policy for the drinking tours typically allows for full refunds if cancelled within a certain timeframe, usually 24-48 hours prior to the scheduled tour. However, policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator.
The Sum Up
The Netherlands offers a variety of drinking tours that cater to different preferences. From craft beer tastings to pub trails, visitors can enjoy the local drinking culture and discover unique flavors and experiences. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply seeking an adventurous outing, these tours provide a great way to explore the Netherlands’ vibrant drinking scene.