Plizio Visual Lab
Hallertau – Hop Growing
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Agriculture
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Hallertau region in Bavaria is the world's largest contiguous hop-growing area, supplying approximately one-third of the global demand for hops. Located between Ingolstadt, Landshut, and Freising, the landscape is defined by characteristic hop gardens that can reach heights of up to seven meters. The history of hop cultivation here dates back to 736 AD, when hop gardens were first documented near Geisenfeld. The mild climate and fertile loess soils provide good conditions for the growth of this climbing plant, which is indispensable for the brewing process. The harvest in late summer is a major logistical event involving state-of-the-art picking machinery. Numerous varieties are cultivated in the Hallertau, ranging from traditional aroma hops to modern high-alpha varieties used for bitterness. The German Hop Museum in Wolnzach documents the technical evolution and cultural significance of this 'green gold.' Today, Hallertau hops are a world-renowned quality product used by breweries across all continents.
- Location: Bavaria, Germany
- Top sights: Outdoor Fitnesspunkt · Hallertauer Hopfenerlebnishof · St. Coloman
- Nearby: Neustift (Freising) (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 49 | 56 | 51 | 95 | 102 | 97 | 102 | 68 | 61 | 55 | 60 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Hallertau, north of Munich, is the largest contiguous hop-growing area in the world. The region plays a central role in beer production, as hops are an essential ingredient for brewing.
Visiting
Hop farmers and breweries usually offer guided tours through the hop gardens and facilities. Visitors can experience hop cultivation and harvest up close, often accompanied by beer tasting.
Where to view it
From the hills of Hallertau, wide views open over the green hop gardens that shape the landscape. Particularly during the flowering season in summer, the fields are an impressive sight.
Local products
The main product is naturally hops, which are processed into beer by many local breweries. Visitors can also purchase hop specialties such as hop salt or hop tea at farmers' markets.
Active season
The hop harvest typically takes place from late August to September, making the region especially bustling. In summer during the bloom, the hop gardens are in full glory, attracting many visitors.
Nearby
A visit to Hallertau can be excellently combined with a trip to Munich. Nearby cities like Ingolstadt and Regensburg offer historical sights and cultural experiences.
Geography
Facts
- The total cultivation area of the Hallertau is approximately 15,500 hectares.
- Hop gardens are typically constructed with a height of 7 meters.
- About 80% of the German hop harvest originates from the Hallertau.
- A hop plant can grow up to 30 cm per day during peak season.
- The harvest season usually lasts from late August to mid-September.
- There are over 800 specialized hop-growing farms in the region.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hallertau – Hop Growing (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the Hallertau?
It is the largest contiguous hop-growing region in the world.
When is the best time to see the hop vines?
In mid-summer (July/August), when the plants have grown up to 7 meters high.
Is there a museum about hop growing?
Yes, the German Hop Museum is located in Wolnzach.
When is the hop harvested?
The harvest usually takes place from late August to mid-September.
What is the hop used for?
Almost the entire harvest is used in beer production for aroma and shelf life.
Hallertau – Hop Growing: where is it located?
Hallertau, Hop Growing is located in Bavaria, Germany.
Hallertau – Hop Growing: what is there to see?
Highlights include Outdoor Fitnesspunkt, Hallertauer Hopfenerlebnishof, St. Coloman.
Hallertau – Hop Growing: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hallertau – Hop Growing: why is it worth visiting?
The Hallertau region in Bavaria is the world's largest contiguous hop-growing area, supplying approximately one-third of the global demand for hops.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →
Nearby cities
München
Munich, the state capital of Bavaria, combines Bavarian tradition with modern technology and cosmopolitanism.
Augsburg
Augsburg is one of Germany's oldest cities, founded by the Romans, and is located in southwestern Bavaria.
Regensburg
Regensburg is located in eastern Bavaria at the northernmost point of the Danube River and is considered one of Germany's best-preserved …
Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt is a large city in Upper Bavaria, known as the home of car manufacturer Audi and as an important university city.
Berg am Laim
A historic district in eastern Munich, famous for its Baroque splendor and modern residential areas.
Landshut
Landshut is located in Bavaria on the Isar river.
Rosenheim
Rosenheim is the economic center of southeastern Upper Bavaria.
Straubing
Straubing is a Lower Bavarian ducal city on the Danube, famous for its town tower and the Gäubodenvolksfest.
Neustift (Freising)
Neustift is a historic district of Freising, famous for its magnificent former Premonstratensian abbey and its Baroque architecture.
Freising
Freising is a historic university town on the Isar river, famous as the oldest episcopal see in Bavaria.
Kaufbeuren
A former free imperial city in the Allgäu, famous for its medieval townscape and the historic Tänzelfest festival.
Germering
Growing city west of Munich, known as a modern residential area with significant archaeological finds.
Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz
An important economic and cultural center in the western Upper Palatinate, known for its princely Pfalzgraf tradition.
Schwabach
The smallest independent city in Bavaria, world-famous for the production of gold leaf since the Middle Ages.
Fürstenfeldbruck
A Bavarian city west of Munich, famous for the magnificent Fürstenfeld Abbey and its scenic location on the river Amper.