Hofstetten Brewery

PETER KRAMER AND THE HOFSTETTEN COUNTRY BREWHOUSE IN THE MÜHLVIERTEL: WHERE THE TRADITION OF A REGION IS CONTAINED IN A BOTTLE OF BEER

Right in the heart of the Mühlviertel’s granite landscape, where tradition is still firmly rooted in everyday life, a familiar scent can suddenly envelop you—the spicy, inviting aroma of hops and malt. And where else could this scent be coming from, if not from the direction of the Hofstetten Country Brewery? This is Austria’s oldest brewery, which began as a simple inn in 1229. Today, nearly 800 years later, the brewery is passionately run by Peter Kramer, the fifth generation of the family, and has become a beacon for regional beer and active sustainability in the Danube region. “Without the Danube’s importance as a trade route for salt transport, the inn probably wouldn’t have existed at this location,” says Peter Kramer today.

The brewery looks back with pride on its long history and combines it with innovative ideas. The result: a wide variety of specialty beers that delight beer lovers from near and far. From traditional Märzen to creative varieties like pumpkin and honey beer, which were born from spontaneous ideas and local collaboration. Here, they don’t just brew beer—they’re making history. The Hofstettner Granite Beer, in particular, is a highlight of the lineup and a true homage to the geological and cultural roots of the Mühlviertel Granite Region. Shimmering amber in color, this beer combines the purity of water filtered through the region’s granite layers with Pilsner and caramel malts as well as Mühlviertel hops. The result is a full-bodied beer that delights with subtle caramel notes. Now the question remains: What’s the best way to enjoy Hofstettner’s specialties? Fresh from the brewery at the farm’s on-site sales, through online retailers, or at retail and restaurant partners in the Danube region.

As a traditional triangular farmstead, the brewery is nestled in a landscape that exudes tranquility and stability. It was important to Peter Kramer to carry on the centuries-old history of the estate and preserve its historical heritage. The water needed for brewing comes from the brewery’s own spring, which is surrounded by a water protection area. The high-quality brewing barley is grown in the surrounding communities by organic farmers who are just as deeply rooted in the region. Under Peter’s leadership, a range of up to twenty beer varieties is proudly produced here, half of which are already brewed using 100% organic ingredients from the Mühlviertel region. This commitment to regionality and sustainability is reflected in the beer’s exquisite flavor.

Visitors who find their way to the brewery via the many hiking, biking, and mountain biking trails—such as the Danube Granite Loop or the MTB Granite Beer Loop —are invited to discover the variety of beers and take a piece of the Mühlviertel home with them. The brewery traditionally offers guided tours where you can even tap a glass of Kübelbier yourself in the cellar. The on-site shop also offers a wide variety of gift ideas that perfectly round out the beer experience and let you take a piece of Mühlviertel brewing artistry home with you.