Kozel Brewery: The Most Famous Czech Beer Since 1874

A private Velké Popovice brewery tour from Prague takes you to one of the most distinctive beer experiences in the Czech Republic — 25 kilometres from the capital, in the small village where Velkopopovický Kozel has been brewed since 15 December 1874. And if you are wondering how the goat became the symbol of one of the world's most recognisable Czech beers — you will find out here.

Kozel means "billy goat" in Czech. The story goes that a French painter, lost in the Bohemian countryside in the early 20th century, was taken in and fed by the people of Velké Popovice. Out of gratitude, he painted them a goat. The emblem first appeared on the label in 1922 and has been there ever since. Today a live goat named Olda still roams the brewery grounds and greets every visitor. Stories like Olda's are best told well: every guide on our team holds the Degree II licence — the highest Czech guide qualification.

The story of the brewery

The brewery in Velké Popovice was founded by František Ringhoffer — a Prague industrialist and mayor of Smíchov, one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his time. The first batch of Kozel was a dark beer, brewed in a 60-hectolitre cauldron on 15 December 1874. Within a year the brewery was producing 18,000 hectolitres annually. Within a few years it had become the third largest brewery in the Czech Republic.

The Ringhoffer family brought the most advanced brewing technology of their era to Velké Popovice — and a philosophy of craftsmanship and honesty that became the foundation of the Kozel brand. The historic brewhouse from 1928, still standing on the brewery grounds, is one of the highlights of the Kozel brewery tour.

Today Velkopopovický Kozel is part of the Plzeňský Prazdroj group and owned by Asahi Breweries, exporting to dozens of countries around the world. But the beer is still brewed here, in Velké Popovice, according to the same traditional recipe — using water from the same local wells that have supplied the brewery for over 150 years.

What the tour includes

The guided tour takes you through the active brewhouse, where you will learn about the brewing process and the raw materials behind Kozel's distinctive taste. You will walk through the historic 1928 brewhouse and see the lager cellars, where the beer ferments and matures.

The highlight for most visitors is the tasting at the end — unfiltered Velkopopovický Kozel beer served straight from a unique tap in the cellars. Light or dark — and unlike anything you will find in a shop or a bar.

And of course, Olda the goat.

The tour departs from your hotel in Prague and returns you there at the end of the day.

This day trip pairs naturally with Český Šternberk Castle — one of Central Europe's oldest inhabited castles, just a short drive away. Price for the combined tour available on request. Beer-themed travellers can pair Kozel with our Krušovice — Rudolf II's royal brewery west of Prague — a sister brewery 50 kilometres west of the capital, brewing royal Czech beer since 1581 after the emperor bought it for the Bohemian Crown in 1583.

Looking for more day trips from Prague? See our full collection.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Velké Popovice from Prague? Approximately 25 kilometres — around 30 minutes by private car. On our private Kozel Brewery tour your guide picks you up directly from your hotel and returns you at the end of the day.

What is Velkopopovický Kozel? Velkopopovický Kozel is one of the most recognised Czech beers in the world, brewed in Velké Popovice since 1874. It is known for both its light lager and its dark beer — one of the best-selling dark beers in the Czech Republic.

Can you taste the beer on the tour? Yes — the tour includes a tasting of unfiltered Kozel beer served straight from the cellar. Beer tasting is available to visitors aged 18 and over. You can choose between light and dark unfiltered Kozel.

Is the Kozel Brewery tour suitable for non-beer drinkers? Absolutely. The history of the Ringhoffer family, the story of the brewery, the 1928 historic brewhouse, the lager cellars and the live goat Olda make for a fascinating visit regardless of whether you drink beer.

Are entrance tickets included in the tour price? Brewery tour tickets with tasting are purchased on site by card or cash. Your guide accompanies you throughout.