Archive · 20 Jan 2026

Germany’s Oldest Monastery Beer Changes Hands

Germany’s Oldest Monastery Beer Changes Hands

Germany’s oldest monastery beer, Weltenburger, has been sold to new owners.

The beer has been brewed at Weltenburg Abbey for nearly 1,000 years and is very popular, with half a million visitors each year.

The abbey’s abbot believes that enjoying beer in moderation is a gift from God.

However, the German beer industry is struggling, with people drinking less alcohol.

Germany has many small breweries, and unlike other countries, big global beer companies haven’t taken over.

The country also has the most monastery breweries in the world.

The sale of Weltenburger is hoped to keep its traditional brewing alive, even as the beer industry changes.

Sources