Why you should experience Carlsberg Brewery Tours in Copenhagen.
Carlsberg Brewery Tours in Copenhagen invite you into the storied world of one of Denmark’s proudest creations, a place where science, craftsmanship, and culture have been brewing together for over a century.
Set in the historic Carlsberg District, the experience unfolds across cobbled courtyards, redbrick arches, and ivy-clad brewhouses that whisper of innovation and heritage. Founded in 1847 by visionary brewer J.C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg became far more than a beer brand; it became a cornerstone of Danish identity, rooted in a philosophy of progress and perfection. On the tour, the aroma of malt and hops lingers in the air as visitors trace the journey from humble barley to golden pour. Gleaming copper kettles, vintage bottling lines, and polished oak barrels transport you back to an era when brewing was both art and experiment. But Carlsberg’s legacy isn’t confined to the past, it lives on through modern tasting halls, interactive exhibits, and glass after glass of crisp, foamy Danish craft. The brewery’s motto, Semper Ardens, “Always Burning”, captures its spirit perfectly. Here, you don’t just taste beer; you taste the fire that built a global legend.
What you didn’t know about Carlsberg Brewery.
Behind every pint of Carlsberg lies a story of genius, generosity, and groundbreaking science.
When J.C. Jacobsen founded his brewery on the outskirts of Copenhagen, his dream wasn’t just to make beer, it was to advance brewing itself. In 1875, he established the Carlsberg Laboratory, where scientists made discoveries that changed the world. It was here that Emil Christian Hansen first isolated pure yeast cultures, a revolutionary achievement that ensured consistency and quality in beer production worldwide. True to Carlsberg’s ethos of progress, the laboratory shared this discovery freely with other brewers, embodying a spirit of collaboration rarely seen in industry. Jacobsen’s passion also extended beyond brewing: he was a patron of the arts, architecture, and education, and his endowment later founded the Carlsberg Foundation, one of the oldest corporate philanthropies in the world. When his son Carl Jacobsen inherited the business, he built on his father’s vision by creating New Carlsberg, a modern expansion that blended innovation with artistry. He was also the driving force behind the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen’s renowned art museum. Few visitors realize that even the brewery’s elephant gate, adorned with four massive granite elephants, was designed as a symbol of strength and wisdom. Carlsberg’s story is not one of commerce, but of culture, of how one family’s pursuit of excellence poured into every aspect of Danish life.
How to fold Carlsberg Brewery Tours into your trip.
A visit to Carlsberg Brewery Tours in Copenhagen is an experience best enjoyed slowly, one part history, one part craftsmanship, and one part cheer.
Begin your journey in the Carlsberg District, a beautifully preserved industrial area that now blends heritage with hip modernity. As you enter through the Elephant Gate, you’ll immediately sense the brewery’s character, grand yet unpretentious, historical yet forward-looking. The guided tour weaves through the old brewhouse, where you’ll learn the step-by-step process of brewing and fermentation, before leading into the cellars that once stored barrels for export across Europe. Don’t miss the Carlsberg Laboratory exhibit, where interactive displays tell the story of yeast, chemistry, and curiosity that shaped the global beer industry. Afterward, the tour opens into the stables, home to the famous Carlsberg horses, majestic Jutland draft horses that once hauled barrels through Copenhagen’s streets. The finale unfolds in the tasting hall, where visitors can sample freshly poured lagers, pilsners, and specialty brews, all while overlooking the city skyline. For the full experience, linger afterward in the Carlsberg District, its redbrick lanes are now dotted with cafés, art spaces, and boutiques that honor the brand’s creative legacy. Visit around sunset, when the chimneys glow in the amber light, and raise your glass to a company that’s been shaping Denmark’s story, and the world’s beer, for more than 175 years.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
Whole scene is wild. You’re walking past stone elephants like it’s Narnia and then suddenly you’re sipping beer that kinda tastes like Copenhagen. It’s history with a buzz.
Where meaningful travel begins.
Start your journey with Foresyte, where the planning is part of the magic.
Discover the experiences that matter most.
