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Hertog Jan Brewery
Smell the hops, taste the malt and take a look inside a characteristic brewery dating from 1915. A guide will take you past copper kettles and bottles of Grand Prestige left to mature. Afterwards, a freshly tapped glass awaits you across the road at the Hertog Jan Tasting Room.
Who is this a real getaway for?
This tour is ideal for beer enthusiasts, groups of friends, couples and anyone keen to see just how much craftsmanship goes into a well-known beer brand. Children are also welcome to join the standard tour when accompanied by an adult. The in-depth Enthusiasts’ Tour is only open to visitors aged 18 and over.
When will you visit?
A visit to the brewery is actually perfect for any season. On a warm day, you can easily combine the guided tour with a walk along the River Maas or a spot on a terrace in Arcen. If it’s chilly or wet outside, it’s lovely to head indoors and immerse yourself amongst the copper kettles, the scent of malt and the guide’s stories. Book in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
What to expect.
Step inside the distinctive white brewery and you’ll immediately smell what it’s all about: hops, malt and beer. An experienced guide will take you through the entire brewing process. Along the way, you’ll see the authentic copper brewing kettles, walk through narrow corridors and descend into the atmospheric cellar where bottles of Grand Prestige from various vintages are left to mature.
The guided tour lasts about an hour and includes several tasting sessions. The guide explains how the beer is brewed and how much attention to detail is required to carry out each step correctly. Please bear in mind that you won’t always see brewers at work or a bottling line in operation. Brewing and bottling activities cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Did you know that the brewery was founded in 1915 by four brewers who were friends? They deliberately chose this spot just outside Arcen because there was a spring here with clear, naturally filtered water deep in the ground.
Afterwards, you can take your time having a look round the brewery shop. Across the road, the Hertog Jan Tasting Room awaits, where the lager flows directly from the brewery to the tap via its own beer pipe. This ensures your visit has a tasty conclusion.
Why this will be your favourite stop in the region
Here, you don’t just learn about beer; you actually take a walk through a slice of Arcen’s history. The guides bring the brewery’s story to life, and across the road you can relax and chat over a drink in the Proeverij. Arcen lies between the River Meuse and the green countryside of North Limburg. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the brewery with a trip to Arcen Castle Gardens, a walk along the river or an overnight stay in the village.
Practical information
The standard guided tour lasts about an hour. Allow one and a half to two hours if you also wish to visit the brewery shop. With lunch or a tasting session across the road, you can easily make a half-day of it. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Guided tours are normally conducted in Dutch. A tour in German or English can be arranged for groups of 25 people or more.
Dogs are not allowed inside. Only guide dogs are permitted in the brewery. Dogs are, however, welcome at the Hertog Jan Tasting Room opposite. There is even a dog bar on the terrace there.
The guided tour takes place in an old building with narrow, low passageways and a total of 144 steps. As a result, the route is not suitable for wheelchair users and is less suitable for those with walking difficulties. De Proeverij, across the road, does have wheelchair access.
Fancy a bite to eat afterwards? De Proeverij has a comprehensive allergen menu and asks visitors to declare any allergies in advance or on arrival. The menu also features vegetarian dishes.
When are you welcome?
From November to April, you’re welcome on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11.00 to 17.00. On Thursdays and Sundays, the brewery is open for guided tours only. During school holidays, the brewery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00.
From May to October, you can pop in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 11.00 and 17.00. On Thursdays and Sundays, the brewery is open for guided tours only. During school holidays within this period, extended visiting hours apply from Tuesday to Sunday. Guided tours start at pre-booked times, so please book your place in advance.
Our tip
Make your visit personal with your own numbered bottle of Grand Prestige. It will be kept for you in the brewery’s cellar. You then have up to six years to collect the bottle during a regular guided tour. Perfect for an anniversary, birthday or any other occasion when you have something to celebrate together.
You’ll look at a glass of beer in a whole new light from now on
5
The scent of malt greeted us as soon as we walked in. The guide spoke enthusiastically about the brewing process and took plenty of time to answer our questions. We were particularly impressed by the copper kettles and the dark cellar full of Grand Prestige. Afterwards, we stayed across the road to raise a glass!
Frequently asked questions
Advance booking is not always compulsory, but it is strongly recommended. This way, you can be sure there’s space available on your preferred day and at your preferred time. If there are still places available on arrival, you can sometimes join a group at reception.
Children may join the regular guided tour when accompanied by an adult. Children aged 12 to 17 pay a reduced rate, and children under 12 can join for free. The Enthusiasts’ Tour is only open to visitors aged 18 and over.
No, the standard guided tour is not wheelchair accessible. The route passes through narrow and low doorways and includes 144 steps. If you have difficulty walking, please bear in mind that the tour may be strenuous. If in doubt, please contact reception in advance.
How to reach us
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