Augustiner Brewery

The Austrians are rightly proud of their beer-making (and beer-drinking) traditions. And they don't come much more traditional than the Augustiner Brewery, an old monastery on the left bank of the Salzach River. Augustine monks have brewed beers here in Mülln since the 17th century. And the current brewery reckons the recipe hasn't changed much since. Not that they're telling—the exact beer-craft behind the brewing of their flagship Märzen Beer remains a closely-guarded secret.

What isn't kept from the people of Salzburg—or those who visit—is the fact that this is one of the most authentic beer halls in Austria. The building itself is relatively modern, built in 1912. But its adherence to 'tradition' starts with its copper brewing equipment, and ends with the stone jugs that the frothing pilsner is drunk from. You can book out a table in one of the Augustiner's many majestic beer halls, complete with mighty oak-beamed ceilings, trestle tables and carved chairs. Or you can sup ale in its fine biergarten (beer garden) outside.

During your stay you'll be given a half-litre (a krug) or full litre (a mass) stone-ware jug, along with a token. Take both to the beer-hall's server, and they will recharge your mug by dipping it into a giant wooden beer-barrel. More simply, you can pay to have the beer brought to you. Either way, you'll quickly be persuaded of the merits of doing lager the 'Austrian way'.

But even if supping a beer or three isn't your cup of 'amber nectar', a visit to the Augustiner Brewery is well worth making. The brewery is open for guided tours, giving you an insight into the age-old craft of Austrian beer-making. Or you can explore the wider monastery, with its gilded and stucco-adorned walls, rich frescoes and historical paintings. At the food hall you can be served a fine selection of local Salzburg cheeses, sausages and breads. Beer may be king here, but good food and a wonderful setting follow close behind.