Top 12 Austrian Beers

Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg is a private Austrian brewery based in Salzburg, founded in 1492, making it one of the oldest continuously operating breweries in the country. Over more than five centuries, it evolved from a small urban craft brewery into one of Austria’s leading beer producers while remaining family-owned.

The brand identity is closely tied to regional sourcing, particularly water from its own wells and Austrian-grown barley and hops. Its best-known beer is Stiegl Goldbräu (Märzen), a classic lager characterized by balanced malt sweetness and moderate hop bitterness.

Alongside traditional styles, the brewery develops seasonal and specialty beers, including creative small-batch releases. Production combines modern brewing technology with strict quality control while preserving historic recipes.

The brewery complex also includes Stiegl Brauwelt, an educational and visitor center dedicated to brewing heritage. While strongly positioned in the domestic market, Stiegl exports to numerous international destinations.

Sustainability initiatives focus on responsible energy use and long-term partnerships with regional suppliers. Stieglbrauerei represents a brewery that successfully integrates historical heritage with contemporary brewing standards.Expand

Augustiner Bräustübl Salzburg Mülln is a historic brewery and beer hall located in the Mülln district of Salzburg, founded in 1621 by Augustinian monks. It is one of the oldest active breweries in Austria and an integral part of the city’s brewing heritage.

Beer is still drawn directly from wooden barrels and served in traditional stoneware mugs, preserving an authentic method of dispensing. Production relies on classic brewing principles using water, malt, hops, and yeast, without industrial additives, in line with traditional purity standards. The Bräustübl is considered the largest beer hall in Austria, offering expansive indoor halls as well as a large beer garden.

Within the complex, the “Schmankerlgang” features a row of food stalls serving regional specialties to accompany the beer. In addition to its core Märzen-style lager, the brewery also produces seasonal beers such as Bockbier and fasting beer.

The combination of monastic origins, enduring production methods, and its social gathering function makes it a central landmark of Salzburg’s beer culture.Expand

Zaungast is a contemporary Austrian craft beer brand founded in 2021 in Vienna, focused on independent brewing, bold design, and community involvement in the development of new beers. The brand positions itself within craft beer culture not only through small-batch production and creative beer styles, but also through the idea that its audience can participate in shaping future recipes, can designs, and charitable initiatives linked to limited editions.

The name Zaungast translates roughly as “onlooker” or “spectator”, reflecting the founder’s entry into the brewing world as an outsider eager to actively engage with the scene. Its visual identity featuring a wolf further reinforces the idea of entering a space traditionally dominated by established beer brands.

The portfolio includes modern styles such as IPAs, lagers, wheat beers, and seasonal or experimental releases. The brand emphasizes flavor quality, artisanal brewing values, and independence from large international brewing groups.

In addition to its own beers, Zaungast also offers private label brewing services for hospitality and commercial partners. Headquartered in Vienna, the brand distributes through its online shop and selected retail and hospitality partners across Austria.Expand