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16 May 2019 / 4 Comments

Becherovka in Karlovy Vary - and a Czech meal

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Writer: Helena Bergström

Do you know about Becherovka, and have you even tasted it? The Czech spirit is produced in Karlovy Vary and we visited the museum and did a tasting. In the evening, we had a traditional Czech meal in the neighbouring restaurant.

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What is the theme of the blog?

Isn't it funny how things coincide sometimes? Right now it might seem like we have a booze theme here at FREEDOMtravel, but that's completely unintentional. We recently visited Liquor museum in Stockholm during a small "museum tour", and there we checked out photo art with Absolut Vodka at the centre. Shortly thereafter, when we were in Skåne on a press trip, the Absolute Home in Åhus with Absolut Vodka, on the programme.

Now, a few days later, it was time to visit Becherovka in Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic. The visit was reminiscent of the experience at Absolut Vodka and both spirits now have the same owner, the French company Pernod Ricard. It feels a bit like everything is connected ...

Becherovka Karlovy Vary

History of Becherovka

Becherovka is a bitter-type spirit drink that originated in the Czech town of Karlovy Vary. The story began with the entrepreneur Josef Vitus Becher (1769-1840) who, in addition to his job, was interested in making spirits with different herbal flavours.

His son, Jan Becherov, later took over and in 1807 Becherovka was sold commercially for the first time. Called 'English bitter' at the time, the drink was used to cure stomach ailments - but was also considered good for the soul.

Becherovka

Although the brand is now owned by Pernod Ricard, production still takes place here in Karlovy Vary. In fact, you can even visit the factory if you want to, and see how the production takes place. However, the most secret room - where the herbs are mixed - is only accessible to two people.

Becherovka

Becherplatz in Karlovy Vary

Becherplatz in Karlovy Vary is a reconstruction of a 170-year-old distillery where the spirit Becherovka was produced. It houses the Becherovka visitor centre, but also an indoor square with a café and drinks shop. There is also a brewery and a restaurant serving traditional Czech food.

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Becherplatz

Jan Becher Museum - Becherovka Visitor Centre

A guided tour of the Jan Becher Museum at the Becherovka Visitor Centre starts with a short film, followed by a guided tour of the museum. There's a history lesson and an interactive section where you can, for example, smell different herbs or take crazy photos.

Becherov visitor center
Becher

The tour ends with the tasting of several different types of Becherovka. The four different varieties tasted quite different, some were sweet and one was made completely without sugar. The favourite at our table was the one called Becherovka lemond.

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Provning av Becherovka

Czech meal at Charles IV

In the evening we had dinner at the Charles IV restaurant on Becherovplatz. The whole group ordered two starters to share, with cheese and cold cut meat. For the main course, Peter and I chose duck, which is one of our favourites. The duck was served in the classic way with two different kinds of dumplings and red and white cabbage. Good and nice!

Restaurang i Karlovy Vary

In the picture below, you can see what it often looks like "in action" when we photograph food. Peter sometimes picks up a small lamp to light up the dining table, and soon cameras are popping up all around the table.

Fotografera mat

More to see in Karlovy Vary and the Czech Republic

We have of course seen and done more in this beautiful city. Here you can find links to our other reports from Karlovy Vary:

Karlovy Vary
All our top tips for the Czech Republic. Click on the image!

Facts about Becherovka Visitor Centre

  • Address: Cup Square, T. G. Masaryka 282/57, Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
  • Find here: You can walk to Becherplatz from the centre of Karlovy Vary, which takes about 15 minutes.
  • Prices: A basic guided tour for adults (with four drinks included in the tasting) costs 180 Czech koruna, which is equivalent to about 82 Swedish crowns (2019). Students pay 120 koruna (55 SEK) and children pay 50 koruna (23 SEK). It is also possible to choose more expensive tours, with more drinks included in the tasting. A combined ticket that includes both the museum and the factory tour costs 600 koruna (274 crowns). Please note that prices are subject to change. See the visitor centre's website for current prices.
  • Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9-12 and 12:30-17:00. Guided tours can be booked in advance, via the website.
  • Service: A shop with Becherovka and souvenirs is located in the visitor centre. A café and restaurant are located right next to the visitor centre.
  • Read more: You can find more information on the visitor centre's website.

You might also like:

Things to do in the Czech Republic - 40 sights and experiences Visiting Hrubá Skála in Bohemian Paradise, Czech Republic
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FREEDOMtravel Avslut
16 May 2019 6:00
Czech Republic
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Drinking well - in the Czech Republic the tradition lives on

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Travelling to Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic by plane and bus

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4 Comments

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  1. Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

    If you carry on like this, you will soon have sampled Europe's alcohol range....
    We really hope to organise a motorhome trip to Poland - Czech Republic next spring. I can't believe how quickly this year's calendar filled up. For now, we'll keep up with the blog.

    16 May 2019 - 11:06

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Haha, yes, right? We may have to find a new "theme" soon 😉 Incidentally, I recognise that with how the almanac is filled. Fortunately, Poland and the Czech Republic remain 🙂

      17 May 2019 - 6:20

      Reply

  2. BP says:

    Hahaha! Soon you can build your travel blog with a blog about alcohol;-)
    What incredibly delicious and special environments. Love it! Waiting with excitement for more posts from the magnificent spa town of Karlovy Vary.

    16 May 2019 - 21:55

    Reply

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