Denmark Beer Guide: Major Brands, Craft Breweries, and Ølfestiva

Coinciding with the Copenhagen Beer Festival (Ølfestival) at Lokomotivværkstedet, we explore Denmark’s beer culture, from its origins to its major brands and the modern industry.

Beer plays a fundamental role in Danish society and economy. Beyond its social consumption, this industry represents a continuous engine of innovation and a key element in the history of Denmark.

To mark the celebration of the Copenhagen Beer Festival (Ølfestival) this weekend at the Lokomotivværkstedet venue, we analyze the evolution of this sector. At Bienvenido a Copenhague, we have developed this article to discuss its origins, famous Danish brands, microbreweries, and the festival itself.

Beer: A Journey to the Past

Denmark’s connection with beer dates back to the Viking Age, when mjød (mead) and øl (primitive beer made from barley and local plants like bog myrtle) were not only dietary staples but also key elements in rituals and celebrations. During this period, production was the responsibility of the women of the household. With the arrival of the Middle Ages and the growth of towns, brewing began to centralize in monasteries and later spread to urban centers.

During the Middle Ages and much of the European Renaissance, including the Scandinavian region, beer established itself as an everyday beverage for almost the entire population. The main reasons were:

Hygiene Safety and the Water Myth: Many believe that people in the Middle Ages did not drink water, but this is not entirely true. If water came from safe wells or clean rural areas, it was indeed consumed frequently. In contrast, in densely populated cities where water was contaminated, beer was a safer option due to its brewing process.
Caloric Intake and Nutrients: In those times, food was quite monotonous and people performed highly demanding physical labor. Beer served as a basic dietary supplement. It was inexpensive and provided the calories, carbohydrates, and nutrients necessary for working-class people to sustain their long workdays.
Children’s Consumption and “Small Beer”: When children drank beer, it was a special variety called tyndøl (or small beer). This beer was made from the last rinsing of the grain and had a very low alcohol content—less than 1-2%. This allowed children to benefit from the nutrients without the risk of becoming intoxicated.

The Pillars of the Traditional Industry: Carlsberg, Tuborg, and Royal Unibrew

Over time, the Danish beer market grew, and its international presence was consolidated thanks to major corporations that are now a core part of the country’s industrial identity:

Carlsberg: Founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen in Copenhagen, this company is known not only for producing vast quantities of beer but also for its scientific contributions. In 1883, the Carlsberg Laboratory achieved a major milestone: isolating pure lager yeast, a strain called Saccharomyces pastorianus. This was a massive breakthrough, and they shared it with the entire industry so everyone could brew higher-quality beer.
Tuborg: Founded in 1873, it merged with Carlsberg years later but has remained a distinct brand. Tuborg has always been closely linked to cultural events and music festivals across the country. One of its most popular beers is Tuborg Grøn, which is among the most widely consumed beers nationwide.
Royal Unibrew and Faxe: Royal Unibrew is the second-largest brewing group in the country. One of its brands, Royal Export, is a top seller in shops and supermarkets. This group also includes Faxe, a brand world-renowned for selling beer in large quantities and for its connection to Norse history.

The Transition to the Craft Model: The Success of Microbreweries

In recent decades, the sector has undergone a profound transformation driven by the boom of microbreweries, of which there are now more than 200 in Denmark. The most prominent include:

Mikkeller: Founded in 2006, it began as a homebrewing project and has now grown into a multinational brand. It initially stood out for its “phantom brewery” model (collaborating with third-party facilities) and its distinctive graphic design strategy.
To Øl: Created by former students of Mikkeller’s founder, its production expanded rapidly on a large scale (To Øl City), and they also run the popular BRUS venue in the Nørrebro district.
Svaneke Bryghus: Established in the year 2000 on the island of Bornholm, it was one of the pioneer craft breweries in Denmark. Today, it stands out for its 100% organic production model.
Amager Bryghus: Located on the island of Amager, this brewery enjoys a stellar reputation among craft beer enthusiasts. It is recognized for its traditional, high-alcohol, hop-forward styles, maintaining an independent identity and rigorous brewing processes.

Ølfestivalen at Lokomotivværkstedet

The reflection of all this rich diversity comes together annually at the Copenhagen Beer Festival (Ølfestival), an event organized by the Danish Beer Enthusiasts association (Danske Ølentusiaster).

This year, the event—which takes place in the industrial space of Lokomotivværkstedet (a historic former railway workshop in the capital)—is being held on May 29th and 30th. The gathering serves as an exhibition space where local and international producers showcase their latest innovations, and attendees can experience and taste current trends.

For more information about the festival, visit their official website.

Finding Housing in Denmark

On the other hand, finding a place to live can be one of the biggest challenges when arriving in Denmark. Did you know that it’s not easy to find a shared apartment, that pets are often not allowed, and that there are almost no apartments for rent in downtown Copenhagen?

We believe this is a complex process that differs from that in other countries, especially Spain. That’s why we encourage you to request information about finding housing in Denmark—we’d be happy to help.