Hallertau

Hallertau is a large hop-growing region in northern Bavaria, Germany. It is widely regarded as the world's largest continuous hop-producing area and a historic center of hop cultivation and beer brewing. The climate is cool and sunny, soils are loamy and well-drained, and hop vines are trained on tall trellises across long stretches of farmland, producing hops used in beer for aroma and flavor. Harvest occurs in late summer.

Traditional aroma hop varieties originated there, most notably Hallertauer Mittelfrüh and Hallertauer Hersbrucker; these hops are prized for their mild, spicy, herbal aromas.

Historically, hop cultivation in Hallertau dates to the Middle Ages, with monasteries playing a role in its development. By the 18th to 19th centuries it became Bavaria's principal hop region and a major supplier to breweries worldwide.

Today, Hallertau remains a key source of aroma hops, although global production and demand have diversified. The region supports a network of grower cooperatives, processing facilities, and research stations, and it is a cultural site for beer heritage.

Hopfenmuseum in Wolnzach preserves the history of the region's hop industry.