Monks would brew beer as water was not so clean and during "Fasching" or fasting during Lent, they…read morewere able to imbibe nutrients and not break the fast. As a result the beer brewed by the monks are very tasty, and nutritious.
In the heart of Bavaria, on the outskirts of Bad Toelz, is a monastery brewing awesome beer since 1677, before the establishment of America!
Park your vehicle or van/bus and walk up the hill...(another hill...monasteries seem to all be located on hillsides) and enter the dining area where there are booths and fest tables. Depending upon the number in your party, select a fest table or find a booth so you can enjoy the beautiful Bavarian countryside. NOTE: there may be a RESERVED or STAMMTISCH sign reserving the booth for a certain time - honor it, it's reserved for a reason.
I was fortunate and found an open booth - a waitress in traditional Bavarian attire arrived and took my order. Some beer and brats with red cabbage + potato salad (had my fill of schweinenhachsen at my previous stop). A truly tasty combination.
Located outside of Bad Toelz, the monastery/brewery is located in a beautiful and scenic location. Depending upon the time of year you visit, there may be cyclists in the area so be conscious of them.
The best part of visiting Reutberger Kloster is you can bring back home some of the delicious and tasty beers in 0.5 liter bottles - I did!