Winterbierfestival Leiden 2027 – Winter Beers at Scheltema

Welcome to the Winterbierfestival Leiden 2027 in Leiden

On Sunday 7 February 2027, Scheltema in Leiden turns into a large brown café again for the Winterbierfestival Leiden. Small Dutch breweries present their winter specials indoors from 13:30 to 18:00, with the full building in use. The event is organised by Bierwandeling.nl (Bas Koster and Frank van Leeuwen). The exact list of breweries for 2027 will be announced in the coming months.

Highlights & Attractions at Winterbierfestival Leiden in Leiden

• Indoor winter beer festival on a Sunday afternoon at historic Scheltema (a former blanket factory) with a robust, craft atmosphere.
• Focus on winter beers from small Dutch breweries – often darker, maltier and a little stronger, sometimes with spices and seasonal ingredients.
• The whole Scheltema building is used so brewers and visitors have more space.
• Starter pack on entry: 15 cl tasting glass, programme booklet and two beer tokens – ready to start tasting straight away.
• Extra beer tokens available in advance and on site; snacks and simple kitchen options are typically available in the venue.
• Cloakroom run by local scouts; confirmation email is sent on the Thursday before the festival – collect your starter pack by name at the entrance.
• Intimate scale: not a mass festival, but focused tasting and conversation with brewers.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

Winterbierfestival Leiden 2027 runs on 7 February from 13:30 to 18:00 at Scheltema. There is no concert-style stage programme: the core is brewery stands pouring and explaining winter beers. Previous editions (including 2026 with 14 breweries) offered dozens of winter beers; the 2027 selection will be published closer to the date.

Visitors receive their pre-ordered starter pack at the door. Extra tokens can be bought in the advance sale and on site. Scheltema’s bar usually also serves soft drinks, lager and wine; snacks (e.g. pea soup, bitterballen in past years) are sold separately. After the festival, the organisers recommend nearby restaurants with a strong specialty-beer list.

Tickets & Admission for Winterbierfestival Leiden Leiden

According to the official page, the starter pack costs €17.50 per person and includes a 15 cl glass, the programme booklet and two beer tokens. Extra tokens are €3.40 each (advance and on site). Any remaining tickets at the door cost €18.50 if still available. No physical tickets are posted: you receive an email confirmation on the Thursday before the event and collect the starter pack by name at the entrance. Tickets and updates: bierwandeling.nl and the organisers’ Winterbierfestival Leiden page. Always check the official site for the latest prices and availability.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Leiden

• Getting there: Scheltema is central at Marktsteeg 1, close to the historic centre. Leiden Centraal has good train links (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and beyond); from the station walk or take a short bus/taxi ride. Parking in the old town is limited – public transport or edge-of-centre car parks are preferable.
• Weather and clothing: Early February in Leiden is often cold, wet and windy. The event is fully indoors, but bring a warm coat (and scarf) for the walk. Cloakroom is available on site.
• Where to stay: Leiden offers hotels and B&Bs in the centre and near the station. For a Sunday visit a day trip is often enough; if you stay overnight, book early in the winter season.
• On the day: Collect the starter pack only with the email confirmation (print or phone). Buy extra tokens in advance if you plan to try many beers. Use the programme booklet to plan which breweries and styles to taste.
• Age and etiquette: An adult-oriented tasting event – drink responsibly. Afterwards, a walk along Leiden’s canals or a meal at one of the recommended restaurants is a good way to round off the afternoon.