Veltins Beer: History, Veltins Pilsener & Where to Buy in Australia

Founded

1824

Brewed in

Meschede-Grevenstein, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Owner

Veltins family

Known for

Pilsner, Beer mixes

Try first

Veltins Pilsener

In Australia

Mainly at specialist and independent bottle shops with a strong imported range; big chains carry it only now and then.

Beer types

Pilsner

Official site

veltins.de

Veltins is a crisp pilsner from the hills of the Sauerland in western Germany. It is one of the country’s most popular beers and still family-owned after two centuries.

The story of Veltins

Franz Kramer founded the brewery in 1824 in Grevenstein, a village in the Sauerland. Clemens Veltins took it over in 1852, and the brewery has carried his family’s name ever since. In the 20th century Veltins switched entirely to pilsner and grew into one of Germany’s biggest breweries, while staying in the family.

Veltins is closely linked with German football. Its name is on the stadium of Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen, the Veltins-Arena.

Veltins beers to try

• Veltins Pilsener (4.8%): Pale gold, fresh and crisp with a fine bitterness.
• V+ range: Pilsener mixed with fruit sodas, such as lemon or cola. Light and sweet.

What does Veltins taste like?

Veltins Pilsener is bright and clean, with a light grainy malt character, a floral hop aroma and a dry, refreshing finish. It is a touch softer than Jever and similar in style to Warsteiner and Krombacher, its Sauerland and Siegerland neighbours. Serve it very cold in a pilsner glass.

Food pairing: Grilled sausages, schnitzel, fish and chips and pub-style burgers.

Where to buy Veltins in Australia

• Specialist bottle shops with a European range are your best bet. See our Sydney, Melbourne and Perth pages
• Big chains occasionally carry it, especially in larger stores

Compare it with other pilsners in our best German beers guide.

Veltins FAQs

Is Veltins available in Australia?

Veltins is available in Australia but is less common than other German pilsners. Look for it at specialist bottle shops with a European range.

Is the Veltins-Arena named after the beer?

Yes. The Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, home of the football club Schalke 04, is named after the brewery, which has held the naming rights since 2005.

How strong is Veltins?

Veltins Pilsener is 4.8% ABV.

Who owns Veltins?

Veltins is still owned by the Veltins family and is one of the largest privately owned breweries in Germany.

← Back to all German beer brands · Ranked #20 in our list. Last updated 2 October 2026.