Benjamin Franklin taught us that “beer is proof God loves us and wants us to be happy.”  I wonder what he would have said after a visit to the Starkenberger Brewery in Tarrenz, Austria. Housed within the walls of a 700-year-old castle, are seven pools full of beer.  That’s worth a dip.

The 13-by-13-feet square pools are filled up with over 32,000 pints of beer gelager — technically a mixture of water and the yeast that gathers during the brewing process. Aside from the obvious reasons you may want to think twice before drinking it: the tubs are kept around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (but can change on request), not the ideal drinking temperature, but full mugs of non-bathed beer are available, and served, poolside. Also, their website claims the vitamins and calcium in the beer are highly beneficial for psoriasis, open wounds, circulation, and make your skin and hair incredibly soft. That may just be the beer talking.

If you’re planning on taking the sudsy plunge, you are encouraged to make a pool reservation. Four people can share a two-hour time slot for around $170. Hangovers are extra.

Posted on March 11, 2010 by Jon Wick