Family-run craft microbrewery literally from the floor up

The Cestář microbrewery in Ostružná undoubtedly belongs on many lists of "must visit" places in Jesenice. Perhaps even its name suggests that it has its doors open to all passers-by, passers-by, skiing and bobbing around. For everyone on their way to and from the mountains.

But there is much more to its name, its whole story. And perhaps it could be retold as a fairy tale. The story of how a daughter built a beautiful half-timbered brewery from the ground up out of an ugly birch-wood ruin for her father, a real traveller by profession, to brew a golden drink for friends and travellers in his old age. And therein lies the magic of the success of the small brewery in Ostruzhen - in the family business.

Twelve years ago, Cirka, then a fresh graduate in civil engineering, was given a considerable task, the conversion of a disused building into a family guesthouse with a brewery. Not only did she know every stone, brick and roof truss in Cestar, she eventually learned to brew beer and stayed in the mountains permanently. She is currently attending to her parental duties, so she has taken turns at the mash tun with her dad and the initiator of the brewing venture. Under his care and supervision, specific, craft beers are created in Ostružná. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to find Lávka 11° or Kachna 12° on tap when you visit Ostružná, both of which bear the names of the roadmaster's daughters.

But it's not just craft beer that you go to Cestar for. Its unmistakable, friendly, homely atmosphere is spiced up from time to time by guest musicians, who are the envy of many a renowned music club.

Already planning your visit? They're open every Friday and Saturday from 3-10pm until March 15. And on Saturday, February 22, Cestář will turn into a club scene again and welcome the Olomouc group Katka & Gentlemans.

Link to the brewery: https: //www.facebook.com/pivovarcestar