Veröffentlicht von Munich is world-famous for its beer gardens. Whether in Asia, the USA or Southern Europe, one of the few German words understood almost everywhere is “Biergarten”. The Bavarian capital has shaped this tradition like no other city. For many visitors, sitting in a beer garden under old chestnut trees with a cold Maß of beer is one of the highlights of a trip to Munich.
The history of Munich’s beer gardens goes back more than 200 years. In the 19th century, breweries stored their beer in cool cellars along the Isar River. To keep the cellars cold during summer, chestnut trees were planted above them. Soon, tables and benches were placed under the trees, and beer was served directly on site. This is how the typical Bavarian beer garden developed – simple wooden furniture, gravel ground and large shady trees.
Many traditional customs are still alive today. One special rule makes Munich’s beer gardens unique: in most of them, you are allowed to bring your own food. The drinks, however, must be purchased on site. This makes a visit affordable even for families or groups. The classic Bavarian self-catering snack is called “Brotzeit” and usually includes bread, sausages, cheese, radishes (Radi), Obatzda and pickles.
Interesting city tour of Munich: topic of the Nazi era and World War II. A very good and popular city tour:
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Beer tour Munich: Guided evening tour through Munich focusing on beer halls, breweries and wheat beer, including visits to traditional beer halls and two free beers. Duration about 3.5 hours. Advance booking recommended:
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How Beer Gardens Work
Self-service is typical in many beer gardens. Often there are separate counters – one for drinks and one for food. Beer is traditionally served in a one-litre glass mug called a “Maß”. Half-litre options are widely available today as well. Most beer gardens cooperate with one specific Munich brewery. The six major Munich breweries are Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten and Löwenbräu.
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Day excursion from Munich to Castle Neuschwanstein There are excellent day tours by bus from Munich to the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Many tours also include stops at Linderhof Palace and other highlights in the Bavarian Alps. >>> More information and booking (Getyourguide)
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Typical Food in a Munich Beer Garden
Besides drinks, beer gardens offer hearty dishes, mostly from Bavarian cuisine. Popular meals include Leberkäse, Schweinshaxe (roast pork knuckle), Hendl (half grilled chicken), sausages with sauerkraut and Obatzda. A special highlight is Steckerlfisch – whole fish grilled on charcoal, which you can smell from far away.
In recent years, prices have increased. A Maß of beer now usually costs significantly more than in the past, and main dishes are rarely cheap. Nevertheless, beer gardens remain very popular in summer. According to regulations, most beer gardens close between 10 pm and 11 pm.
In a typical Bavarian beer garden you sit under chestnut trees; the ground is often covered with gravel.
Famous Beer Gardens in Munich
Hirschgarten: With around 8,000 seats, it is considered the largest beer garden in the world. Located in a park with a small deer enclosure, it offers classic Bavarian atmosphere. Brewery: Augustiner. Arrival via S-Bahn station Hirschgarten or tram to Romanplatz.
Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden: Located directly in the city centre, just a few minutes from Marienplatz. Although technically on a square rather than in a garden, it is extremely popular. Different Munich breweries rotate regularly. Closed on Sundays. Self-catering allowed.
Gourmet Tour Viktualienmarkt MunichA popular guided tour leads through the famous Viktualienmarkt. Duration about 2 hours with tastings of sausages, cheese, fruit and Bavarian specialties. >>>>> More Information and Booking |
Augustiner-Keller: Traditional Bavarian inn with a large beer garden (over 5,000 seats). Popular with both locals and tourists. S-Bahn Hackerbrücke or 15-minute walk from the main station.
Rosengarten: Beautifully located in a park created for a garden exhibition. Medium-sized, serving Paulaner beer. U6 stop Holzapfelkreuth, short walk.
The following beer gardens are located in the English Garden, Munich’s largest city park:
Chinese Tower: Probably the most famous beer garden in Munich. Popular with international tourists. Brewery: Hofbräu.
Seehaus: Located directly at a lake in the northern English Garden. Slightly more upscale, serving Paulaner beer. Excellent view and good quality food.
Hirschau: A quieter alternative in the English Garden, popular with locals. About 1,500 seats. Spaten and Franziskaner beer. Subway U6, stop Dietlindenstraße.
Aumeister: Located in the northern part of the English Garden near Studentenstadt. Ideal stop after a long walk or bike ride. Traditional Bavarian food, large portions. Subway U6 stop Studentenstadt, about 15 minutes on foot.
Whether you prefer a large traditional beer garden with thousands of seats or a smaller, quieter place in a park – Munich offers a wide range of options. For many visitors, spending a warm evening in a beer garden is one of the most authentic experiences in Bavaria.