Beer Garden in Munich: Oktoberfest
Undoubtedly Munich's big 6 breweries deserve closer attention. Together Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, Hofbrau (Court Brew), Augustiner (the oldest-since 1328), and Lowenbrau (Lion’s Brew) create nearly 580 million liters of beer per year. And like all beer in Germany, they must follow the “purity order” of 1516, (called the rheinheitsgebot) the oldest law of its sort which specifies that only water, hops, barley, and x can be used in the fermentation process. If you're in Munich, Germany experience the Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich.
Munich’s Top 10 Beer Gardens
- Hofbrauhaus
- Description: Situated in the heart of Munich's city center, Hofbräuhaus is one of the best beer gardens in Munich, known for its lively atmosphere and rich tradition. This iconic beer hall has been serving classic Bavarian beer for centuries, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Munich beer experience. With its large beer garden offering ample seating beneath the shade of chestnut trees, Hofbräuhaus München is the epitome of a traditional German beer garden. Whether you're sipping on a pint of Hofbräu beer or indulging in traditional Bavarian food, the lively ambiance and bustling beer hall make Hofbräuhaus München well worth a visit.
- Beer Served: Hofbrauhaus
- Address: Am Platzl 9 (City Center)
- Telephone: (089)221676
- Comments: Renowned as the most famous beerhall in the world.
- Augustiner-Keller
- Description: Nestled near Munich's main train station, Augustiner-Keller is a popular beer garden that offers a quintessential taste of Munich's beer garden tradition. Renowned for its Augustiner beer, the oldest brewery in Munich, this expansive beer garden is the perfect place to enjoy a cold pint of traditional Bavarian beer. With its large beer garden dotted with chestnut trees and vibrant atmosphere, Augustiner-Keller provides a welcoming setting to relax and unwind with friends. Whether you're indulging in a hearty meal of Bavarian cuisine or simply enjoying the refreshing beers on offer, Augustiner-Keller is a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts in Munich.
- Beer Served: Augustiner
- Address: Arnulf Strasse 52
- Telephone: (089)594393
- Comments: Conveniently located close to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof).
- Lowenbraukeller
- Description: Located in Munich's English Garden, Chinesischer Turm is the second-largest beer garden in Munich and a favorite beer stop for locals and tourists alike. With its picturesque setting amidst lush greenery and towering chestnut trees, this traditional beer garden offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city center. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of beers, including classic Bavarian favorites like wheat beer and dark beer, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Live music adds to the ambiance, making Chinesischer Turm the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink and soak up the beauty of Munich's largest city park.
- Beer Served: Lowenbrau
- Address: Nymphenburger Str. 2 (Stiglmaier-Platz)
- Telephone: (089)526021
- Comments: Situated in a great location and has been on-site since June 14, 1883.
- Viktualienmarkt
- Description: Situated near Stiglmaier-Platz, Löwenbräukeller is one of Munich's most iconic beer halls, known for its great beer and lively atmosphere. This traditional beer garden offers a wide range of beers on tap, including Löwenbräu's signature brews, making it a favorite spot for beer enthusiasts. With its spacious beer garden and classic Bavarian cuisine, Löwenbräukeller provides the perfect setting to enjoy a cold pint and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you're looking to sample some of Munich's best beers or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends, Löwenbräukeller is well worth a visit.
- Beer Served: Many Types
- Address: Viktualienmarkt 6
- Telephone: (089)297545
- Comments: Close to Marienplatz in the Alstadt (old city).
- Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower)
- Description: As one of Munich's best beer gardens, Chinesischer Turm offers an enchanting setting in the heart of the English Garden. Known for its iconic Chinese Tower, this beer garden is the second-largest in Munich and a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can relax beneath the shade of chestnut trees and enjoy a selection of classic Bavarian beers, including Augustiner and Löwenbräu, while taking in the picturesque surroundings. With its lively atmosphere and bustling beer hall, Chinesischer Turm captures the essence of Munich's beer garden tradition and is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Bavarian experience.
- Beer Served: Lowenbrau
- Address: Englischer Garten 3 (Schwabing)
- Telephone: (089)383870
- Comments: Offers a fantastic setting in the English Gardens with over 7,000 seats.
- Hirschgarten
- Description: As the largest beer garden in Munich, Hirschgarten offers an unparalleled beer garden experience in the heart of Nymphenburg. With its expansive outdoor seating area and charming atmosphere, this traditional beer garden is the perfect place to unwind with friends and family. Visitors can sample a variety of Bavarian beers, including classic brews from Löwenbräu and Hofbräukeller, while indulging in traditional Bavarian fare such as pretzels and sausage. With its rich history and vibrant ambiance, Hirschgarten is a favorite destination for beer enthusiasts and a quintessential stop for anyone exploring Munich's beer garden scene.
- Beer Served: Many Types
- Address: Hirschgartenallee 1 (Nymphenburg)
- Telephone: (089)172591
- Comments: Known as the largest beerhall globally, with over 8,000 seats.
- Paulaner Keller
- Description: Formerly known as Salvator Keller, Paulaner Keller is a historic beer garden located in the Giesing neighborhood of Munich. This traditional Bavarian beer garden offers a cozy atmosphere and a selection of classic Paulaner beers, including their famous Oktoberfest brew. Visitors can enjoy a cold beer beneath the shade of chestnut trees or gather in the bustling beer hall to sample traditional Bavarian cuisine such as pretzels and roast chicken. With its warm hospitality and authentic Bavarian charm, Paulaner Keller is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a taste of Bavaria.
- Beer Served: Paulaner
- Address: Hochstrasse 77 (Giesing)
- Telephone: (089)483274
- Comments: Formerly known as Salvator Keller, temporarily closed until May 2003.
- Waldwirtschaft
- Description: Nestled in the Grosshesselohe area of Munich, Waldwirtschaft offers a unique beer garden experience with its picturesque setting and live music performances. This charming beer garden, also known as the "Wawi," boasts a rich history dating back over a century and continues to attract visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and excellent beer selection. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic Bavarian beers, including offerings from Löwenbräu and Augustiner Keller, while listening to live jazz and big bands on weekends. With its idyllic location and lively entertainment, Waldwirtschaft is a hidden gem well worth discovering in Munich's beer garden scene.
- Beer Served: Spaten
- Address: Georg-Kalb Str. 3 (Grosshesselohe)
- Telephone: (089)795088
- Comments: Features live jazz and big bands on weekends.
- Menterschwaige- Gutshof
- Description: Nestled along the banks of the Isar River, Menterschwaige- Gutshof offers a charming setting for a traditional Bavarian beer garden experience. This historic beer garden, steeped in history and tradition, provides guests with a welcoming atmosphere and a selection of classic Bavarian beers, including favorites from Hofbräukeller and Augustiner. Visitors can relax in the spacious outdoor seating area or gather in the rustic beer hall to enjoy hearty Bavarian cuisine such as pretzels and sausages. With its scenic location and warm hospitality, Menterschwaige- Gutshof is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike seeking an authentic taste of Bavaria.
- Beer Served: Lowenbrau
- Address: Menterschwaigstrasse 4
- Telephone: (089)640732
- Comments: Historically significant as the beer garden where King Ludwig had an illicit love affair with Lola Montez.
- Schlosswirtschaft (Zur Schwaige)
- Description: Situated within the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace, Schlosswirtschaft (Zur Schwaige) offers a unique beer garden experience steeped in history and tradition. Dating back to 1600, this historic beer garden is one of Munich's oldest and provides guests with a charming setting to enjoy classic Bavarian beers and cuisine. Visitors can relax beneath the shade of chestnut trees and savor a selection of beers from Löwenbräu and Hofbräukeller while taking in views of the palace grounds. With its idyllic location and rich heritage, Schlosswirtschaft (Zur Schwaige) is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Bavarian beer garden experience.
- Beer Served: Hofbrauhaus
- Address: Schloss Nymphenburg
- Telephone: (089)174421
- Comments: Operating since 1600, this beer garden is actually part of the Nymphenburg Palace grounds.
In conclusion, Munich has the best biergarten scene which offers a rich tapestry of experiences for beer enthusiasts and visitors alike. From the iconic beer halls like Hofbräuhaus to the sprawling beer gardens like Hirschgarten, Munich's beer culture is steeped in tradition and history. Whether savoring classic beers like Augustiner and Löwenbräu or exploring the world of craft beer, there's something for every palate in Munich's vibrant beer scene. Whether you're enjoying a pint in a traditional beer hall or soaking up the atmosphere in one of the city's best beer gardens, Munich's beer culture invites you to relax, unwind, and savor the timeless pleasure of sharing a drink with friends old and new. With its rich heritage and warm hospitality, Munich's beer gardens stand as some of the best biergartens in the world, offering a true taste of Bavarian hospitality and the spirit of gemütlichkeit.
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