The best beer gardens in Munich
Munich locals have divulged their favourite beer gardens. From shaded courtyards to sunny green spaces, each hidden gem is a far cry from the tourist-crammed Oktoberfest tents. Could these be the best places to go for a true taste of Bavarian beer culture?
Imagine sipping a crisp maß while lazing under a chestnut tree? For Munich residents, these outdoor spaces say more about their culture and history than a stretch tent and some fancy dress.
Munich beer gardens are not just places to drink, but a location to meet friends and feel at one with the city’s atmospheric beer history, only without all of the clichés.
A drill-down list of local haunts (in alphabetical order), created by locals for those who want to escape the frenetic festivities, has been compiled by Star2 guides and will have you booking your travel arrangements in no time.
Augustiner-Keller
Among Munich’s many breweries, Augustiner has a very special status because it is the oldest (founded in 1328) and because it continues to be family-owned.
The brewery’s beer garden, Augustiner-Keller, carries this sense of tradition in every detail.
If you’re visiting, locals suggest that you sit near the old stone cellar entrance and because then you’ll get more of a sense of the centuries of history beneath your feet.
The garden is shaded and leafy and has space for around 5,000 guests, but still feels welcoming and relaxed with a mixed crowd of people from those winding down after work, through to students chatting in groups and a healthy dose of regulars too.
Locals suggest that Augustiner beer tastes best from wooden barrels served here because then its smoothness and maltiness combined with the fact that it is poured without rush can be echoed by the ambiance of the setting.
Chinesischer Turm
Despite being one of Europe’s largest urban parks, this garden feels intimate with its brass bands, laughter from families and its iconic Chinese Tower (Chinesischer Turm) that stands in its centre.
Purported to have a lively atmosphere that draws both tourists and locals, what makes it stand out is its happy atmosphere, especially during the weekends when bands assemble on balconies.
Residents attest that a maß of Hofbräu here is a rite of passage, especially if you’re just passing through and visiting the city for the first time.
Hirschgarten
Munich’s Hirschgarten is, according to the experts, considered to be a bit of a legend in its own right. Seating over 8,000 guests, rumour has it that it isn’t just the biggest beer garden in Munich, it is also the largest in the world.
However, despite its grandiose size, the atmosphere once you are inside the garden has been noted to be “surprisingly intimate” once you arrive, but that could have something to do with the romance of the trees.
Understood to be the benchmark of a full Munich experience but without the tourists, here you can bring a picnic as long as drinks are bought from the taps.
The name “Hirschgarten” originates from the deer park that is actually situated next to the garden, where you can still see some deer grazing.
Hofbräukeller
As all the other swarms of tourists make their way into the Hofbräuhaus downtown, locals have revealed that they prefer heading to Hofbräukeller in Haidhausen.
A neighbourly feeling about the place prevails and, since it is smaller than the big-name spots, the consensus is that’s exactly why so many Munich residents prefer it. It has an easygoing warmth about it that puts anyone at ease.
The tree-covered beer garden sits on the top of a gentle slope and features a children’s play area and a setting offering plenty of shaded tables and places to sit with friends or on your own.
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Added to this, the crowd is said to be a mix of families and long-time locals and because of this there are lots of classic but reliable food options including things like sausages, roast chicken, and pretzels that pair beautifully with the local beers.
Königlicher Hirschgarten
As many residents have said, the interesting part of Munich’s beer garden culture is how well it blends with the city’s social life.
This means that, while many of the beer gardens like Hirschgarten attract families, there is also a good show of diversity since others have a more outgoing, energetic vibe.
This is where the locals will say: “the city is your beer garden, so get amongst it”. Munich itself offers options beyond the traditional benches and Maßkrüge and, while some people prefer to meet with friends, others choose to book tours as a way to mix Bavarian charm with a little sightseeing.
Löwenbräukeller
For those who are looking for a hefty dose of authentic Bavarian tradition, Löwenbräukeller is the place to go.
This beer garden is situated near to Stiglmaierplatz and is connected to the Löwenbräu brewery.
As well as the location feeling less touristy than the big central gardens,there is also a hearty food element here with pork knuckle with crispy skin, potato dumplings, and rich gravy being among the favourites to pair with the beers.
Daytime to evening sees the vibe shift from calm to becoming more energetic, especially during football matches when the big screens light up.
The locals like it because it serves everyone’s needs. Primarily because the beer garden balances tradition with a modern urban atmosphere.
Paulaner am Nockherberg
Even though most Munich locals know Nockherberg as the birthplace of Starkbierfest, the strong beer festival held during Lent, there is more to the location.
Paulaner am Nockherberg is said to be not only about seasonal brews and has a lot to offer, which makes its beer garden a year-round favorite.
The garden itself is tucked away on a hillside in the Giesing district and is said to be slightly off the beaten track, but for some this actually makes it all the more appealing because happening upon it feels like a victory.
The food here is especially noted for being a traditional Bavarian spread that is often served with freshly-baked bread.
Waldwirtschaft (WaWi)
If you don’t mind travelling, and want to head toward the southern edge of Munich then you’ll find Waldwirtschaft, which is affectionately called “WaWi” by the locals.
WaWi is unlike many of the other central beer gardens because of its live jazz music, plus it is surrounded by greenery which gives it a countryside feel even though you are very close to the city.
Many locals recommend it as a particularly good spot for a weekend trip and suggest that you can ride a bike along the Isar River, then stop for a maß and ribs at WaWi before lingering to hear the band play.
Overall, it has been described as “a mini escape” and is known to be a good way of blending nature with beer to full effect.
To read more about Bavarian beer culture, earlier this year, db looked into how beer could play a crucial role in the UK-Germany friendship treaty as well as also the reasons behind why German beer is disappearing and also how it is changing.
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