Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (2024)

By Susanna Kelly-Shankar|2021-12-15T11:48:24-08:00November 21st, 2019|4 Comments

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Last updated on December 15th, 2021 at 11:48 am

With nearly 1,000 years of brewing tradition in Bavaria, the brewers in and around Munich have fine-tuned their craft and growing a global reputation. In fact, 6 million people come from 40 countries around the world just to attend Oktoberfest. Alongside Munich’s major breweries and despite Germany’s strict purity laws, craft breweries are starting to emerge in Munich, bringing fresh flavors to the beer scene here in Munich. We’ll begin by exploring some of the history, culture, and traditions of Bavaria’s relationship with beer, including some facts and prices. Then I’ll profile the six biggest breweries in Munich – known as the “The Big 6”, help you plan the best brewery tours, day trips, and beer-related activities, and finally uncover emerging craft beers.

A Brief History of Beer in Munich

The Munich area is home to the world’s oldest brewery still in action, dating back to 700 AD. So, it is safe to say that Munich’s beer history is long and embedded in their culture. But, to make a long story short-ish, most breweries in Munich have religious roots. Monks living in monasteries were the first brew masters. Churches would use beer as incentives to encourage people to attend church, with many German receiving free beer on Sunday and other religious events. Religious roots still exist today, and Starbierfest is an event during lent to drink strong Doppel beer during the fasting period.

It wasn’t long before the royalty got involved in the profitable beer industry, and beer was soon taxed to provide income for the royal families and government. Production quickly spread to prominent families that owned restaurants, and the brewing industry boomed.

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The Purity Law

Along with it, many laws and regulations began to govern brewing. In 1516 a law was passed that beer must be made with only barley, hops, water (yeast was later added), or it could not be called beer. This law still exists today here in Germany. If any additional ingredients are used in the brewing process, such as orange, sugar, or chocolate, it can not legally be called beer. If you’re thinking about some of those German craft beers you’ve tried and are confused, brewers can use the official name for the brew, such as IPA, Stout, etc., but it can’t be called beer.This ensures the highest quality of beer is being produced in Munich.

Beer Gardens

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In the 1500s, a law was passed that beer could not be brewed in the summer months as lack of refrigeration reduced the quality of beer made in the summer. Legally beer was only brewed from the end of September to the end of April using a bottom-fermenting technique with yeast capable of fermenting in cold temperatures. This practice was called lagern, which is why bottom-fermented beers are called lagers.

Brewers needed a place to store their beer in a cool area during the summer months, so they dug out cellars and planted chestnut trees above the area to keep the beer below cool. They used this outdoor space to sell beer, and thus the beer garden was born! Many restaurants complained the breweries were putting them out of business, so a law was passed that people were able to bring their own food to beer gardens, which is still encouraged today.

World War II

Munich’s beer history even plays a prominent role in WWII history. Hitler’s famous Beer Hall Putsch happened in Munich, as he attempted to take over the Bavarian government and occupied a local beer hall the Bürgerbräukeller. Hilter also often met with his closest Nazi allies in the historic Hofbräuhaus, which still stands today. However, after the war, Munich’s booming beer industry crashed, with many breweries closing their doors causing international exports to decline as the economy struggled.

Modern Day

Munich’s beer scene was able to recover and now generates billions of Euros to the Munich and German economy. Oktoberfest alone generates around 1.2 billion in two weeks. Many of Munich’s elite families developed their status thanks for their involvement in the beer industry from owning Oktoberfest tents, operating breweries, or owning a Keller serving beer from one of Munich’s six most famous breweries.

Beer Etiquette & Traditions

Say “Prost!”

When cheersing in Munich, you must tap beer glasses with everyone individually at your table – and while making eye contact, say, “Prost!” (Pro sst). Germans rarely make eye contact, but this is a crucial part of drinking beer. No one really knows why you make eye contact, but everyone will tell you that if you don’t, you will have 7 years of bad sex. Typically you should wait for everyone to have a beer before clinking glasses and saying prost.

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Stay Friendly

A lot of cultures associate drinking with violence, however here in Munich, drinking and beer culture are associated with comradery. So, make sure you stay in control, make friends, and keep those firsts down.

Tracht

If you’re attending any of Munich’s beer festivals or events such as Frülingsfest, Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest, or traditional Volksfests dress up! It is common for people in Munich to wear their Tract, also known as Dirndls for women, and Lederhosen for men. You can even get away with wearing Tract to beer gardens, or beer halls any time of the year. You will be the odd one out if you don’t dress up at a larger event, so budget some time for shopping after you arrive in Munich for an event.

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Pfand & Cost of Beer

Most beer gardens charge a high price or pfand. At any of the beer gardens in Munich where you take the glass away from the ordering counter the pfand can be between 2-5 Euro. Don’t panic, you get it money back as long as you hang onto the coin and return it along with the beer stein at a kiosk. At a kiosk, beer costs about 1.50-2.50. At restaurants, beer costs about 4-5 Euro. At beer gardens with the pfand, it can be between 8 – 10 Euro. Oktoberfest beers cost a whopping 13 Euro and there is no pfand, on top of that it is customary to tip your server at the event.

The Right Pour

Pouring beer is an art that was perfected in Germany. Beers should have the perfect amount of head on top and be served in the proper glassware. In a traditional German glass liter, the top line and above should be beer head, and the rest should be beer. The breweries in Munich can get fined for abusing their beer portions, especially at Oktoberfest, so if your beer is mostly head and not enough beer, or too much beer and not enough head, it is not worthy.

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Popular Types of Beer in Munich

Helles

Helles translates to light. So, Helles beer is a light in color bottom-fermenting lager beer. The beer is low in bitterness, lightly sweet, low in carbonation, and full-bodied – compared to most light lagers. It is a smooth beer, perfect for hot summer days, and adds a refreshing finish to lighter dishes. This is one of the most popular beers to drink in Munich. If you order a beer without specifying, it will probably be Helles.

Weißbier

This translates to white beer and is traditionally a white top-fermenting beer made with at least 50% malted wheat. It is typically unfiltered beer with low hop bitterness and highly carbonated. Weißbier is usually consumed from a glass with a thin bottom and wider top with an ample portion of head. You should swirl the beer between pours because it is not fermented.

Doppelbock (Starkbier)

Doppelbock was first created by the Paulaner monks in Munich. It is a double fermented dark copper beer and is described as liquid bread because it is a meal replacement during lent. It is a rich malty beer with toasted notes and little detectable hops. The alcohol content ranges from 7-14% with traditional Bavarian doppelbocks on the higher side.

Festbier & Märzen

Traditionally brewed for Oktoberfest, each brewery brews a fest beer to tap around Oktoberfest, but it is no longer served at the event. Gasp – isn’t Märzen served at Oktoberfest? Contrary to popular belief in the U.S., Märzen is NOT currently served at Oktoberfest. Märzen was the drink of choice at Oktoberfest until the event grew in popularity and many people complained it was too thick. I mean it is hard to drink several liters of Märzen. So, brewers created the Festbier, also known as Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier, which is now what you’ll find at Oktoberfest. This is probably a good thing because Festbier is easy drinking and to reduce hangovers! It is a light beer in both color and flavor, with a light hoppy finish. It won’t fill you up too much, but it will get you drunk.

Märzen, on the other hand, is a dark lager, with a full-bodied smoky flavor. Most brewers serve this around Oktoberfest, but you’ll need to go to the Keller to get it.

Radler

A Radler is a half lager beer and half lemonade drink. It was created just outside of Munich in Deisenhofen. During the cycling boom in the 20s, an innkeeper Franz Kugler created a bicycle trail from Munich to his pub. On a sunny day in June in 1922, more than 10,000 cyclists showed up at the pub, and as he ran out of beer, he mixed it with lemon soda. The Radler was born and named after Rad – or bike in German. The drink is a bit sugary, but the balance of lemon and beer is a refreshing drink for summer.

“The Big 6” Munich’s Main Breweries & Beers

Paulaner

With roots back to 1634 Paulaner Monastery is home to the traditional Starkbier, their signature doppelbock “Salvator,” named after the father of their order. On the day they were allowed to serve to the public, the monastery, shared this brew with local politicians. To this day, the tradition carries on at the start of Starkbier Fest when the first liter of beer is given to the Bavarian Minister President to kick off the festival.

Don’t Miss: “Salvator” Doppelbock, is a bottom-fermenting strong beer first created by the Paulaner monks.

Best Locations:

  • Paulaner am Nockherberg: Original brewery with a large beer hall, outdoor garden. Hochstraße 77
  • Paulaner Bräuhaus: Indoor and outdoor dining in a quiet, cozy, and traditional location. – my fav! Kapuzinerpl. 5

Events: Starkbier Fest: End of March – Start of April @ Paulaner am Nockherberg.

Augustiner

Munich’s oldest independent brewery, dating back to 1328. Their rich history in Munich has generated a cult-like following among locals and foreigners alike, making it Munich’s “cool” and possibly favorite beer among locals. With vintage horse drawn beer wagons seen at Oktoberfest, they pride themselves on tradition.

Don’t Miss: “Augustiner Edelstoff,” a traditional beer, brewed with noble raw ingredients.

Best Locations:

  • Augustiner Keller: Augustiners best restaurant, beer garden, and basem*nt cellar. Order Edelstoff from the wooden keg! Arnulfstraße 52.
  • Augustiner Bräustuben: Original brewery and restaurant located in an old brick building. Landsberger Str. 31-35

Events: May Day: May 1st, for a traditional May Pole raising celebration at the Augustiner Kellner.

Hofbräu

Munich’s most famous brewery exporting and attracting beer-enthusiasts from around the world. The highlight of the Hofbräu is their historic beer hall, which is nearly 500 years old and the most famous beer tavern in the world. Here you get a real feel for what Oktoberfest might feel like and is on many beer bucket-lists. They stick to tradition, only brewing a few beers they pride on being flawless. The upstairs of the beer hall is a place seeped in WWII history where Hitler drank beer with members of his party.

Don’t Miss: “Hofbräu Original,” a classic bitter, but refreshing beer that is known around the world.

Best Locations:

  • Hofbräuhaus: Historic beer hall and restaurant in the the old town with live German music. Platzl 9.
  • Chinese Tower Beer Garden: Lovely outdoor beer garden serving HB beer in the middle of the Englischer Garten. Englischer Garten 3.

Events: Film Fest Munich, don’t miss Munich’s Film Festival in June/July with HB beer being served at all major events.

Spaten

Spaten beer is known for bringing the famous helles beer to Munich. At the peak of the brewing industry in Munich, just before the war, Spaten was the largest brewery in the area. However, after the war, they were never able to make a full come back and Spaten beer is often somewhat of an afterthought in the Munich scene. However, Franziskaner Weißebier owned by the same brewery is quite popular and definitely worth having!

Don’t Miss: “Spaten Helles,” Munich’s original Helles beer, or try the Franziskaner Weißebier

Best Locations:

  • Spatenhaus an der Opera: German fine dining in a ritzy part of Munich, near the opera house. Residenzstraße 12.

Events: Don’t miss Spaten at the Schottenhammel tent, which is surprisingly one of my favorite tents.

Hacker-Pschorr

I have a soft spot for Hacker because A: they are one of the only brewiers that had female leadership from Thersia Hacker along with her husband Pschorr (her name is even first) and B: they have been operating a sustainable business with an environmental mindset since 1417 – might they be the OG sustainable business? All their beers have traditional swing tops as well, so they are 2x as fun to drink!

Don’t Miss: “Kellerbier” with fruity notes and tastes of honey and caramel. It’s less carbonated and easy to drink.

Best Locations:

  • Altes Hackerhaus: The OG location of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. Now a cozy restaurant in the heart of the old town. Sendlinger Str. 14
  • Der Pschorr: A restaurant and outdoor beer garden near the Viktualienmarkt. Beer is served in wood barells and kept on ice. Viktualienmarkt 15

Events: Don’t miss Munich ice hockey! Hacker beer is served at events like EHC Red Bulls ice hockey games or the Bad Tölz ice hockey team.

Löwenbräu

Löwenbräu meaning Lions brew, has a foggy history in Munich. Not much seems to be known about the founding date. It is noted that a lion fresco was hanging above the brewery at one point and that is where it seems to have gotten its name. They specialize in pils beer. The Löwenbräu tent is always fun to walk past with the roaring lion, you can’t miss it.

Don’t Miss: “URTYP” which is a traditional pils beer brewed just like they did hundreds of years ago.

Best Locations:

  • Löwenbräukeller: A historic restaurnt, beer cellar, and event venue – come here for live music, great food, and good beer. Nymphenburger Straße 2

Events: Nacht der Tracht is an annual event held at Löwenbräukeller. Dress in your best dirndl and lederhosen and dance all night. They also host an Oktoberfest after party.

Munich Beer Festivals and Events

Oktoberfest

The world’s largest beer event, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people from around the world for two weeks starting at the end of September. Dozens of tents full of traditional music and lively people serve Munich’s best beer. Outside the tents are beer gardens, carnival rides, restaurants, and fair games. This is a bucket list must for any beer lover visiting Germany. If you’re an introvert looking to avoid the crowds in Munich, then don’t miss my introverts guide to Oktoberfest.

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Frühlingsfest

Is an early spring festival that takes place in the same location as Oktoberfest, but it’s half the size. A popular event among a younger local crowd, the three tents and handful of rides, is a great way to enjoy the warming weather in Munich. This event typically takes place at the end of April of Begining of May.

Starkbierfest

This festival takes place during lent and celebrates the dark Doppelbock lager known as Starkbier. Located at the original Paulaner Brewery be prepared to black out as this beer is strong. Located indoors it has a similar vibe to an Oktoberfest tent with a live band, dancing, and plenty of drinking. The event usually starts in the middle of March.

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Volksfests

During the autumn close to Oktoberfest many of the small towns near Munich, such as Dachau, Regensburg, and Augsburg have small folk festivals with local beer, carnival rides and games, and reason to dress up in traditional Tracht. Keep an eye peeled for local folks fest events and find more details on the Bavarian website.

Munich Day Trips for Beer Drinkers

Andechs Monastery Brewery

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My favorite beer-focused day trip from Munich involves a light hike through the woods, ending in a fantastic hillside monastery that brews delicious beer. This beer trip from Munich is just an S-Bahn ride away to the charming town of Herrsching. You can walk down to Lake Ammersee before taking a 45-minute walk through the quiet forest, emerging at the monastery. If it is summer, eat outside on their beautiful deck. Read the full scoop on getting toAndechs Monastery from Munichso you can drink their fantastic beer.

Weihenstephen: Tour The World’s Oldest Brewery

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The brewery at Weihenstephen is the oldest in the world! How freakin’ cool is that? Dating back to 750 AD, Weihenstephen started as a monastery brewery. Today, the state of Bavaria now owns it and runs a program with the TUM university for food science and a master’s program in brewing. For 11 Euro, you get a 2-hour experience, including a tour, tasting, pretzel, and a gift voucher. The tours are run by local university students, and you get to sample all their core beers. The brewery located in Freising, so you will need to hop on the FRONT end of the S1 headed to Freising. Get off at Freising and walk up to the brewery to start your tour. You should book yourbeer tour at Weihenstephen ahead of time,and you can do so online.

Tegernsee Brewery Near Lake Tegernsee

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The adorable town of Bad Wiessen. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Tegernsee beer is what the cool kids in Munich drink. There’s just something about the Tegernsee Special brew that offers something just different enough from Munich’s 6 leading breweries. For this trip, you’ll need to hop on a BOB train headed toTegernsee from the Munich Central Station. Make sure you grab a group ticket if you’re traveling with 2-5 people after 9 am. You can spend the day hiking, swimming in the lake, sledding or skiing, just make sure you stop by the Tegernsee Brewery on the lake for a fresh local beer.

Nuremberg Beer Cellars

Nuremberg is just north of Munich in the Franconia region of Bavaria. They have great beer, and you can spend the day exploring their red beer cellars and tasting Nuremberg brewery. Hop on a Deutsche Bahn train headed to Nuremberg and book yourNurember beer cellar tour ahead of timeto make sure you save your spot.

Ayinger Brewery

Hop on the S7 headed to Aying to tour their brewery, eat at their restaurant, and explore the charming town of Aying. There is even a little farm where you can take a walk with llamas.Book your brewery tour with Ayinger brewery ahead of time.

Erdinger Brewery

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You’ll often find Erdinger beers in Munich, so taking the S2 to Erding to visit their brewery for a behind the scenes tour. The town Erding is a charming city break as well, so you can explore historic architecture.Book your tour of the Erdinger breweryor just enjoy a local beer at their restaurant. Afterward, you can even visit their fan shop after to pick up your favorite beers and swag.

Bamberg for Rauchbier

If you are in for a more extended day trip, then hop on a train to Bamberg to their smoked märzen dark lager. This beer is unlike anything you’ve tasted and originated in Bamberg. It smells like smoked meats and had dark wood flavor notes. The town of Bamberg is well worth walking around the charming alleyways and old timber houses. Budget a full 8 hours to drink all the beer and explore the town.

Brewery and Beer Tours in Munich

Paulaner Brewery Tour in Munich

The Paulaner Brewery is one of my favorite beer halls and gardens in Munich. It has all the rich Bavarian history you’re looking for without the tourist hype of the Hofbräuhaus. If you book abrewery tour with Munich Walk Toursyou’ll visit the Paulaner brewery with an expert beer guide, plus you’ll even visit a few more of Munich’s main breweries such as Hofbräu. You may also try contacting Paulaner at Kapuzinerstrasse to see if they have brewery tours available for your group.

Hofbräuhaus Brewery Tour in Munich

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Hofbräu is one of the world’s most famous breweries and brands, so visiting where all the magic happens is a dream come true for beer lovers. The tour takes you through the brewing, and fermenting process starts to finish, a beer tasting, and an optional meal (meat) included. Tours run Monday-Thursday every day of the year, EXCEPT holidays, and the week before, the weeks during, and the week after Oktoberfest. Tours start at 10 am with an optional additional meal or 1 pm with no additional meal. The cost of the trip is 10 Euro with no meal, 15 with meal. You must be 16 or older and register for theHofbräu brewery tourin advance.

Spaten Brewery Tour in Munich

The Spaten Brewery tour includes Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Franziskaner brewing production lines. However, these tours only TAKE PLACE IN GERMAN, despite their website being in English. This tour is not ideal for my English reader, as you can see by reading my friend Ashley’s post about hermishap with the Spaten tour. You can book yourSpaten Brewery Tourthrough Munich walking tours – if you speak German.

Microbreweries and Craft Beer in Munich

I used to give Munich a hard time for having lacking diversity in their beer. Cool, there are 6 major breweries in Munich that all make a similar tasting Helles. Where is the creativity and fun in the brewing industry? My prayers have been heard and slowly but surely new creative craft brews have been popping up in nooks and corners around the city.

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Crew Republic

I’m not the only one that thinks the beer scene in Munich is boring. Mario and Timm behind, Crew Republic agree with me. Which is why they quit their corporate jobs and began homebrewing in their back yard. Crew Republic has grown to be a favorite among the young hip crowd in Munich, brewing edge stouts, several types of pale ales from German, Indian, and West Coast USA, and barley wine all following Germany’s purity law. Look for their beers at supermarkets and beer kiosks across Munich, of if you’re in town on a Friday, stop by their taproom from 4 pm – 10 pm for light snacks and fresh craft beer on tap.

Giesinger Brew

Giesinger Brew is like one of the big six breweries that had a baby with a hip craft brew. They take their beer very seriously, but always strive to push the brewing limits in the craft beer scene here in Munich. Instead of a typical Helles, try their Lemondrop Triple, for a strong beer with light, refreshing citrus notes or their Doppel-Alt for a dark lager, that won’t put you on your ass like many of the Starkbiers. Stop by their brewery and restaurant at the Giesinger braüstüberl for a cozy, but traditional German restaurant serving up great beers.

Haderner Bräu

I came across these beers at a recent festival in Munich, and after I carried boxes of beer home with me to try, I fell in love. They are now one of my favorite craft breweries because they are Munich’s first certified organic brewery. This small family-owned brewery still bottles and brews everything by hand. You can buy a traditional Helles or Weißbier – made with all-natural ingredients. Or check and see what seasonal brew they have on tap like the Fest Märzen for winter. You can visit their taproom on Friday afternoon if you want to try the beer on tap. They also offer home brewing classes (in German) and a brewery tour.

Hopfen Häcker

Hopfen Häcker is a blen o cultures and countries as the duo behind this craft beer are from the United States and Germany. So, they bring together the innovation of U.S. craft beer and Germany tradition and expertise in the craft, as they hack hops to make new beers. Try their “Kill Bill” with fermented yeast from Belgium and hints of bitter orange and coriander. Or try their Wuiderer, a red ale – I know, I can’t believe I found a red ale in Munich either!! Each and every label is a work of art, so make sure you try them all. You can visit their brewery on Friday or Saturday early afternoon to drink beer on tap.

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Tilmans Bier

This is an underrated and unsung hero in the Munich craft beer scene. Started by Tilman Ludwig, who did a master’s in brewing from the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephen, just outside of Munich. After graduation, he decided to branch off and try something different. Tilmans brews 9 beers, including everything from Helles, Pils, and even stouts and traditional English style ale. One of my favorite things about this brewery is the social impact aspect. They partner with locals such as Munich’s best coffee roastery for a caffeinated stout, and Munich’s “Kulturator” philanthropy. All profits from the Kulturator brew go right back to charity – so you can drink for world peace.

AirBraü

The world’s first and only airport brewery AirBrü is worth flying into Munich just to try their craft beer. While most of their beers are quite traditional, the small-batch beers are created at the airport brewery and have fun travel-themed names. Dine-in their outdoor beer garden in the summer, hole away inside at their cozy modern dining area, or sit in a hot air balloon basket (on the ground) as you pretend to drink around the world in 80 days.

Best Beer Halls & Beer Gardens in Munich

Paulaner

My favorite beer hall and brewery, the Paulaner on Kapuzinerstrasse is a local favorite that is chic and cozy. With large spacious indoor area that is warm and inviting in the winter and a beautiful outdoor beer garden for the hot summer days. This is the one local beer hall and garden I take all my friends and family to eat at.

Chinese Tower

The Chinese Tower is located in the heart of the Englischer Garten. The walk through the gardens is enjoyable and the natural setting is refreshing. In the winter they have a wonderful Christmas Market, and in the summer they often have live bands. This is a touristy spot, but it’s worth the visit for the experience.

Hirshau

Also located in the Englischer Garten, Hirshau is a lively hoot and a half frequented by locals. With a stage for folk dancing and a live band playing music, this is one of the best outdoor beer gardens in Munich.

Seehaus

Maybe one of the most gorgeous outdoor beer gardens resting along a lakeside also in the Englischer Garten. You can sit on the water’s edge and watch boats and swans sail by during the hot summer days.

Biergarten am Wiener Platz

This outdoor beer garden is located in vienna platz in a charming neighborhood south of the Isar. Enjoy sitting outdoors in a bustling square with plenty of unique shops and restaurants around. There’s even a large May Pole at the center of the square so you are immersed in Bavarian culture.

Hofbrau

I’m including this place as it is a global cultural icon known around the world. While it is touristy, there is a lot of historical and cultural significance, so it is a really interesting place to visit. Bavarians dressed in their traditional Sunday best drink from ancient beer steins while a live German plays oompa music.

Pubs & Bars for Beer in Munich

Tap Room is large American style tap room, featuring dozens of beerson tap and plenty of bottled beer cold and ready in the fridge. Frisches Beeris a small watering hole with plenty of craft beer on tap and in the bottle. True Brewis a new hip pub in town with a 60s retro vibe with live music and plenty of craft and local beer. The Crow Bar is a simple bar with not a lot happening other than great beer and chill people. Scholarsis a classy Irish pub with U.K. beer, and hidden nooks to cozy up in front of the fire place with a cool one.

Beer for Those with Dietary Needs

If you are gluten intolderant or don’t consume alcohol for any reason, don’t dispair! You are in luck Gasthaus Obermeier,which is outside Munich city center serves a full gluten free menu including gluten free beer!Alcohol Freebeer can be found literally anywhere at all supermarkets, and just about every restarurant. The big breweries in Munich do a great job ensuring they always have a alcohol free beer because there are a lot of pregnant women in Munich and people who choose not to drink for cultural or religious reasions.

Share Munich’s Best Beers and Breweries!

Make sure you pin or share this post so all your beer lovin’ friends can have the best possible beer filled trip to Munich and the surrounding area. What is your favorite Munich beer? Let me know in the comments!

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About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (24)

Susanna grew up in small-town Alaska where the changing climate was always on her mind. Through traveling, she gained an interest in the power of sustainable and regenerative travel. She has an MSc in environmental science; her thesis focused on building tourism models to benefit biodiversity. She focuses on the intersection of sustainable travel and environmental science. When she's not outside playing, you'll find her drinking whiskey with her cat and partner while trying to get to level 99 in life.

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4 Comments

  1. Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (28)

    james Di Prospero2021-03-02 at 1:29 pm - Reply

    Been going to Octoberfest since 1967. What a great time. Lived in Bremenhaven Germany when in the military. Purchased my first dog in Munich area when camping with my wife 1968, when I was poor. Plan on going this year to Octoberfest, since it was cancelled last year due to Virus. Thank you for the recap on all the types of beer’s in Germany.

    • Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (29)

      Susanna Kelly-Shankar2021-03-03 at 7:01 pm - Reply

      I hope we can have Oktoberfest this year, but we will see what happens. I hope you’re able to drink some German beer soon!

  2. Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (30)

    Peter Giltner2022-09-15 at 7:49 pm - Reply

    Oktoberfest, 2022- Can’t go but i’m stocked up with some of my favorites. Augustiner Brau Edelstoff, Paulaner Salvador Doppel Bock, Hacker-Pschorr Munichener Gold, Welhenstephaner Original, and Welhenstephaner Hefe Weisbier. Love to celebrate this wonderful event!!

  3. Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (31)

    Jim2023-04-27 at 4:15 pm - Reply

    I’m planning a trip in August.

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Concepts Related to the Article

The article covers various concepts related to the history, culture, and traditions of beer in Munich, including the brewing tradition, purity laws, beer gardens, popular types of beer, major breweries, beer etiquette and traditions, beer festivals and events, day trips for beer drinkers, brewery and beer tours, microbreweries and craft beer, as well as beer halls, beer gardens, and pubs in Munich.

Now, let's delve into the specific concepts mentioned in the article.

History, Culture, and Traditions of Beer in Munich

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, culture, and traditions of beer in Munich, including the religious roots of brewing, the impact of royalty on the beer industry, the purity law, the emergence of beer gardens, and the role of beer in Munich's economy.

Purity Law

The article discusses the 1516 purity law, which mandates that beer must be made with only barley, hops, water, and later yeast. It also explains the significance of this law in ensuring the highest quality of beer production in Munich.

Beer Gardens

The article details the origins of beer gardens in Munich, including the historical background of beer storage and the development of outdoor spaces for selling beer. It also highlights the cultural significance of beer gardens in Munich's social life.

Popular Types of Beer in Munich

The article provides insights into popular types of beer in Munich, such as Helles, Weißbier, Doppelbock, Festbier & Märzen, Radler, and their characteristics, historical context, and consumption traditions.

"The Big 6" Munich’s Main Breweries & Beers

The article profiles the six major breweries in Munich, including Paulaner, Augustiner, Hofbräu, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, and Löwenbräu, along with their signature beers, historical background, and best locations to experience their offerings.

Munich Beer Festivals and Events

The article highlights major beer festivals and events in Munich, such as Oktoberfest, Frühlingsfest, Starkbierfest, and Volksfests, providing details about their significance and cultural impact.

Munich Day Trips for Beer Drinkers

The article suggests various day trips for beer enthusiasts, including visits to Andechs Monastery Brewery, Weihenstephan Brewery, Tegernsee Brewery, Nuremberg Beer Cellars, Ayinger Brewery, Erdinger Brewery, and Bamberg for Rauchbier.

Brewery and Beer Tours in Munich

The article outlines brewery and beer tours in Munich, including those offered by Paulaner, Hofbräuhaus, Spaten, and microbreweries and craft beer establishments, providing details about tour experiences and locations.

Microbreweries and Craft Beer in Munich

The article introduces several microbreweries and craft beer establishments in Munich, such as Crew Republic, Giesinger Brew, Haderner Bräu, Hopfen Häcker, Tilmans Bier, and AirBraü, highlighting their unique offerings and contributions to Munich's beer scene.

Best Beer Halls & Beer Gardens in Munich

The article recommends various beer halls, beer gardens, pubs, and bars in Munich, such as Paulaner, Chinese Tower, Hirshau, Seehaus, Biergarten am Wiener Platz, Hofbrau, Tap Room, Frisches Beer, True Brew, The Crow Bar, and Scholars, providing insights into their ambiance and offerings.

This comprehensive coverage of Munich's beer culture and traditions demonstrates the rich history and diverse offerings that make Munich a global hub for beer enthusiasts.

Munich's Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers (2024)

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