Munich: Beer Gardens and Oktoberfest

Munich is well known for beer so I’ve decided that I would approach this subject on its own with insights on beer gardens and beer halls. I will discuss, Oktoberfest, which we will not make, but if you do please comment, let me know how it was and what you enjoyed. Until then have a beer on me, Prost!

OKTOBERFEST

It is a folk festival that runs from 16 to 18 days mid or late September to the first weekend in October. It is a popular event with over six million people coming every year.

The event began when King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, since then the locals have kept up the festivities.

Oktoberfest is located at Theresienwiese festival grounds near downtown Munich. It begins at noon on the first Saturday of Oktoberfest when the mayor taps the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel tent and declares to the crowds O’Zaptf is!” Then the beer starts to flow in the beer tents.

The next day there is a parade with traditional costumes through Munich. On the first Sunday a traditional religious Oktoberfest mass followed by a concert of Oktoberfest brass-bands at the feet of the Bavaria monument.

On the last Sunday of the festival a traditional gun-salute is done at the steps of the Bavaria monument. The festival also includes rides, a flea circus, a mobile bar on a carousel for adults only and a cabaret show.

Address: Theresienwiese, Bavariaring, 80336 München

MUNICH BEER GARDENS

Biergarten am Viktualienmarkt

Beer garden among the market stalls of the Viktualienmarkt that serves beer from different breweries in Munich in a six-week rotation and has classic self-service dishes. On Sundays you can listen to traditional bands. Brunnenfest happens here on the first Friday in August.

Hours: 9 am – 10 pm, Closed on Sundays.

Address: Viktualienmarkt 9, 80331 München, Germany

Wirtshaus am Bavariapark

It can hold up to 1,200 people and the restaurant serve traditional Bavarian fare in a self-service area.

Hours: Monday – Friday 11 am – 12 am; Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 12 am.

Address: Theresienhöhe 15, 80339 München, Germany

Chinesischer Turm

The beer garden is located in the Englischer Garten near the Chinese Tower. It is close to the university and attracts young crowds with park visitors and tourist. Brass bands play on the first floor of the pagoda on the weekend. Nearby you can find a play area and old wooden carousel.

Hours: 11:30 am – 6 pm

Address: Englischer Garten 3, 80538 München, Germany

Taxisgarten

Neighborhood beer garden in Neuhasen among the chestnut and ash trees. A playground is nearby. Check the website for opening and closing dates of the beergarden.

Address: Taxisstraße 12, 80637 München, Germany

Augustiner-Keller

A landmark restaurant that has a large beer garden and hall, serves Bavarian and international dishes. It opened for business in 1812 and can seat up to 5,000 people. Like most beer gardens there is a self-service area where you are welcome to bring your own food in addition to a serviced area. It includes a play area. Make sure to try the Augustiner Edelstoff on tap from wooden barrels.

Hours: 10 am -12 am

Address: Arnulfstraße 52, 80335 München, Germany

Seehaus

The beer garden is in the Englischer Garten and on the shores of the Kleinhesseloher See. It has a mixed crowd of young and old alike. Seating is available for 2,500. Food stalls sell traditional beer garden meals. A restaurant is also on the grounds.

Hours: Summer 11 am – 1 am and open during the off-season depending on the weather.

Address: Kleinhesselohe 3, 80802 München, Germany

Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz

A large beer garden that serves Hofbräuhaus beer along with a classic Bavarian restaurant in a neo-Renaissance building. The Wiener Platz has a lively market square with stalls, shops and cafes. It has about 1,400 seats.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 11 pm, sometimes until midnight, although the last beer is served at 10: 30 pm.

Address: Innere Wiener Straße 19, 81667 München, Germany

Königlicher Hirschgarten

The largest beer garden in Munich with capacity for 8,000. On tap is Augustiner Edelstoff. You can see deer in the Hirschgarten behind the beer garden. You can also have a meal in the restaurant here.

Hours: Daily 10 am – 12 am

Address: Hirschgarten 1, 80639 München, Germany

Aumeister Restaurant und Biergarten im Englischen Garten

Aumeister restaurant and beer garden on the north side of the English Garden. The restaurant is in a refined 19th century house with Bavarian and Mediterranean dishes. They serve seasonal beers. Parasols provide shade on the Mediterranean terrace.

Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 11 am – 11 pm; from Oct. 4 – Easter open from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays; from Oct. 4- Easter, Closed Mondays.

Address: Sondermeierstraße 1, 80939 München, Germany

Zum Flaucher

In the southern Sendling area of Munich, it is on the banks of the Isar River and near an Isar beach. It attracts sunbathers as well as cyclists and families. Serves Lowenbrau.

Hours: Daily 12 – 11:30 pm

Address: Isarauen 8, 81379 München, Germany