What Is a Beer Garden?
The Biergarten is not just a place to drink beer — it is a cornerstone of Bavarian social life and a centuries-old tradition unique to Munich and the surrounding region. Dating back to the early 19th century, beer gardens were originally established by breweries to keep their underground beer cellars cool in summer. Chestnut trees were planted to provide shade, and gravel laid underfoot to keep the ground cool. Locals began gathering at these spots, and a tradition was born.
Today, Munich has over 100 beer gardens, ranging from small neighbourhood spots to sprawling venues seating several thousand guests.
How a Beer Garden Works
Most traditional Munich beer gardens operate on a self-service model for food and drinks. You collect a tray, queue at the counter, order your beer and food, pay, and find a seat at the communal long wooden tables. Bringing your own food is a long-standing tradition — look for signs indicating whether a garden allows it (most do, at the self-service tables).
Beer is typically served in a Maß — the iconic one-litre ceramic or glass mug. You may also order a Radler (beer mixed with lemonade) if you prefer something lighter.
Classic Beer Garden Food
- Obatzda: A spiced Bavarian cheese spread served with pretzels — an essential starter.
- Weißwurst: White veal sausages, traditionally eaten before noon, served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
- Steckerlfisch: Grilled fish on a stick, a surprisingly common beer garden staple.
- Hendl: Rotisserie half-chicken, golden and crispy.
- Brezn: The Bavarian pretzel — larger and chewier than you'll find anywhere else.
Notable Munich Beer Gardens
Englischer Garten — Chinesischer Turm
One of the most famous in the world, the beer garden at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden seats thousands and is buzzing on warm days. Expect a lively, international crowd.
Hirschgarten
Claimed to be one of the largest beer gardens in the world, Hirschgarten in the west of the city offers a more relaxed, local atmosphere — and a deer enclosure next door.
Augustiner-Keller
Run by Augustiner, Munich's oldest independent brewery, this is a favourite among locals. The atmosphere is authentic, the beer impeccable, and the chestnut trees magnificent.
Seehaus im Englischen Garten
Beautifully situated on the Kleinhesseloher See lake, this is one of Munich's most scenic spots for a summer afternoon beer.
Beer Garden Etiquette
- Communal seating is the norm — don't be shy about sitting next to strangers. It's perfectly normal and often leads to great conversations.
- Prost! — always clink glasses with everyone at the table and make eye contact when you toast.
- Don't tip excessively at self-service counters, though rounding up the bill is appreciated.
- Reserving tables is frowned upon unless you're a large group and have booked in advance.
- Dress casually — beer gardens are relaxed, informal places.
Beer gardens are open from late spring through autumn, weather permitting. Some of the larger ones have heated areas or continue into October for Oktoberfest season. If the sun is shining in Munich, there's nowhere better to be than under a chestnut tree with a cold Maß in hand.