MUNICH'S BEER GARDENS - THE EPITOME OF THE MUNICH WAY OF LIFE
Beer gardens are an integral part of Munich's open-air season. Here, people of all ages get together to enjoy each other‘s company. The beer gardens are a meeting place for different nationalities and languages, and the long benches make it easy to make friends with beer lovers from all over the world. In Munich's beer gardens you can expect a relaxed atmosphere, hearty food and, of course, cool Bavarian beer from traditional beer mugs. This combination makes the beer gardens of our beautiful metropolis the ideal place to linger and enjoy. Join us on a brief journey through the history of beer gardens and discover some of the best in the city.
Beer Garden Feeling at the Platzl Hotels
If you are looking for beautiful beer gardens in the heart of the city, our Platzl Hotels are the place to be. Our tavern garden at the Ayinger in der Au invites you to enjoy a relaxing evening. Up to 200 guests can drink, feast, and enjoy themselves under the open sky. This fantastic location is also ideal for parties and celebrations of all kinds, from birthday parties to weddings. Our Wirtsgarten is even weatherproof. If it rains, it is simply covered - so your evening or celebration will never be ruined.
A beer garden atmosphere also awaits you at Ayinger am Platzl. It may not have a beer garden, but when the weather is nice you can dine on the terrace and enjoy the fresh air in good company.
Tip: The beer garden is not just for drinking beer. Be sure to try our signature drink: the Spatzl - our delicious answer to the popular Aperol Spritz.
The History of Munich’s Beer Gardens
The history of Munich's beer gardens dates back to the 19th century. They were established at a time when people drank mainly bottom-fermented beer, which could only be brewed during winter. For this reason, deep cellars were built, first on the slopes of the Isar and later in the city centre, to keep the beer cool in the summer. In addition, gravel was spread to maintain the temperature in the cellar and chestnut trees were planted to provide shade. As beer quickly went bad in warmer temperatures, it was usually drunk on the premises. This was the origin of the first beer gardens in Munich. Only a few of these cellar beer gardens still exist today.
Beer Garden or “Wirtsgarten“ (Tavern Garden)?
There are many beer gardens and 'tavern gardens' in Munich. But what's the difference? Traditionally, the so-called "Bavarian beer garden principle" applies to beer gardens in Munich, as it does throughout Bavaria. This means that guests can bring their own food. Only the drinks must be bought on site. It is also possible to buy various Bavarian specialities at one of the self-service counters. At first glance, a tavern garden is very similar to a beer garden, but unlike in a beer garden, the food is served at the table, and you are not allowed to bring your own food.
Popular Beer Gardens in Munich
The beautiful English Garden, one of the largest city parks in the world, is home to many beer gardens. The most famous of these is the one at the Chinese Tower. Despite its 7,000 seats, it is difficult to get a free seat at weekends due to its popularity. A special highlight is the brass band on the first floor of the Chinese Tower. It provides the perfect background music on Wednesdays from 4pm, Saturdays from 1pm and Sundays from 12pm.
Another popular beer garden in the English Garden is the Hirschau Beer Garden. It has 2,500 seats and a large adventure playground for younger guests. Many cyclists stop here to enjoy a refreshing cold beer and a Bavarian snack. The beer garden is open daily from 11am to 11pm, weather permitting.
In Munich's Ostpark you will find another wonderful beer garden, the Michaeligarten. Not only can you enjoy a cold beer and delicious pretzels, but you can also dangle your feet in the water - the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day. As this beer garden is (still) a little less well known, you can almost always find a seat.
Popular Tavern Gardens in Munich
Situated in the heart of Schwabing, the Kaisergarten has over 100 years of history and offers a refined cuisine, inspired by Bavarian cuisine but with influences from all over the world. The beautiful tavern garden, with its ancient, shady chestnut trees, is open daily from 10am to 1am in fine weather and is always worth a visit.
Another traditional tavern garden in Schwabing is the Osterwaldgarten. Opened in 1874, it is one of the oldest pubs in Old Schwabing and was once frequented by Duke Max of Bavaria. In the garden there are comfortable seats under the chestnut trees. Open daily from 10am to 11pm during the summer months.
