The Viktualienmarkt – Munich’s attitude to life

It is the ideal place to enjoy a light meal with Bavarian and international delicacies, relax for a while under the shade of the large chestnut trees, or pick up a typical Munich souvenir for loved ones back home. If you are visiting our beautiful city, you should definitely not miss the colorful hustle and bustle of this famous market.

Vendors & Delicacies at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich

More than 150 vendors delight locals and visitors from all over the world across two hectares of market space with a wide variety of culinary specialties, including:

• fine and rare cheeses
• gourmet delicacies
• fresh fish
• a wide selection of meats and sausages
• countless honey specialties
• international wines
• flowers in every color and shape
• Italian delicacies and gourmet products in the Schrannenhalle

These and many other highlights can be found at the market stalls. Here, you will truly discover everything a food lover could wish for.

The History of the Viktualienmarkt in Munich - From a Farmers’ Market at Marienplatz to a Gourmet Paradise

The Viktualienmarkt now looks back on more than 200 years of history and has become one of Munich’s most iconic landmarks.

The first market stalls, known locally as “Standl,” appeared in 1807 — at that time still located on the famous Marienplatz. Back then, it was merely a trading place for grain and other agricultural products. As the number of visitors grew, so did the number of vendors. Over time, the lively market atmosphere became something Munich’s residents no longer wanted to live without. Eventually, however, Marienplatz became too small. King Max I Joseph therefore decided to relocate the market to the area in front of the Heilig-Geist-Kirche, today’s location of the Viktualienmarkt.

Why Is It Called “Viktualienmarkt”?

During the Second World War, the Viktualienmarkt suffered a devastating low point and was almost completely destroyed. What followed was a lengthy rebuilding process. The character of the market changed significantly: permanent stalls were constructed, and the market was divided into seven sections according to the goods being sold.

At that time, the place was still known as the “Green Market.” Eventually, however, it received its current name: Viktualienmarkt. The name derives from the Latin word victus, meaning “food” or “provisions.”

Platzl Hotel Munich – Insider Tip: Viktualienmarkt

As a hotel near Munich’s Marienplatz, the Platzl Hotel is the perfect starting point for your stroll through the city.

Our tip after a long day of sightseeing: stop by the charming beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt for a freshly tapped “Halbe” and a true taste of Munich’s cozy atmosphere. One particularly special feature is the constantly changing selection of beers. At the “Biergarten am Viktualienmarkt,” beers from all Munich breweries are served.

But it’s not only the city’s finest beers you can enjoy here in the heart of Munich. The beer garden has another unique appeal. According to Bavarian beer garden tradition, guests are allowed to bring and enjoy their own food. Conveniently, the Viktualienmarkt surrounds you with tempting gourmet foods and Mediterranean specialties. Simply choose your favorites from the nearby market stalls and take them into the beer garden with you. Of course, the beer garden itself also serves the classics of a traditional Bavarian “Brotzeit.” It’s pure Munich lifestyle.

And by the way — from the Viktualienmarkt, you practically only have to “fall over” before you are back in your room at the Platzl Hotel Munich.

Attractions Near Viktualienmarkt in Munich

The Viktualienmarkt is located right in the heart of Munich. Across the square, six memorial fountains commemorate famous Munich folk singers and actors. In the immediate vicinity, you will also find four additional major sights of Munich:

• Marienplatz
• Heilig-Geist-Kirche
• Alter Peter (with its 91-meter tower and panoramic views across the city)
• Old Town Hall

6 Culinary Tips at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich

With such a huge variety of offerings, choosing where to stop can be difficult. Here are six of our favorite market stalls:

• Potato lovers will feel especially at home at “Uwe’s Kartoffelstandl” where more than 40 different potato varieties are offered.
• Excellent organic fruit and vegetables can be found at “Trübenecker.”
• At “Exotenmüller,” the name says it all — exotic fruits and vegetables everywhere you look.
• “Die saure Ecke,” one of the oldest stalls at the Viktualienmarkt, offers Mediterranean specialties and some of the best pickled cucumbers in town.
• At “Fisch-Witte,” the Witte family serves fresh delicacies from all seven seas.
• And of course, there is “Bäckerliesl,” famous for its outstanding crusty bread. Until a few years ago, Elisabeth Forstner — the Viktualienmarkt’s oldest vendor at over 80 years old — stood behind the counter here. Today, her grandniece continues selling the fine baked goods of this Viktualienmarkt icon.

Important Information About the Viktualienmarkt Munich

Opening Hours

Each vendor decides independently on their opening hours. Generally, however, the stalls are open as follows:

• Market stalls: Monday to Saturday (some also on Sundays), 8 am to 8 pm
• Beer garden: Open year-round — weather permitting — Monday to Saturday (and on sunny Sundays), 9 am to 10 pm

Events at the Viktualienmarkt

• Dance of the Market Women on Shrove Tuesday
• The Summer Festival (always at the end of July / beginning of August)

Find more information on the official website.

Getting There

You can reach the Viktualienmarkt via all Munich S-Bahn lines. The U3 and U6 subway lines stop at Marienplatz. From the “Marienplatz” station, the Viktualienmarkt is just 150 meters away and can be reached within a two-minute walk. There is also a direct bus connection via bus line 152, which stops directly at the Viktualienmarkt. Simply step off the bus and you are immediately in the middle of the action.

Guests staying at the Platzl Hotel Munich can reach Marienplatz in less than five minutes on foot.