People are sitting under chestnut trees in the beer garden Hirschgarten in Munich.

Königlicher Hirschgarten

Munich's biggest beer garden

Hirschgarten is a large park in the west of Munich. The 40-hectare park is also home to the city’s largest beer garden.

In actual fact, with around 8,000 seats, Königlicher Hirschgarten is the largest beer garden in Bavaria. Its history dates back to 1791, when the Elector Karl Theodor built the Jägerhaus (hunting lodge), a forerunner to today’s beer garden. The beer garden belongs to the historical house of the same name, in which the royal Wittelsbacher once celebrated their festivities. The cosy rooms can accommodate a total of 500 people - but this article will focus primarily on the places outside, in the sun or protected  under lovely shady trees.

As well as traditional specialities, like cool beer (Hirschgarten serves the Augustiner variety), Obazda (a special cheese dish), pretzels or grilled fish, there is another extra special attraction here. Right next door to the beer garden, there is a small wildlife park – a real highlight for children who can get up close to the animals.

Hirschgarten has been one of the most popular day trip destinations for Munichers since the end of the 18th century and is considered a combination of recreation area and gastronomy. In addition to the wildlife reserve, the park also has playgrounds, meadows, BBQ areas or small hills that are ideal for sledging in the winter. Adults can try curling on five courses from November to March. Every July, the park also draws in the crowds with its Magdalenenfest event, a small folk festival with fairground rides, sausage specialists and a wide array of stalls for shopping.

Video: simply beer garden

To get you in the mood for a day in one of the city's most beautiful beer gardens, you'll find reading material here: a beer graden guide, from the last sip in the glass and why everyone can take their own snack with them.

www.hirschgarten.de

 

 

Photo: Frank Stolle

Also interesting: There is nowhere better to enjoy the sunshine than in a beer garden – provided that you are familiar with the local customs. Ten survival tips.

A plate of obazda on a big pretzel.

How-to beer garden

10 things you should bear in mind in Munich's beer gardens.

There is nowhere better to enjoy the sunshine than in a beer garden – provided that you are familiar with the local customs. Ten survival tips.

A man with curly hair and business jacket is sitting on a bench in a beer garden in Munich. On the table besides him is mug of beer and a pretzel.

Beautiful beer gardens in and around Munich

While in other cities people sit at pavement cafes, when the sun comes out in Munich you'll find the locals in a beer garden enjoying a Mass of beer and a bite to eat. We know the best places to go.

While in other cities people sit at pavement cafes, when the sun comes out in Munich you'll find the locals in a beer garden enjoying a Mass of beer and a bite to eat. We know the best places to go.

A sign on top of a maypole in Munich that has the word beer garden on it.

Ja, Servus mitanand!

In the summer, everyone in Munich can agree on an evening in the beer garden. A typology of the typical beer gardeners.

In the summer, everyone in Munich can agree on an evening in the beer garden. From typical Bavarians to busy after-workers: some characters you will find again and again. A typology.

People in a beer garden at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich.

Munich's most central beer garden

Longterm residents of Munich and visitors from far and wide all meet up in the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt.

Workers on their lunch break, people meeting for after-work drinks, longterm residents of Munich and visitors from far and wide all meet up in the beer garden at Viktualienmarkt.

A lot of persons are sitting on benches in a beer garten in Munich at a lake and are talking to each other. In the foreground is a green leaf.

Take a break at the lake

Enjoy dining in restaurants? Or maybe you prefer a beer garden? You can enjoy both at Seehaus in the Englischer Garten. 

Enjoy dining in restaurants? Or maybe you prefer a beer garden? You can enjoy both at Seehaus in the Englischer Garten - including a romantic spot on the water.

The beer garden Augustiner-Keller in Munich with many visitors.

Tapped from wooden barrels

Augustiner-Keller is one of the true grandfathers of Munich’s beer garden scene. It lies hidden among some 100 chestnut trees, not far from the city’s main train station.

Augustiner-Keller is one of the true grandfathers of Munich’s beer garden scene. It lies hidden among some 100 chestnut trees, not far from the city’s main train station.

Two beer steins on a table in a beergarden in Munich at sunset.

Hofbräukeller

Located on the banks of the Isar river, Hofbräukeller is an institution in the Haidhausen district. Its history goes hand-in-hand with Munich’s beer-brewing tradition. 

Located on the banks of the Isar river, Hofbräukeller is an institution in the Haidhausen district. Its history goes hand-in-hand with Munich’s beer-brewing tradition. 

Chinese Tower in the Englischer Garten in Munich in autumn.

In the shade of the pagoda

The beer garden in the middle of the Englischer Garten is a popular spot for Munich's residents.

The beer garden in the middle of the Englischer Garten is not only a popular spot with locals. Tourists from around the world also love this green oasis.

People are sitting under chestnut trees in the beer garden Hirschgarten in Munich.

Munich's biggest beer garden

Hirschgarten is a large park in the west of Munich. The 40-hectare park is also home to the city’s largest beer garden.

Hirschgarten is a large park in the west of Munich. The 40-hectare park is also home to the city’s largest beer garden.

Tower and entrance of the Löwenbräukeller restaurant in Munich

A historic beer hall

Munich’s tavern culture has been thriving at Löwenbräukeller on Stiglmaierplatz square for over 130 years.

Munich’s tavern culture has been thriving at Löwenbräukeller on Stiglmaierplatz square for over 130 years.

Facade of the Hofbräuhaus in Munich.

The original comes from Munich

“In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus – oans, zwoa, g’suffa…” That is the opening line of the 1935 song that made the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl famous all over the world.

“In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus – oans, zwoa, g’suffa…” That is the opening line of the 1935 song that made the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl famous all over the world.

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