Munich is famous for Oktoberfest, but did you know the city has a beer festival with even stronger beer and far fewer tourists? Welcome to Starkbierfest, the Strong Beer Festival—Munich’s best-kept secret and a must-visit for anyone who loves Bavarian beer culture.
Held every spring during Lent, this festival celebrates Starkbier (strong beer), a traditional Bavarian brew with a high alcohol content and rich, malty flavors. Unlike Oktoberfest, which is all about big tents and mass tourism, Starkbierfest is a more authentic, local experience, filled with locals, live music, and liters of legendary starkbeers.
If you’re visiting Munich in spring, Starkbierfest is the perfect way to experience Bavarian beer culture without the Oktoberfest crowds. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Munich’s Strong Beer Festival.
The History of Starkbier – A Monk’s Survival Secret
Like many great beer stories in Germany, Starkbier was created by monks. In the 1600s, the Paulaner monks in Munich brewed a special, extra-strong beer to help them survive the fasting period of Lent. Since they weren’t allowed to eat solid food for weeks, they relied on this rich, calorie-heavy beer—essentially “liquid bread”—to keep them nourished.And until today the term „liquid bread“ for beer is settled deep in the hearts of Bavarians.
The Paulaner monks called it Salvator, meaning “the savior.” And with an alcohol content of 7% or more, it certainly did the job!
The tradition stuck, and today, breweries across Munich continue to brew their own versions of this legendary strong beer, always ending the name with “-ator” (like Maximator, Triumphator, or Animator). And yes, there were ideas to name a strong beer „Terminator“, but due to rights problems, this never happened in Bavaria.
Every year, Starkbierfest celebrates the centuries-old tradition of brewing strong beer, bringing locals together for beer, food, music, and Bavarian Gemütlichkeit.
What is Starkbier? And Why is it So Dangerous?
Starkbier isn’t just strong in alcohol—it’s rich, smooth, much sweeter than regular lager beer and therefore dangerously drinkable. Here’s what makes it special:
High Alcohol Content – Ranging from 7% to 12%, Starkbier is twice as strong as regular Bavarian beers like Helles (lager).
Malty & Sweet Flavor – Unlike the crisp taste of a Pilsner, Starkbier has a full-bodied, caramel-like sweetness with hints of dark fruits and toffee.
Surprisingly Smooth – Despite its strength, it goes down way too easily, making it easy to underestimate its power. After one liter, you’ll definitely feel the warmth or you are already tipsy, depending on how good your body can stand alcohol.
My tip:Don’t chug Starkbier like a normal beer! It’s meant to be sipped and enjoyed. Many first-timers don’t realize how strong it is—until it’s too late. And you don’t want to end in hospital, do you?
Where to Celebrate Starkbierfest in Munich
Unlike Oktoberfest, which takes place in huge outdoor tents, Starkbierfest happens in traditional beer halls and breweries across the city. So there is not one festival ground and alsonot every beer hall takes part. Usually the big beer halls, which are owned by the local „big 6“ the six traiditional breweries of Munich.
Here are the best places to experience it:
Paulaner am Nockherberg – The Original & Biggest Starkbierfest
If you want the full Starkbier experience, Paulaner am Nockherberg or just Nockerberg is the place to be. This is where Starkbierfest has its roots, and it’s still the biggest and liveliest celebration in Munich.
Traditional Bavarian brass bands playing rowdy drinking songs
The atmosphere is incredibly fun, loud, and full of locals, but also more and more tourists in Lederhosen and Dirndls. If you love the Oktoberfest vibe but want something more authentic, this is the festival for you.
Augustiner Keller – A More Traditional, Local Experience
For a more relaxed, but way more traditional experience, head to Augustiner Keller near Munich’s Main Station, one of the oldest and most beloved beer halls. This is where locals go to enjoy Starkbier without the big crowds. If you want to experience Starkbierfest like a real Münchner, this is your spot.
Starkbier: Maximator (7.5% alc.)
Brewery: Augustiner
location style: traditional beer hall with stage or the Lagerkeller (beer cellar), which is a cozy brick cellar with a small stage and only a few tables.
Guests: companies, locals and a good mix of young and elder people.
Löwenbräukeller – A Party Atmosphere with Live Music
For those who love live music, dancing, and a lively crowd, Löwenbräukeller is a fantastic choice. This beer hall is famous for its big bands, fun party atmosphere, and energetic crowd.