The 6 Traditional Breweries of Munich – A Guide to Munich Beer Culture

Munich and Bavaria is known worldwide for its rich brewing tradition and iconic beer culture. While the city boasts countless beer gardens, halls, and festivals, only six breweries hold the prestigious status of being official Munich breweries—a title that means they adhere to the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law of 1516) and are permitted to serve beer at the legendary Oktoberfest.

Each of these breweries has a unique history, signature brews, and legendary beer halls where locals and visitors alike can experience true Bavarian beer culture. Whether you prefer a crisp Helles, a malty Dunkel, or a strong Bockbier, Munich’s breweries have something for every beer lover.

Let’s explore the six traditional Munich breweries and what makes each of them special!

Augustiner-Bräu – Munich’s Oldest and Most Beloved Brewery

Founded: 1328
Best Place to Visit: Augustiner-Keller (Arnulfstraße 52)
Must-Try Beer: Augustiner Helles (5.2% alc. vol.) and Augustiner Helles Alkoholfrei (non alcoholic).

 

If you ask locals which Munich beer is the best, many will passionately say „Augustiner“. Founded in 1328 by monks of the St. Augustine order, Augustiner-Bräu is Munich’s oldest brewery and remains independent to this day. Unlike other big breweries, it still stores and serves its beer in wooden barrels, giving it a smooth, naturally carbonated taste.

 

The brewery’s flagship beer, Augustiner Helles, is a light, crisp, and slightly malty lager, considered by many to be the best lager in Bavaria. If you want to experience Augustiner at its finest, visit Augustiner-Keller, one of the city’s most famous beer gardens with massive chestnut trees and an authentic Bavarian atmosphere. But there are a bunch of brewery owned traditional beer halls in Munich where you can taste Augustiner Helles. For example

  • Augustiner Keller
  • Augustiner Stammhaus
  • Augustiner Klosterwirt
  • Augustiner Am Dom
  • Augustiner am Platzl
  • Augustiner Bräustuben
  • Augustiner Bürgerheim
  • Augustiner beer tent at Oktoberferst

Despite its popularity, Augustiner maintains a deep connection to its roots. The brewery still follows traditional brewing methods, avoiding excessive automation and mass production. This dedication to quality over quantity is one of the reasons why people say, Augustiner beer tastes fresher and more balanced than many of its competitors.

Another special feature of Augustiner is its strong community ties. Augustiner supports local events, charities, and cultural initiatives in Munich. Drinking an Augustiner isn’t just about enjoying great beer—it’s about becoming part of a centuries-old tradition that remains deeply embedded in the city’s identity.

 

Fun facts:

  • The letters J. W. in the Augustiner logo stand for Josef Wagner, the son of Anton and Therese Wagner, who bought the Augustiner brewery from the state. He and his mother tried to change the brewery to a modern buisness with the use of steam engines, and newly invented cooling facilities.
  • Augustiner uses hops and barley from the regions around Munich.
  • The Augustiner brewery is the only brewery in Munich and maybe Geermany that still uses wooden barrels to transport beer. 

Paulaner – Home of the Famous Salvator Doppelbock

Founded: 1634

Best Place to Visit: Paulaner am Nockherberg
Must-Try Beer: Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock (7.9% alc. vol.)

 

Founded by Paulaner monks in 1634, this brewery is known for its strong beer (Salvator) and smooth lagers. The monks originally brewed beer to sustain themselves during Lent, leading to the creation of Salvator (Savior), a rich, malty beer with a deep caramel flavor and high alcohol content. Today, it’s the highlight of Starkbierfest, Munich’s lesser-known but beloved Strong Beer Festival.

Paulaner’s Helles and Weißbier (wheat beer) are also quite popular. If you want to immerse yourself in Bavarian beer culture, visit Paulaner am Nockherberg, where you can enjoy traditional food, live music, and fresh Paulaner beer straight from the brewery.

One of the reasons for Paulaner’s success is its commitment to innovation while still honoring tradition. The brewery has expanded internationally and is one of the best-selling German beer brands worldwide. Despite this, they maintain strict quality control, ensuring that the beer you drink in Munich tastes just as authentic as it did centuries ago.

Beyond beer, Paulaner is also famous for its vibrant beer hall atmosphere. The Nockherberg location is especially popular during Strong Beer season.

 

Paulaner also tries to be a modern brand for younger people. This can be seen in commericals where young people are depicted as well as sometimes also well known soccer stars of the FC Bayern Munich promote non-alcoholic beers from Paulaner.

Hacker-Pschorr – A Brewery with 600 Years of Tradition

Founded: 1417
Best Place to Visit: Hackerhaus
Must-Try Beer: Hacker-Pschorr Münchner Gold (5.5% alc. vol.)

 

Hacker-Pschorr, founded in 1417 as the Hacker-brewery, is one of Munich’s most historic breweries, with roots going back to the Middle Ages. It was originally two separate breweries—Hacker and Pschorr—until they merged in the 1970s.

Their Münchner Gold is a beautifully balanced Helles (lager) with a slightly stronger malt body than others, making it a favorite among locals. It is easy drinkable because of its refreshing taste.

 

If you love history, Hackerhaus, the brewery’s original headquarters, offers an authentic old-world beer hall experience in the heart of Munich.

One unique aspect of Hacker-Pschorr is its strong connection to Oktoberfest. The brewery was a pioneer in creating large beer tents, and its beers have been a staple of the festival for centuries. When you drink a Hacker-Pschorr beer at Oktoberfest, you’re truly experiencing a piece of history.

Hacker-Pschorr is also committed to sustainability, using locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly brewing practices. Their dedication to preserving both tradition and the environment makes them a favorite among conscious beer drinkers.

 

Fun facts:

  • At Oktoberfest the Hacker-Pschorr brewery still un-merges and has two beer tents. The Hacker tent  called Himmel der Bayern (Heaven of the Bavarians) and the Pschorr Bräurosl tent.
  • Hacker-Pschorr again uses the flip-top or also called the Quillfeldt stopper, a type of bottle seal which can be reused and the bottle can be sealed again after drinking a sip, making it more transportable. The flip-top, used by many breweries, became unpopular in the 1980s due to high production  costs. Hacker-Pschorr re-introduced the flip-top in the early 2000s which became a huge success amongst younger beer drinkers.

Hofbräu – The Royal Brewery with a Worldwide Reputation

Founded: 1589
Best Place to Visit: Hofbräuhaus München (the one and only in the world)
Must-Try Beer: Hofbräu Original (5.1% alc. vol.)

 

No brewery represents Munich’s beer culture on an international level quite like Hofbräu. Founded in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm the fifth of Bavaria, Hofbräu was originally a ducal brewery that produced beer exclusively for the Bavarian duke and his court. Over time, it became one of the most famous breweries in the world, known for its smooth lagers, historic beer halls, and legendary Oktoberfest tent.

The best way to experience Hofbräu is at its iconic beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus, which has been welcoming guests for centuries. This historic beer palace is the heart of Munich’s beer culture, where visitors can enjoy live Bavarian music, hearty Bavarian food, and of course, Hofbräu beer served in massive 1-liter mugs. The atmosphere is electric, with locals and tourists alike raising their steins in a lively, communal setting.

Hofbräu’s signature beer, Hofbräu Original, is a classic Munich Helles (lager), known for its mild hop character, crisp finish, and smooth drinkability. Another must-try is their Hofbräu Dunkel, a rich, malty dark lager that was once the standard beer of Bavaria before pale lagers took over. For those visiting in spring, their strong and malty Maibock is a seasonal favorite that packs a punch with 7.2% alc. vol.. As the name says, it is available during the month of May.

 

Despite its massive global recognition, Hofbräu remains deeply rooted in Bavarian tradition. Every year, their Hofbräu Oktoberfest tent attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience the ultimate beer festival atmosphere. The brewery is also known for its role in Bavarian political history—the Hofbräuhaus was famously the meeting place of key political figures over the centuries, making it a site of cultural and historical importance.

Fun Fact:

  • Hofbräu is a state owned brewery. The official name is „Staatliches Hofbräuhaus München“ which translates to „state owned court-brewery Munich“. So every beer you drink and every you pork knuckle you finish, supports the state of Bavaria.
  • Hofbräu is famous among tourists, because it is recognized worldwide. If you like to visit one of the most touristy places in Munich, Hofbräuhaus is the place to be. The lesser touristy option would be Hofbräukeller in Haidhausen district.

Spaten-Franziskaner – The Pioneers of Munich’s Beer Culture

Founded: 1397
Best Place to Visit: Spatenhaus an der Oper
Must-Try Beer: Spaten Helles (5.2% alc. vol.)

 

Spaten is a name that resonates deeply in the history of Bavarian brewing. Founded in 1397, it is one of Munich’s oldest breweries, but its true claim to fame came in 1894 when Spaten introduced the first-ever Munich Helles (lager). This golden, easy-drinking lager would go on to become the most popular beer style in Bavaria, setting the standard for what we know as Munich’s signature beer today.

One of Spaten’s most famous slogans is „Lass Dir raten, trinke Spaten“ („Take my advice, drink Spaten“), and it’s easy to see why. Their Spaten Helles is smooth, crisp, and slightly malty, making it the perfect beer for any occasion. 

The Franziskaner name, often associated with Spaten, represents their famous wheat beer (Weißbier) line. Franziskaner Weißbier is one of Germany’s most beloved hefeweizens, known for its aroma, creamy mouthfeel, and refreshing finish. If you’re a fan of wheat beer, this is a must-try while in Munich.

 

For an authentic experience, head to Spatenhaus an der Oper, a traditional Bavarian restaurant and beer hall right next to the Munich Opera House. Here, you can pair a stein of Spaten with classic dishes like Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) and Käsespätzle (Bavarian cheese noodles) while enjoying a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

Spaten is also a key player in Oktoberfest, hosting one of the largest tents, the Schottenhamel Festhalle, where the Mayor of Munich officially taps the first keg to open the festival. This tradition, dating back to 1950, marks the official start of Oktoberfest with the famous words: „O’zapft is!“ („It’s tapped!“).

 

Fun fact:

  • Spaten is translated to English as „shovel“. And indeed, the logo of this brewery shows a shovel.
  • Spaten-Franziskaner has a joint venture with the Löwenbräu brewery (see below). The breweries are right next to each other.

Löwenbräu – The Lion of Munich’s Beer Scene

Founded: 1383
Best Place to Visit: Löwenbräukeller
Must-Try Beer: Löwenbräu Original (5.2% alc. vol.)

 

Löwenbräu, meaning „Lion’s Brewery“, is a brewery with a rich heritage dating back to 1383. With its iconic blue and gold lion logo, it is one of the most recognizable beer brands from Munich. Löwenbräu’s beers are known for their clean, crisp flavors and adherence to traditional brewing techniques.

Their Löwenbräu Original is a classic Munich Helles with a slightly stronger hop bitterness than some of its competitors, making it an excellent choice for those who like a bit more flavor complexity in their lager. Another standout is Löwenbräu Triumphator, a strong and malty strong beer that showcases the brewery’s skill in crafting rich, full-bodied beers.

 

For an unforgettable beer experience, visit Löwenbräukeller, a grand beer hall with both an indoor Wirtshaus (traditional restaurant) and an expansive outdoor beer garden. Located near the Stiglmaierplatz, this venue is a local favorite, offering both traditional Bavarian cuisine and seasonal beer specialties in a historic setting.

Löwenbräu is also deeply connected to Oktoberfest. Their massive Oktoberfest tent, Löwenbräu-Festzelt, is easy to find—it’s the one with the giant roaring lion bove the entrance (yes, he roars every five minutes: „Lllööööwwweeenbräääuuu“), welcoming thousands of visitors every year. Inside, the atmosphere is lively, with traditional Bavarian brass bands, beer steins clinking, and a sea of visitors in Dirndl and Lederhosen celebrating Bavarian culture.

One of the brewery’s most fascinating traditions is its historic connection to Munich’s medieval brewing scene. In the past, Löwenbräu was one of the few breweries allowed to brew strong beers for the city’s monks during fasting periods. This long-standing connection to religious and royal institutions solidified Löwenbräu’s reputation as one of Munich’s most respected breweries.

 

Fun facts:

  • Löwenbräu started early to go international. So Löwenbräu is and was the most recognized brewery in other countries.
  • The Rock Band Mötley Crüe had the idea of using the ö and ü after having a few Löwenbräu beers.
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