Editor Picks: The Best Munich Brewery & Beer Tours

Munich’s reputation as one of the beer capitals of the world is well deserved and evidenced in the huge number of brewery and beer tours the city has to offer.

beer tours munich

(Photo: GetYourGuide.com)

The Oktoberfest festival may only come along once a year, but the atmosphere of beer-fuelled conviviality endures in Munich all year round. Yet you could spend weeks in the Bavarian capital and barely touch the surface of Munich’s vibrant beer scene. But for a small taste of it, why not join a Munich brewery or beer tour? There are several companies based in the city providing such tours and we’ve chosen five of the best below.

Munich’s Beer Halls and Breweries

When it comes to drinking establishments in Munich, visitors are spoilt for choice. This 3.5-hour tour takes the decision-making out of your hands by taking you on a whistle stop journey around some of the city’s most acclaimed beer halls and breweries, including Germany’s oldest commercial brewery. Taking place on foot, your guide will navigate you through the city streets on your way to visit such notable institutions as the world-famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall. During each stop-off you’ll learn about the venue’s history and the secrets behind its beer-making techniques. There’ll also be time to sample the local brew as well as some traditional German dishes. The tour price includes your guide, all entrance fees and two complimentary beers. From Є35 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Small-Group Munich Beer Tour and Bavarian Bites

beer tours munich

(Photo: Viator.com)

Run and organised by renowned local company Fork & Walk Tours Munich, this small-group tour invites visitors on an intimate gastronomic odyssey complete with lashings of beer and food. During the 3.5-hour guided tour, you’ll receive personalised treatment as you hear stories and discover brews and traditional Bavarian delicacies dating back centuries. There’ll be stop-offs at various acclaimed drinking and dining spots, as well as the chance to look around the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, one of the city’s best cultural venues and an important protector of its long-standing beer-brewing legacy. The tour ends in the buzzing bar quarter of Munich, as you dive head first into the local nightlife scene. All alcoholic drinks, snacks and dinner are included in the tour price. From Є140 per person.

Book at Viator

Munich’s Original Pub Crawl

beer tours munich

If you’re struggling to decide where to settle down for a hard night’s drinking in Munich, then how about simplifying matters by embarking on a full-blown pub crawl? This 3.5-hour tour introduces visitors to the city’s legendary pub, bar and club scene in a fun and friendly atmosphere where you’re certain to make friends. Accompanied by a party-loving – but ever-the-professional – guide, you’ll take in three of the city’s hippest watering holes where you’ll sink some welcome shots and spend some time before moving on to the next. The revelry ends in a club where you’re welcome to party long into the night – and beyond. The tour price includes free entry to all venues and free shots. From Є25 per person.

Hofbräuhaus Tour

beer tours munich

Of all Munich’s myriad of pubs, only one is internationally famous – the Hofbräuhaus. On this one-hour guided tour you’ll learn all about its history, including quirky facts and anecdotes, during an exclusive and behind-the-scenes visit. You’ll even gain access to the Hofbräuhaus ballroom, which is usually only open in the evening. At the end of the tour you’ll get to enjoy a “Mass” (one litre) of beer. The tour price includes your local guide, beer, and special Hofbräuhaus coin to take away as a souvenir. From Є25 per person.

An Evening of Bavarian Beer and Food Culture

beer tours munich

Immerse yourself in Bavarian beer and culinary culture during this 3-hour tour, where you’ll get to sample some of the region’s best food and drink. In the company of a friendly, English-speaking local guide, you’ll discover why and how Bavaria became the beer capital of the world. You’ll join an exclusive private tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, get to try out several different beer varieties, as well as traditional food including Weisswurst (white sausage), dumpling, roast pork and more. The tour culminates with a visit to the world renowned Hofbräuhaus. All venue entrance fees, plus food and drink, is included in the tour price. From Є43 per person.

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Munich’s Best Breweries, Beer, and Beer Culture: Ultimate Guide for Beer Lovers

munich beer and brewery guide and tours

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Last updated on December 15th, 2021 at 11:48 am

With nearly 1,000 years of brewing tradition in Bavaria, the brewers in and around Munich have fine-tuned their craft and growing a global reputation. In fact, 6 million people come from 40 countries around the world just to attend Oktoberfest. Alongside Munich’s major breweries and despite Germany’s strict purity laws, craft breweries are starting to emerge in Munich, bringing fresh flavors to the beer scene here in Munich. We’ll begin by exploring some of the history, culture, and traditions of Bavaria’s relationship with beer, including some facts and prices. Then I’ll profile the six biggest breweries in Munich – known as the “The Big 6”, help you plan the best brewery tours, day trips, and beer-related activities, and finally uncover emerging craft beers.

A Brief History of Beer in Munich

The Munich area is home to the world’s oldest brewery still in action, dating back to 700 AD. So, it is safe to say that Munich’s beer history is long and embedded in their culture. But, to make a long story short-ish, most breweries in Munich have religious roots. Monks living in monasteries were the first brew masters. Churches would use beer as incentives to encourage people to attend church, with many German receiving free beer on Sunday and other religious events. Religious roots still exist today, and Starbierfest is an event during lent to drink strong Doppel beer during the fasting period.

It wasn’t long before the royalty got involved in the profitable beer industry, and beer was soon taxed to provide income for the royal families and government. Production quickly spread to prominent families that owned restaurants, and the brewing industry boomed.

munich beer and breweries history

The Purity Law

Along with it, many laws and regulations began to govern brewing. In 1516 a law was passed that beer must be made with only barley, hops, water (yeast was later added), or it could not be called beer. This law still exists today here in Germany. If any additional ingredients are used in the brewing process, such as orange, sugar, or chocolate, it can not legally be called beer. If you’re thinking about some of those German craft beers you’ve tried and are confused, brewers can use the official name for the brew, such as IPA, Stout, etc., but it can’t be called beer.This ensures the highest quality of beer is being produced in Munich.

Beer Gardens

munich beer garden

In the 1500s, a law was passed that beer could not be brewed in the summer months as lack of refrigeration reduced the quality of beer made in the summer. Legally beer was only brewed from the end of September to the end of April using a bottom-fermenting technique with yeast capable of fermenting in cold temperatures. This practice was called lagern, which is why bottom-fermented beers are called lagers.

Brewers needed a place to store their beer in a cool area during the summer months, so they dug out cellars and planted chestnut trees above the area to keep the beer below cool. They used this outdoor space to sell beer, and thus the beer garden was born! Many restaurants complained the breweries were putting them out of business, so a law was passed that people were able to bring their own food to beer gardens, which is still encouraged today.

World War II

Munich’s beer history even plays a prominent role in WWII history. Hitler’s famous Beer Hall Putsch happened in Munich, as he attempted to take over the Bavarian government and occupied a local beer hall the Bürgerbräukeller. Hilter also often met with his closest Nazi allies in the historic Hofbräuhaus, which still stands today. However, after the war, Munich’s booming beer industry crashed, with many breweries closing their doors causing international exports to decline as the economy struggled.

Munich’s beer scene was able to recover and now generates billions of Euros to the Munich and German economy. Oktoberfest alone generates around 1.2 billion in two weeks. Many of Munich’s elite families developed their status thanks for their involvement in the beer industry from owning Oktoberfest tents, operating breweries, or owning a Keller serving beer from one of Munich’s six most famous breweries.

Beer Etiquette & Traditions

Say “prost”.

When cheersing in Munich, you must tap beer glasses with everyone individually at your table – and while making eye contact, say, “Prost!” (Pro sst). Germans rarely make eye contact, but this is a crucial part of drinking beer. No one really knows why you make eye contact, but everyone will tell you that if you don’t, you will have 7 years of bad sex. Typically you should wait for everyone to have a beer before clinking glasses and saying prost.

Stay Friendly

A lot of cultures associate drinking with violence, however here in Munich, drinking and beer culture are associated with comradery. So, make sure you stay in control, make friends, and keep those firsts down.

If you’re attending any of Munich’s beer festivals or events such as Frülingsfest, Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest, or traditional Volksfests dress up! It is common for people in Munich to wear their Tract, also known as Dirndls for women, and Lederhosen for men. You can even get away with wearing Tract to beer gardens, or beer halls any time of the year. You will be the odd one out if you don’t dress up at a larger event, so budget some time for shopping after you arrive in Munich for an event.

Oktoberfest dirndl and beer

Pfand & Cost of Beer

Most beer gardens charge a high price or pfand. At any of the beer gardens in Munich where you take the glass away from the ordering counter the pfand can be between 2-5 Euro. Don’t panic, you get it money back as long as you hang onto the coin and return it along with the beer stein at a kiosk. At a kiosk, beer costs about 1.50-2.50. At restaurants, beer costs about 4-5 Euro. At beer gardens with the pfand, it can be between 8 – 10 Euro. Oktoberfest beers cost a whopping 13 Euro and there is no pfand, on top of that it is customary to tip your server at the event. 

The Right Pour

Pouring beer is an art that was perfected in Germany. Beers should have the perfect amount of head on top and be served in the proper glassware. In a traditional German glass liter, the top line and above should be beer head, and the rest should be beer. The breweries in Munich can get fined for abusing their beer portions, especially at Oktoberfest, so if your beer is mostly head and not enough beer, or too much beer and not enough head, it is not worthy.

Popular Types of Beer in Munich

Helles translates to light. So, Helles beer is a light in color bottom-fermenting lager beer. The beer is low in bitterness, lightly sweet, low in carbonation, and full-bodied – compared to most light lagers. It is a smooth beer, perfect for hot summer days, and adds a refreshing finish to lighter dishes. This is one of the most popular beers to drink in Munich. If you order a beer without specifying, it will probably be Helles.

Weißbier

This translates to white beer and is traditionally a white top-fermenting beer made with at least 50% malted wheat. It is typically unfiltered beer with low hop bitterness and highly carbonated. Weißbier is usually consumed from a glass with a thin bottom and wider top with an ample portion of head. You should swirl the beer between pours because it is not fermented.

Doppelbock (Starkbier)

Doppelbock was first created by the Paulaner monks in Munich. It is a double fermented dark copper beer and is described as liquid bread because it is a meal replacement during lent. It is a rich malty beer with toasted notes and little detectable hops. The alcohol content ranges from 7-14% with traditional Bavarian doppelbocks on the higher side.

Festbier & Märzen

Traditionally brewed for Oktoberfest, each brewery brews a fest beer to tap around Oktoberfest, but it is no longer served at the event. Gasp – isn’t Märzen served at Oktoberfest? Contrary to popular belief in the U.S., Märzen is NOT currently served at Oktoberfest. Märzen was the drink of choice at Oktoberfest until the event grew in popularity and many people complained it was too thick. I mean it is hard to drink several liters of Märzen. So, brewers created the Festbier, also known as Oktoberfestbier or Wiesenbier, which is now what you’ll find at Oktoberfest. This is probably a good thing because Festbier is easy drinking and to reduce hangovers! It is a light beer in both color and flavor, with a light hoppy finish. It won’t fill you up too much, but it will get you drunk.

Märzen, on the other hand, is a dark lager, with a full-bodied smoky flavor. Most brewers serve this around Oktoberfest, but you’ll need to go to the Keller to get it. 

A Radler is a half lager beer and half lemonade drink. It was created just outside of Munich in Deisenhofen. During the cycling boom in the 20s, an innkeeper Franz Kugler created a bicycle trail from Munich to his pub. On a sunny day in June in 1922, more than 10,000 cyclists showed up at the pub, and as he ran out of beer, he mixed it with lemon soda. The Radler was born and named after Rad – or bike in German. The drink is a bit sugary, but the balance of lemon and beer is a refreshing drink for summer.

types of beer in munich

“The Big 6” Munich’s Main Breweries & Beers

With roots back to 1634 Paulaner Monastery is home to the traditional Starkbier, their signature doppelbock “Salvator,” named after the father of their order.  On the day they were allowed to serve to the public, the monastery, shared this brew with local politicians. To this day, the tradition carries on at the start of Starkbier Fest when the first liter of beer is given to the Bavarian Minister President to kick off the festival.

Don’t Miss: “Salvator” Doppelbock, is a bottom-fermenting strong beer first created by the Paulaner monks.

Best Locations:

  • Paulaner am Nockherberg: Original brewery with a large beer hall, outdoor garden. Hochstraße 77
  • Paulaner Bräuhaus:  Indoor and outdoor dining in a quiet, cozy, and traditional location. – my fav! Kapuzinerpl. 5

Events: Starkbier Fest: End of March – Start of April  @ Paulaner am Nockherberg.

Munich’s oldest independent brewery, dating back to 1328. Their rich history in Munich has generated a cult-like following among locals and foreigners alike, making it Munich’s “cool” and possibly favorite beer among locals. With vintage horse drawn beer wagons seen at Oktoberfest, they pride themselves on tradition.

Don’t Miss: “ Augustiner Edelstoff,” a traditional beer, brewed with noble raw ingredients.

  • Augustiner Keller: Augustiners best restaurant, beer garden, and basement cellar. Order Edelstoff from the wooden keg! Arnulfstraße 52.
  • Augustiner Bräustuben: Original brewery and restaurant located in an old brick building. Landsberger Str. 31-35

Events: May Day: May 1st, for a traditional May Pole raising celebration at the Augustiner Kellner.

Hofbräu

Munich’s most famous brewery exporting and attracting beer-enthusiasts from around the world. The highlight of the Hofbräu is their historic beer hall, which is nearly 500 years old and the most famous beer tavern in the world. Here you get a real feel for what Oktoberfest might feel like and is on many beer bucket-lists. They stick to tradition, only brewing a few beers they pride on being flawless. The upstairs of the beer hall is a place seeped in WWII history where Hitler drank beer with members of his party.

Don’t Miss: “ Hofbräu Original,” a classic bitter, but refreshing beer that is known around the world.

  • Hofbräuhaus: Historic beer hall and restaurant in the the old town with live German music. Platzl 9.
  • Chinese Tower Beer Garden: Lovely outdoor beer garden serving HB beer in the middle of the Englischer Garten. Englischer Garten 3.

Events: Film Fest Munich, don’t miss Munich’s Film Festival in June/July with HB beer being served at all major events.

Spaten beer is known for bringing the famous helles beer to Munich. At the peak of the brewing industry in Munich, just before the war, Spaten was the largest brewery in the area. However, after the war, they were never able to make a full come back and Spaten beer is often somewhat of an afterthought in the Munich scene. However, Franziskaner Weißebier owned by the same brewery is quite popular and definitely worth having!

Don’t Miss: “ Spaten Helles,” Munich’s original Helles beer, or try the Franziskaner Weißebier

  • Spatenhaus an der Opera: German fine dining in a ritzy part of Munich, near the opera house. Residenzstraße 12.

Events: Don’t miss Spaten at the Schottenhammel tent, which is surprisingly one of my favorite tents.

Hacker-Pschorr

I have a soft spot for Hacker because A: they are one of the only brewiers that had female leadership from Thersia Hacker along with her husband Pschorr (her name is even first) and B: they have been operating a sustainable business with an environmental mindset since 1417 – might they be the OG sustainable business? All their beers have traditional swing tops as well, so they are 2x as fun to drink!

Don’t Miss: “ Kellerbier” with fruity notes and tastes of honey and caramel. It’s less carbonated and easy to drink.

  • Altes Hackerhaus: The OG location of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. Now a cozy restaurant in the heart of the old town. Sendlinger Str. 14
  • Der Pschorr: A restaurant and outdoor beer garden near the Viktualienmarkt. Beer is served in wood barells and kept on ice. Viktualienmarkt 15

Events: Don’t miss Munich ice hockey! Hacker beer is served at events like EHC Red Bulls ice hockey games or the Bad Tölz ice hockey team.

Löwenbräu

Löwenbräu meaning Lions brew, has a foggy history in Munich. Not much seems to be known about the founding date. It is noted that a lion fresco was hanging above the brewery at one point and that is where it seems to have gotten its name. They specialize in pils beer. The Löwenbräu tent is always fun to walk past with the roaring lion, you can’t miss it.

Don’t Miss: “ URTYP” which is a traditional pils beer brewed just like they did hundreds of years ago.

  • Löwenbräukeller: A historic restaurnt, beer cellar, and event venue – come here for live music, great food, and good beer. Nymphenburger Straße 2

Events: Nacht der Tracht is an annual event held at Löwenbräukeller. Dress in your best dirndl and lederhosen and dance all night. They also host an Oktoberfest after party.

Munich Beer Festivals and Events

Oktoberfest.

The world’s largest beer event, Oktoberfest attracts millions of people from around the world for two weeks starting at the end of September. Dozens of tents full of traditional music and lively people serve Munich’s best beer. Outside the tents are beer gardens, carnival rides, restaurants, and fair games. This is a bucket list must for any beer lover visiting Germany. If you’re an introvert looking to avoid the crowds in Munich, then don’t miss my introverts guide to Oktoberfest.

Frühlingsfest

Is an early spring festival that takes place in the same location as Oktoberfest, but it’s half the size. A popular event among a younger local crowd, the three tents and handful of rides, is a great way to enjoy the warming weather in Munich. This event typically takes place at the end of April of Begining of May.

Starkbierfest

This festival takes place during lent and celebrates the dark Doppelbock lager known as Starkbier. Located at the original Paulaner Brewery be prepared to black out as this beer is strong. Located indoors it has a similar vibe to an Oktoberfest tent with a live band, dancing, and plenty of drinking. The event usually starts in the middle of March.

munich beer and brewery guide

During the autumn close to Oktoberfest many of the small towns near Munich, such as Dachau, Regensburg, and Augsburg have small folk festivals with local beer, carnival rides and games, and reason to dress up in traditional Tracht. Keep an eye peeled for local folks fest events and find more details on the Bavarian website.

Munich Day Trips for Beer Drinkers

Andechs monastery brewery.

Andechs Monastery Bavaria Germany

My favorite beer-focused day trip from Munich involves a light hike through the woods, ending in a fantastic hillside monastery that brews delicious beer. This beer trip from Munich is just an S-Bahn ride away to the charming town of Herrsching. You can walk down to Lake Ammersee before taking a 45-minute walk through the quiet forest, emerging at the monastery. If it is summer, eat outside on their beautiful deck. Read the full scoop on getting to  Andechs Monastery from Munich  so you can drink their fantastic beer.

Weihenstephen: Tour The World’s Oldest Brewery

Weihenstephan brewery tour

The brewery at Weihenstephen is the oldest in the world! How freakin’ cool is that? Dating back to 750 AD, Weihenstephen started as a monastery brewery. Today, the state of Bavaria now owns it and runs a program with the TUM university for food science and a master’s program in brewing. For 11 Euro, you get a 2-hour experience, including a tour, tasting, pretzel, and a gift voucher. The tours are run by local university students, and you get to sample all their core beers. The brewery located in Freising, so you will need to hop on the FRONT end of the S1 headed to Freising. Get off at Freising and walk up to the brewery to start your tour. You should book your  beer tour at Weihenstephen ahead of time,  and you can do so online.

Tegernsee Brewery Near Lake Tegernsee

Tegernsee town in Autumn

The adorable town of Bad Wiessen. Photo Cred: Wandering Chocobo

Tegernsee beer is what the cool kids in Munich drink. There’s just something about the Tegernsee Special brew that offers something just different enough from Munich’s 6 leading breweries. For this trip, you’ll need to hop on a BOB train headed to  Tegernsee from the Munich Central Station . Make sure you grab a group ticket if you’re traveling with 2-5 people after 9 am. You can spend the day hiking, swimming in the lake, sledding or skiing, just make sure you stop by the Tegernsee Brewery on the lake for a fresh local beer.

Nuremberg Beer Cellars

Nuremberg is just north of Munich in the Franconia region of Bavaria. They have great beer, and you can spend the day exploring their red beer cellars and tasting Nuremberg brewery. Hop on a Deutsche Bahn train headed to Nuremberg and book your  Nurember beer cellar tour ahead of time  to make sure you save your spot.

Ayinger Brewery

Hop on the S7 headed to Aying to tour their brewery, eat at their restaurant, and explore the charming town of Aying. There is even a little farm where you can take a walk with llamas.  Book your brewery tour with Ayinger brewery ahead of time.

Erdinger Brewery

Erdinger brewery munich

You’ll often find Erdinger beers in Munich, so taking the S2 to Erding to visit their brewery for a behind the scenes tour. The town Erding is a charming city break as well, so you can explore historic architecture.  Book your tour of the Erdinger brewery  or just enjoy a local beer at their restaurant. Afterward, you can even visit their fan shop after to pick up your favorite beers and swag.

Bamberg for Rauchbier

If you are in for a more extended day trip, then hop on a train to Bamberg to their smoked märzen dark lager. This beer is unlike anything you’ve tasted and originated in Bamberg. It smells like smoked meats and had dark wood flavor notes. The town of Bamberg is well worth walking around the charming alleyways and old timber houses. Budget a full 8 hours to drink all the beer and explore the town.

Brewery and Beer Tours in Munich

Paulaner brewery tour in munich.

The Paulaner Brewery is one of my favorite beer halls and gardens in Munich. It has all the rich Bavarian history you’re looking for without the tourist hype of the Hofbräuhaus. If you book a  brewery tour with Munich Walk Tours  you’ll visit the Paulaner brewery with an expert beer guide, plus you’ll even visit a few more of Munich’s main breweries such as Hofbräu. You may also try contacting Paulaner at Kapuzinerstrasse to see if they have brewery tours available for your group.

Hofbräuhaus Brewery Tour in Munich

brewery tours munich

Hofbräu is one of the world’s most famous breweries and brands, so visiting where all the magic happens is a dream come true for beer lovers. The tour takes you through the brewing, and fermenting process starts to finish, a beer tasting, and an optional meal (meat) included. Tours run Monday-Thursday every day of the year, EXCEPT holidays, and the week before, the weeks during, and the week after Oktoberfest. Tours start at 10 am with an optional additional meal or 1 pm with no additional meal. The cost of the trip is 10 Euro with no meal, 15 with meal. You must be 16 or older and register for the  Hofbräu brewery tour  in advance.

Spaten Brewery Tour in Munich

The Spaten Brewery tour includes Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Franziskaner brewing production lines. However, these tours only TAKE PLACE IN GERMAN, despite their website being in English. This tour is not ideal for my English reader, as you can see by reading my friend Ashley’s post about her  mishap with the Spaten tour . You can book your  Spaten Brewery Tour  through Munich walking tours – if you speak German.

Microbreweries and Craft Beer in Munich

I used to give Munich a hard time for having lacking diversity in their beer. Cool, there are 6 major breweries in Munich that all make a similar tasting Helles. Where is the creativity and fun in the brewing industry? My prayers have been heard and slowly but surely new creative craft brews have been popping up in nooks and corners around the city.

Munich best microbreweries and craft beers

Crew Republic

I’m not the only one that thinks the beer scene in Munich is boring. Mario and Timm behind, Crew Republic agree with me. Which is why they quit their corporate jobs and began homebrewing in their back yard. Crew Republic has grown to be a favorite among the young hip crowd in Munich, brewing edge stouts, several types of pale ales from German, Indian, and West Coast USA, and barley wine all following Germany’s purity law. Look for their beers at supermarkets and beer kiosks across Munich, of if you’re in town on a Friday, stop by their taproom from 4 pm – 10 pm for light snacks and fresh craft beer on tap.

Giesinger Brew

Giesinger Brew is like one of the big six breweries that had a baby with a hip craft brew. They take their beer very seriously, but always strive to push the brewing limits in the craft beer scene here in Munich. Instead of a typical Helles, try their Lemondrop Triple, for a strong beer with light, refreshing citrus notes or their Doppel-Alt for a dark lager, that won’t put you on your ass like many of the Starkbiers. Stop by their brewery and restaurant at the Giesinger braüstüberl for a cozy, but traditional German restaurant serving up great beers.

Munich craft breweries

Haderner Bräu

I came across these beers at a recent festival in Munich, and after I carried boxes of beer home with me to try, I fell in love. They are now one of my favorite craft breweries because they are Munich’s first certified organic brewery. This small family-owned brewery still bottles and brews everything by hand. You can buy a traditional Helles or Weißbier – made with all-natural ingredients. Or check and see what seasonal brew they have on tap like the Fest Märzen for winter. You can visit their taproom on Friday afternoon if you want to try the beer on tap. They also offer home brewing classes (in German) and a brewery tour.

Hopfen Häcker

Hopfen Häcker is a blen o cultures and countries as the duo behind this craft beer are from the United States and Germany. So, they bring together the innovation of U.S. craft beer and Germany tradition and expertise in the craft, as they hack hops to make new beers. Try their “Kill Bill” with fermented yeast from Belgium and hints of bitter orange and coriander. Or try their Wuiderer, a red ale – I know, I can’t believe I found a red ale in Munich either!! Each and every label is a work of art, so make sure you try them all. You can visit their brewery on Friday or Saturday early afternoon to drink beer on tap.

Munich's best craft beer and microbreweries

Tilmans Bier

This is an underrated and unsung hero in the Munich craft beer scene. Started by Tilman Ludwig, who did a master’s in brewing from the world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephen, just outside of Munich. After graduation, he decided to branch off and try something different. Tilmans brews 9 beers, including everything from Helles, Pils, and even stouts and traditional English style ale. One of my favorite things about this brewery is the social impact aspect. They partner with locals such as Munich’s best coffee roastery for a caffeinated stout, and Munich’s “Kulturator” philanthropy. All profits from the Kulturator brew go right back to charity – so you can drink for world peace.

AirBraü

The world’s first and only airport brewery AirBrü is worth flying into Munich just to try their craft beer. While most of their beers are quite traditional, the small-batch beers are created at the airport brewery and have fun travel-themed names. Dine-in their outdoor beer garden in the summer, hole away inside at their cozy modern dining area, or sit in a hot air balloon basket (on the ground) as you pretend to drink around the world in 80 days.

Best Beer Halls & Beer Gardens in Munich

My favorite beer hall and brewery, the Paulaner on Kapuzinerstrasse is a local favorite that is chic and cozy. With large spacious indoor area that is warm and inviting in the winter and a beautiful outdoor beer garden for the hot summer days. This is the one local beer hall and garden I take all my friends and family to eat at.

Chinese Tower

The Chinese Tower is located in the heart of the Englischer Garten. The walk through the gardens is enjoyable and the natural setting is refreshing.  In the winter they have a wonderful Christmas Market, and in the summer they often have live bands. This is a touristy spot, but it’s worth the visit for the experience.

Also located in the Englischer Garten, Hirshau is a lively hoot and a half frequented by locals. With a stage for folk dancing and a live band playing music, this is one of the best outdoor beer gardens in Munich.

Maybe one of the most gorgeous outdoor beer gardens resting along a lakeside also in the Englischer Garten. You can sit on the water’s edge and watch boats and swans sail by during the hot summer days.

Biergarten am Wiener Platz

This outdoor beer garden is located in vienna platz in a charming neighborhood south of the Isar. Enjoy sitting outdoors in a bustling square with plenty of unique shops and restaurants around. There’s even a large May Pole at the center of the square so you are immersed in Bavarian culture.

I’m including this place as it is a global cultural icon known around the world. While it is touristy, there is a lot of historical and cultural significance, so it is a really interesting place to visit. Bavarians dressed in their traditional Sunday best drink from ancient beer steins while a live German plays oompa music.

Pubs & Bars for Beer in Munich

Tap Room is large American style tap room, featuring dozens of beerson tap and plenty of bottled beer cold and ready in the fridge. Frisches Beer  is a small watering hole with plenty of craft beer on tap and in the bottle. True Brew  is a new hip pub in town with a 60s retro vibe with live music and plenty of craft and local beer. The Crow Bar is a simple bar with not a lot happening other than great beer and chill people. Scholars  is a classy Irish pub with U.K. beer, and hidden nooks to cozy up in front of the fire place with a cool one.

Beer for Those with Dietary Needs

If you are gluten intolderant or don’t consume alcohol for any reason, don’t dispair! You are in luck G asthaus Obermeier,  which is outside Munich city center serves a full gluten free menu including gluten free beer!  Alcohol Free  beer can be found literally anywhere at all supermarkets, and just about every restarurant. The big breweries in Munich do a great job ensuring they always have a alcohol free beer because there are a lot of pregnant women in Munich and people who choose not to drink for cultural or religious reasions.

Share Munich’s Best Beers and Breweries!

Make sure you pin or share this post so all your beer lovin’ friends can have the best possible beer filled trip to Munich and the surrounding area. What is your favorite Munich beer? Let me know in the comments!

Beer lovers holiday in Munich

About the Author: Susanna Kelly-Shankar

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Been going to Octoberfest since 1967. What a great time. Lived in Bremenhaven Germany when in the military. Purchased my first dog in Munich area when camping with my wife 1968, when I was poor. Plan on going this year to Octoberfest, since it was cancelled last year due to Virus. Thank you for the recap on all the types of beer’s in Germany.

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I hope we can have Oktoberfest this year, but we will see what happens. I hope you’re able to drink some German beer soon!

Oktoberfest, 2022- Can’t go but i’m stocked up with some of my favorites. Augustiner Brau Edelstoff, Paulaner Salvador Doppel Bock, Hacker-Pschorr Munichener Gold, Welhenstephaner Original, and Welhenstephaner Hefe Weisbier. Love to celebrate this wonderful event!!

I’m planning a trip in August.

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The Local Experience

Book authentic, sustainable & unique tours designed by locals.

The local experience, the oktoberfest opening day experience.

Experience Oktoberfest OPENING DAY and Munich’s rich beer history at its finest at the famous Oktoberfest! Learn the history of both the city and the autumn festival.

  • Hour Glass 7 hours

The Oktoberfest Experience

Experience Oktoberfest and Munich’s rich beer history at its finest at the famous Oktoberfest! Learn the history of both the city and the autumn festival.

  • Beer All-inclusive experience
  • Hour Glass 5 hours

View Other Local Experience Tours

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  • Hour Glass 4 hours

The Original Size Matters Beer Tour

Join us on our original and most social tour, the perfect blend between actual beer tour with historical information and Europe’s famous pub crawls.

The Classic Pedal & Pints Experience

Two great tours, one awesome day. The Pedal & Pints discount is quite possibly the best deal you’ll have stumbled upon while searching for things to do in Munich!

  • Hour Glass Full day

The Cruise Then Booze Experience

Discover Munich on an electric scooter tour and have fun during the entire day. See the coolest places in the city with local guides.

beer tours munich

The Local Experience is located in Munich, Germany. We offer tours designed by locals such as history tours, beer tours, traditional food and amazing experiences. Our tours show you Munich on foot, bikes or electric scooters. We also offer the famous Oktoberfest Experience tour.

Experience Munich Like A Local!

The guide really made the tour. Angus was able to get around and engage everyone in the group and drop interesting facts about German and especially Munich’s beer culture. Worth it.

Christine was a great guide and gave us the perfect mix of fun and information about beer in the area! We would definitely recommend this tour to any other beer lovers!

This was a great way to see Munich's beer gardens, and Lauren was an excellent guide - very knowledgeable and fun! Would thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about (or just sample plenty of) Munich's beer.

The Oktoberfest tour is a must do. Tim was an excellent guide who was very informative and brought a lot of humor to the day. I would definitely do this tour again next time I’m there for Oktoberfest.

Had the best tour with our amazing tour guide Denise!! She was super knowledgable and informative and we had a good laugh with her. Highly recommend this tour to everyone that comes to Munich.

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  • About munich walk tours
  • Tours in English
  • Tours in German
  • Private Group Tours
  • Meeting-Point

beer tours munich

Beer and Brewery Tour

<< Back to the overview

Start time:

Jan. 2st – Feb. 29th

Fr + Sa 04:25 pm

March 1st – May 31st

Fr + Sa 05:25 pm

June 1st – Sep. 20th

Tu + Fr + Sa 05:25 pm

Oct. 11th – Jan. 31st (2025)

Duration:  3 – 3,5 hours

43.00€ + 41.00€ for <26 and 67+

The price includes two 0.5 litres of beers, free transport and entry fee into the brewery.

Yes, please. Although our guides are paid, it is still customary in Munich to tip your tour guide as it is an important part of the guide’s income.

Tour language:

Meeting point:

The tour starts on Marienplatz right in front of the Tourist Information for the City of Munich in the Gothic town,see map on page meeting point.

Because of legal regulations we are not allowed to take drunken customers into the brewery!

Private Tour:

Are you looking for a more personalised Beer Tour with your own guide and starting time of your choice? Would you like to get picked up from your hotel? Do you like to eat in the brewery?

Would you like to open and drink the beer from your own wooden keg? Do you want to tap it yourself?

Whatever you like, we can arrange it: Private Beer and Brewery Tour

Come and join us on a tour full of fun and facts in the city that rightly claims to be the beer capital of the world. Learn about and try a variety of beers in places where the locals go!

We take you round Munich’s oldest existing brewery the Paulaner Bräuhaus and show you how it is made. At the brewery you’ll also have the chance to eat good food at fair prices.

Final stop is the Hofbräuhaus. Discover the secrets behind the world’s most famous beer hall before rounding the evening off with a litre of their finest. This tour is obviously of special interest to beer lovers, yet many non-beer drinkers can also testify to this tour being among the highlights of their travels!

beer tours munich

beer tours munich

Munich Bavarian Beer Tour

Discover the beer city, Munich!

Quick Details

  • Hour Glass Duration: 3.5 hours
  • Clock Start Time: 6.00 pm
  • User Ages: Ages 16+
  • Book Tour Language: English
  • Welcome beer
  • Entrance + private tour of Beer and Oktoberfest Museum
  • Beer Sampling (3) + Pretzel
  • Bavarian Food Platter in central Munich beer hall
  • Hofbräuhaus – the world’s most famous beer hall

Munich Beer Tour in English

Join us for the most fun evening you’ll have in Munich, eating and drinking in the company of fellow travellers and our expert guide. We are here to help you during the Munich Beer Tour to experience the best of Bavarian beer and food, in some of the best spots in the historic old town, and we’ll tell you all about its rich history while you do so.

We’ll show you why we live in the world capital of beer and brewing. Munich is the home of beer halls, of beer gardens – and, of course, of Oktoberfest.

We’ll bring you to the beautiful Beer and Oktoberfest Museum and give you the history of beer in Bavaria – the oldest and most celebrated beer and brewing culture in all of Germany. It’s a much older story than Oktoberfest and beer halls. The Bavarians learned to brew excellent beer centuries before most other settled places in Europe. When the great historic institution of the monastic brewery was established in the middle ages, local people had already known for centuries how to brew fine beer. The brewery is as ancient an institution here as the Church.

Munich is the world capital of beer.

Its beer halls have been serving exquisite beer and food for centuries, and it is the home town of the world’s biggest beer festival: Oktoberfest.

After the tour of the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, we’ll have a tasting session. While you are tasting the best beer any local brewery can provide, we’ll tell you all about it. The secrets of how to brew great beer, and the variety of beer that is produced in a typical local brewery. We’ll also tell you what a local brewery must do to gain the right to serve its beer in Oktoberfest (there are strict rules), and how each of the great beer halls you see all over the city are attached to a particular brewery.

Next we’ll bring you to a classic local beer hall/restaurant for a food platter of traditional, hearty “Bräuhaus” food. And afterwards, we’ll finish at the most famous “Bräuhaus” of them all – the Hofbräuhaus. The gigantic drinking hall of the venerable Hofbräu brewery is the most celebrated in Germany (and therefore the world). No Munich Beer Tour would be complete without a visit to the great shrine to German beer. There you can down a “Maß” litre, and appreciate it all the more after everything you have learned on the tour about the 500 year old “Reinheitsgebot” Purity Law that the brewery continues to obey – and which underpins the centures of tradition behind the great time you are having!

Private tour of Beer Museum, beer-tasting and food platter included

Not suitable for stag parties.

  • Chevron down Munich Beer Tour with interesting stories, information, and insights

On the Munich Beer Tour, you learn from our English-speaking staff how beer is brewed. Our guides give you lots of information and insights into the brewing industry in Germany and Bavaria. You want to know everything about beer? Then the this tour is just right for you.

But the interesting information is certainly not the end of the story. What would a Munich beer tour be without beer? Of course you can also drink beer on this tour! At the various stations, you get tasty samples of different types of beer and typical Bavarian food.

Enjoy delicious beer and Bavarian food combined with interesting information about the history and culture of beer in Germany. Bavaria has a long history of beer culture: from the ancient brew-women to the monk breweries in the Middle Ages to the famous Reinheitsgebot (Purity Law) of 1516. German beer sets the standards for the quality and taste of beer. On the Munich Beer Tour, we show you why Munich is the centre of German beer culture.

  • Chevron down The Munich Beer Tour by Radius Tours

With the Munich Beer Tour by Radius Tours, you get a highly interesting tour through Munich with lots of exciting information about the history, culture, and production of beer. We show you what different kinds of beer there are, and you can try many different beers and Bavarian delicacies. Together, we visit the Oktoberfest Museum and enjoy a beer tasting, show you a traditional Munich beer garden, and visit the famous Hofbräuhaus. Dive into the world of beer with us on the Munich Beer Tour.

  • Chevron down Meeting point - Munich Beer Tour

All our tours meet in the Radius Tours Office, located at Dachauer Straße 4, 80335 Munich.

  • Chevron down Further information - Munich Beer Tour

The times given are departure times. Please be here approx 15 mins prior to the given departure time

We do not accept stag parties on this tour.

  • Chevron down Tour Times - Munich Beer Tour

1 April – 31 Oct. Daily at 6.00 pm

EXCEPT  during Oktoberfest

No Tours: Sept 17th – Oct 3rd

1 Nov. – 31 March Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 6.00 pm

No tours: 24, 25, 31 Dec. and 1 Jan.

  • Chevron down Are the tours fully guided?

Yes. We give you the opportunity to explore fascinating Munich with experienced, professional guides who are long-term local residents of our beautiful city and have been doing this for many years. During the main season, our Bavarian Beer Tour runs six days a week.

  • Chevron down Is it a walking tour?

Yes. We specialise in walking tours. Our Beer Tour takes place in a small part of the Old Town, at a gentle walking pace. Most of the time, you are sitting to eat and drink. The historic centre of Munich is flat, largely pedestrianised, and very walkable.

  • Chevron down Where do we meet?
  • Chevron down When should I be at the meeting point?

Please be at the meeting point 15 minutes before the starting time. We depart promptly at the advertised time.

  • Chevron down What do I need to bring?

An appetite and a thirst! Be sure to wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes. We will mostly be indoors, but part of our time will be spent outdoors.  For most of the year, Munich has a very pleasant climate, and is perfect for tours – but it can be cold in winter, and the warm summer months experience occasional rain showers. Please consult the weather forecast before coming, and dress accordingly.

  • Chevron down Should I tip the guide?

Yes, please! It is customary to tip in Munich, and our tour guides certainly appreciate your generosity. They work hard to make our tours perfect, and tips are an important part of their income.

Related Activities

  • User Ages 6+
  • Clock 9.00 am
  • Hour Glass 9.5 hours

Salzburg Tour: Munich to Salzburg Day Trip

The beautiful Salzburg lies in the heart of wonderful mountains and is especially known for its most famous citizen, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

  • User Minimum age is 13. There are no exceptions possible
  • Clock 9 AM, 10.15 AM & 12.15 PM (Depending on the month)
  • Hour Glass 5 hours

Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour

Our Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site Tour gives you interesting and moving insights into a historical monument to one of the cruelest crimes in human history.

Guided Tours Munich, Excursions and Guided Tours

Craft Beer Tour Munich

  • Craft Beer Tour Munich

craft beer tour

Local Craft Beer Tour

  • Explore the local craft beer scene in Munich
  • Visit the hotspots in town 
  • Get in Touch with Local brewers

Germans love beer and love good beer! …and Munich is possibly the greatest beer destinations in the world!

But what about craft beer? For sure the craft beer scene in Munich is growing and breaking into the traditional German brewing scene and we are sure you want to try the results.

Internationally the global craft beer movement has been on the rise for years and many countries have saturated craft beer markets!

In Germany and in particular in Munich things are a bit complicated.

The German Beer Purity Law, ( Ingolstadt 1516) is understood as a quality guarantee. It limits the ingredients used to brew beer to water, malt and hops.( Yeast is the 4 th ingredient and is not listed in the original law because its role in the fermentation process had not yet been discovered at the time the law was written).

What does it mean? Is it possible to find citrus-flavored beers in Germany? What about spiced ales? 

It is, but those German creative brewers using  chocolate, sugar , orange to brew their beer are not legally allowed to market their products as beer! 

I am interested in those “ rebel brewers” who are exploring the boundaries of the purity law and believe that possibilities are limitless.

If you want to take an adventure across Munichand be blown away with the latest and greatest bavarian craft beers the tours I offer are for you! 

PUBLIC TOURS 

An evening with a Beer Sommelier

Join us on this unique beer tasting adventure in Munich and experience a different side of the city! 

Your guide, a certified  beer sommelier will guide you through alternative neighbourhoods and will make sure you get a great idea of the craft beer scene in Munich. You will learn about local history and how it is intricately connected with beer history. 

During this tour you will sample at least 5 local craft beers and discover 3 o more different locations and  will taste some delicious bavarian delicacies.

Your guide-beer sommelier will teach you how to identify different beer styles and how to pair your favorite beer with food.

What is included:

5 to 6  beer tasting 

Platter of bavarian delicacies or hot snacks

commentary from a certified “Biersommelier” Doemens

Public Transportation Tickets

3,5 – 4 Hours

Availability:

Tuesday – Thursday – Saturday – Sunday

Meeting Location:

Fish fountain in Marienplatz-City Center

Subtotal:        55 Euros 

Taxes:            10,45 Euros

Total:             65,45 Euros

Check out our Private Tours if you can’t make our usual tour date! 

munich private tour

beer tours munich

Private Munich Food Tour

  • Ultimate Munich Beer Tour and Bites

Private Salzburg History & Food Tour

More than viktualienmarkt food tour.

  • Oktoberfest Tour – Bavarian Beer & Festive Bites

Corporate, Group & Team Building

  • Christmas Market Food Tour
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Health & Safety Policy

Testimonials

beer tours munich

Now it's your Munich culinary choice!

Drinking at Viktualienmarkt profile picture

Ultimate Munich Beer Tour and Bites!

beer tours munich

Munich’s Original Christmas Market Food Tour

Posing with Pretzel at Viktualienmarkt

2-hrs of Food Power

beer tours munich

Oktoberfest Tour – Bavarian Beer & Festive Bites

beer tours munich

Vegetarians

Alternative.

Our team of Munich foodie and beer experts serve-up a taste of Munich that would only be found by a local culinaire and true ‘Münchener’. Our Fork & Walk Tours are situated in the local neighbourhoods and old city of Munich, each with their own unique flavours, lifestyle, history and cultural influence which makes this capital truly captivating.

All Fork & Walk food tours are unique to each other. And Munich, Bavaria holds a special place in German cuisine and beverage. This is a must for the proper Munich experience!

Worth every penny

Fantastic way to see Berlin and taste it’s cuisine. Holger our guide was amazing and made the whole group welcome and ensured we were all involved. Would absolutely recommend you take this tour. First class.

beer tours munich

Would recommend this tour! It was great, fun and the tasting was perfect!

Michelle was our guide and she was great. Fun, interesting and the foods and drink were just what we expected for the tour. Michelle was extremely knowledgeable about both Berlin and the food and drink. There was 4 on our tour and we met a great couple from the US. Could not fault anything, Thank you.

beer tours munich

Entertaining and delicious!

Spent a great day in Berlin with our excellent guide, Alessandra. Saw places that we would not otherwise have found and tasted some delicious dishes that we might not have tried. Alessandra was great company and very knowledgeable and we had an outstanding day in Berlin. Highly recommended this tour. Thanks Alessandra for a memorable highlight of our trip to this wonderful city.

beer tours munich

Great deal for the best food tour in Berlin

This was not the only food tour I went on while I was in Berlin – however, it was BY FAR the best! You can tell that the people behind this tour put a lot of thought into the route – which businesses to visit, what to eat, what sorts of stories to tell, and the overall guest experience. Our guide, Alessandra, was amazing – she was so very patient with a LOT of questions and you can tell she really loves the businesses we visited. We tasted a lot of delicious things and I discovered a few places that I returned to during the rest of my stay – they were that good! I came away full, satisfied, happy, and with a greater appreciation for the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood and the amazing local food businesses there. I’ve paid quite a bit more for similar food tours in other places (and the same amount in Berlin for another tour that wasn’t nearly as good), so this tour is a great deal!

beer tours munich

Friendly, fantastic fun!

We had an amazing time on the evening tour with Holgar. He really knew his stuff, history and food wise. It was so good to get a Berliner’s view and insight to this fascinating and vibrant city. This was our first trip but not our last. Holgar was hilarious, charming and really made our trip. He took us for some great food and drinks.

beer tours munich

East meets West!

A really great way to see and taste Berlin! This was my fourth time in Berlin but definitely the best! Violeta our guide brought us to the best eateries among Kreuzberg and Showed us her wealth of knowledge along the way! Really loved it and highly recommend Fork and Walk tours! Danke!

beer tours munich

A great trip through the past and present food landscape that Berlin has to offer

I’m not sure that there is anybody that I would prefer to do a food tour with than Michelle. She was so knowledgeable and personable that the time just flew by. Sometimes on past food tours, it feels like just a walking tour with some local snacks thrown in for good measure. This was not the case with our tour, I came away having learned a ton and with a full stomach. I really appreciated the comparisons Michelle made between the East Berlin style of food and cooking as compared to the western options. The history, from Michelle, of the area not only about food but art and architecture was so interesting to listen to and I felt gave me a good high level overview. This was my only day off from work in Berlin and I am so glad we decided to take this tour. You will not go wrong with Fork & Walk. I would recommend them in a second for anybody looking for both food and history/information. Also, Michelle was the best. I want to reinforce how integral she was to our tour experience. I’m sure Fork & Walk has other great guides, but if you can get Michelle you’re in for a treat.

beer tours munich

What a fantastic night discovering local parts of Berlin we as tourists would never know about. Lots of tastes and fun and pretending to look like we were locals! Dov with the help of Alessandra were awesome and showed us why Berliners love their city so much. Not to be missed! Thanks Fork & Walk.

beer tours munich

Must-do Food Tour!

We had such an awesome day on our East meets West food and history tour with Violeta. Our guide was super knowledgeable, friendly and funny and the food was amazing – not only the food on the day, but also the recommendations she gave us for other culinary highlights to sample during the rest of our holiday! We will definitely do another one of the fork and walk tours on our next trip to Berlin, it was such a great way to spend a day. Because it’s a smaller company than some of the other food tour companies I looked at, the tour felt really personal and contact and communication in advance of the tour was excellent. Great value for money too! All in all, an absolute must-do for any food lovers visiting Berlin.

beer tours munich

Really outstanding. One of the highlights of our 5 nights in Berlin

Our guide Sean was superb. We signed up for a 4th of July evening tour and toured Kreitzberg and various areas nearby with a highlight being the Thursday evening food hall our. My girlfriend and I love making food tours in various cities when we travel and always see and experience things we would never find and do on our own. This tour was no exception. Sean is a U.S. expat who has lived in Berlin for 10 years and brings a really special and unique perspective on life and food in Berlin. We had 4-5 stops – including some incredible french fries – culminating with a final stop at a German market hall. If you are looking to book a food tour in Berlin – look no further – this is the one.

beer tours munich

What a night!

Goodness that was a cracker of an evening with Anastasia and Sean!. We had a blast being shown around and eating until we burst. Anastasia was knowledgeable and friendly and Sean, her shadow (trainee), was a delight and will make a great addition to the team! The food was delicious and we were introduced to some great spots around town and dishes we never would have been exposed to without an insiders knowledge, along with little insights into the neighbourhoods and the history of the areas. This tour will go down as one of the highlights of our time in Berlin.

beer tours munich

The best food tour ever!

What a day out we had! Our fabulous guide Violeta walked us through the Berlin food temptations, and she was a fantastic guide. We discussed food, Berlin history, all while tasting glühwein and snacking on gorgeous christmas foods. The weather was quite cold, but it didn’t matter much, we were in and out of places constantly, and never felt the cold really. And on top of everything: Violeta helped me find a pharmacy when I mentioned my sore neck, and when I told her I was going to Egypt, a country she knows well, she sent me a private email with all the info I could possibly want for my trip. Violeta is the most helpful, friendly, fun and professional guide I have ever encountered, and I travel a lot. Don’t miss the Fork and Walk experience, and ask for Violeta.

beer tours munich

How real Berliner eat, walk and enjoy

It was a wonderful and enriching tour with Dov and his team. We got the chance to see many aspects of Berlin’s most famous neighbourhoods. Most importantly, of course, we have tasted the new phenomenon, very nice fusion kitchen of Berlin. The team had paid attention to every individual’s need. It is definitely worthed to try out.

beer tours munich

Forking out way through Berlin! The BEST food tour experience ever!

On Saturday we were with a group of 8 others. Dov outlined the whole day to us at the beginning which made us very excited for the tour ahead. He even included an extra stop at the magnificent market hall as they had a special flower exhibition and local Saturday market on, such a treat! We started with a Turkish institution, walked along the Berlin Wall and learnt all about East Side Gallery, then went on a mini-street art tour, stopped into a quaint local cafe serving home-roasted coffee beans and cheesecake to die for, then a fusion-fries place which we were not expecting how good it would be! Followed by local outdoor Berlin sport, Lebanese street-food feast, a special Syrian dessert and to cap it all off, a rooftop bar like no other. It was just such a special day out. Dov gave us so much more than we expected! Do not miss the chance to take one of Fork & Walks food tours when in Berlin. Thanks so much!

beer tours munich

Private, Groups & Special Requests

Date of experience

Number of guests* 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 - 14 15 - 30 31+

Tour language* English German Russian French Italian Spanish

Length of experience* 2 hours 3 hours 3,5 hours 4 hours Full day Multi-tour package

Preferred start time* 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM

Type of experience* Trends & Classics Food Tour East meet West History & Food Tour Evening Food Tour Exclusive Dining Tour Gourmet Food Tour Customised experience with selected topics

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Brewing Tours

  • Eating & Drinking

beer tours munich

Beer Production

beer tours munich

BEER GALLERY

beer tours munich

BREWERY TOUR

beer tours munich

Find yourself a nice, cosy spot in our Brewhouse and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere around the copper-coloured brew kettle. On brewing days, a breath-taking fragrance fills the rooms – and you are right in the midst of the process of hand-crafted beer production. Anyone who wants to know more can then take a glimpse behind the scenes for a bird’s eye view of how and where our home-brewed beer is created. Our master brewer only uses the best ingredients. The malt comes from a first-class malting plant in Schierling and the hops are from Hallertau. Alongside our ever-popular Zwickl and Bräuhaus Weisse beers, you can also enjoy our changing seasonal beers. Our Beer Calendar provides a full list of these, or else you can check out our brewing secret

You can book a spontaneous brewing tour every saturday with munichwalktorus .

Beer Gallery

Seasonal highlights.

Flirtation in May

Bockiger Beppo

unfiltered, original gravity: 16,4%, alcohol content: 6,3% Our home-brewed charm offensive! A bright shining bock beer, copper-colored with flavour of sweet fruits, mango and apricots. Restistance is useless!

Always on hand

This beer is a declaration of love to Munich

Bräuhaus Zwickl

unfiltered, original gravity: 12.3%, alcohol content: 5.4% Barley malt from Schierling, bottom-fermented yeast, stored for 40 days, Hallertau hops harmonious and sparkling, amber-coloured, full-bodied, a touch of home

A beer that’s as refreshing as Munich's River Isar

Bräuhaus Weiße

naturally cloudy, original gravity: 12.5%, alcohol content: 5.4% Hallertau hops, wheat malt from Schierling and barley malt, top-fermented yeast, stored for about 4 weeks cool, refreshing and always welcome, slightly sweet, lively, with subtle bitter notes

To make the soul dance!

Vladimir – The False Russian

Original gravity 13.0%, alcohol content 6.0% A summer weissbier to fall in love with. Top-fermented, cold-hopped, with citrus and Tradition hops giving a refreshing citrus note. Tastes of summer, sun and more.

As strong and golden as the September sun!

Resi – our golden Oktoberfest beer

Original gravity 14.5%, alcohol content 6.3% Hallertauer Tradition hops, brewed using the traditional three-mash process, matured for 6 weeks, elegantly dry, full-bodied, wonderfully drinkable

Home-brwed heartilled wormth

"Balthasar" Dark bock

naturally cloudy, original gravity 16.5 %, alcohol content 7,1% Top-fermented, strong and malty. The mixture of caramel malt, dark munich malt and Pilsener malt is, what creates it’s strong character and the chestnut-brown color. The addition of Monroe hops is turning out in an elegant fruity flavor of black currant. The perfect pleasure for cold winter days. It warm up your heart and give you the comfortable feeling of home. This is how winter tastes. Cheers!

The keen British man!

"Archibald" Imperial Stout

naturally cloudy, original gravity 16.5 %, alcohol content 6,7 % Top-fermented, strong and malty. The mixture of Caraaroma malt and roasted malt is, what creates it’s strong character and the deep black-brown color. The addition of Galaxy hops is turning out in an exotic bittersweet flavour and the taste of dark chocolate and cacao. Resistance useless!

A beer that’s exotic and yet so familiar!

"Pauline" Dunkles Weißbier

naturally cloudy, original gravity 13.5 %, alcohol content 6.0% Chestnut-coloured, top-fermented weissbier with a fruity, banana-like aroma and pleasantly gentle toasted malt notes, mildly hopped. Enticingly light fruity notes, an invitation to daydream

Homebrewed transfer of culture

Susan - Pale Ale

unfiltered, original gravity: 14,0%, alcohol content: 6,0 %, amber colored The Hallertauer Comet hops give rise to aromas of bluberries and mellow figs. Five weeks storage in the cellar develops the full character. Our Bavarian answer to Brexit neogiations.

A home-grown springtime treat

Vroni - the Hop Queen

unfiltered, original gravity: 13.0%, alcohol content: 5.4% A Pilsner brewed using the Saazer hops, subtle bitter notes and intense hop aroma, refreshingly flowery, elegantly dry. It enjoys your mind and takes your peppily through the sping time

British charme and charism

Wilma - Pale Ale

unfiltered, original gravity: 14,8 %, alcohol content: 5,1 % The mixture of Cara Red and Caramünch malt develops an unexpected malty aroma and radiant colours of autumn leaves. The Cascade hops give rise to aromas of grapefruit, lychee and red berries.

The Bavarian art of seduction!

unfiltered, original gravity: 18,5%, alcohol content: 7,6% Our home-brewed charm offensive! Dedicated and bursting with vigour. A dark double bock mashed three times with an distinctive flavour of hops, blueberries and citrus fruits. Restistance is useless!

A rarity from the Slyrs oak barrel

Whiskey Bock

Original gravity: 20.7%, alcohol content: 9.3% matured for 6 months in a wooden barrel, powerful body, pleasant sweetness, subtle whisky aromas and a touch of vanilla. Pleasantly foaming on the tongue

A flirtation in May

Thomass-Bock

Copper-coloured, glowing with an intense expressiveness. Aromas of sweet fruits, mango and apricot mean that resistance is futile. A powerful body, maltily sweet notes and a balanced hop bitterness. As beguiling as the spring air, with a fine, long-lasting foam crown, guaranteed to give long moments of pure, bright pleasure.

Home-brewed migration

Ceres – four grains, one beer

Original gravity 12.7%, alcohol content 5.2% The fresh hop notes from the Hersbrucker hops and the aromas of spelt and rye produce a soft mouthfeel and an incomparably varied flavour experience. Variety is the spice of life!

JETZT EIN HAUSGEBRAUTES! Dismiss

Self-guided Beer-Tour of Munich: Main Sights, Beer & Breweries

beer tours munich

  • Usage of Self-guided tour in App with Navigation (no WIFI required), Pictures, Audion and text.
  • Tips and rules of brewery visiting in Bavaria
  • Recommendations about the best places to eat and local food to try
  • Most comfortable route for seeing main sightseeing of Munich
  • Instructions how to get to 2 viewing points in Munich
  • Entrance tickets to Munich Residence (not necessary for tour, only if you want)
  • Tickets for panoramic towers (Not necessary for tour, only if you want)
  • Headphones. Full charged battery on phone. Power bank in winter or if you make many photos.
  • Karlsplatz 1, 80333 München, Germany Tour started at Karlsplatz
  • Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany Tour will be ended at Marienplatz
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Most travelers can participate
  • You need to know how to use phone and be able to download App.
  • Please have power bank with you or full battery. In winter phone runs out of charge faster due -to cold temperatures!
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
  • Marienplatz
  • Old Town Hall
  • Frauenkirche
  • St. Peter's Church
  • Viktualienmarkt

Similar experiences

beer tours munich

  • You'll start at Karlsplatz 1 Karlsplatz 1, 80333 München, Germany Tour started at Karlsplatz See address & details
  • 1 Karlsplatz Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 2 Augustiner Brauerei Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 3 Frauenkirche Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 4 Marienplatz Stop: 20 minutes See details
  • 5 St. Peter's Church Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • 6 Viktualienmarkt Stop: 25 minutes See details
  • 7 Residenz Stop: 15 minutes See details
  • 8 Staatliches Hofbrauhaus Stop: 25 minutes See details
  • 9 Bier- Und Oktoberfest Museum Stop: 20 minutes See details
  • 10 Old Town Hall Stop: 10 minutes See details
  • You'll end at Marienplatz Marienplatz, 80331 München, Germany Tour will be ended at Marienplatz See address & details

beer tours munich

  • ws753 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best birthday treat! Day trip with Anna was wonderful. Anna was kind, joyful, knowledgeable and funny. The tour was the perfect birthday gift for myself: memorable and largely worth it. I would want to return for another discovery experience with Anna. She’s unique and represents Austria and Tyrol in a such charming and lovable way. Read more Written February 22, 2024
  • spana1929 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible Tour of the Dolomites While visiting Innsbruck we really wanted to see the Dolomites, and found Anna online. Her communication was excellent and she helped us put together a tour to cover what we wanted to see - the mountains, the snow and a village. We went up the Seceda and then to St Magdalena, which was the highlight. Anna was the most amazing guide - nothing was a bother and she knew all the best places to go and make the most out of the day! Definitely one of the highlights of our Europe trip and recommend this tour to everyone! 10/10! Read more Written February 2, 2024
  • penny o 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A wonderful day. Anna & Marin (our driver) were the best guides, very knowledgeable and interesting. Don’t miss this. Anna & Marin (our driver) were the best guides, so knowledgeable & interesting. They were very flexible with the itinerary & nothing was too much trouble. Don’t miss this. Read more Written November 9, 2023
  • TKG1973 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Fairytale Day: Exploring Neuschwanstein Castle, Suspension Bridge, and Zugspitze with Marin This private full-day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle from Innsbruck was an adventure that will forever hold a special place in my heart. This remarkable journey started with Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany. The cable car ride to the summit provided us with sweeping vistas that left us speechless. Then we visited the awe-inspiring suspension bridge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Walking across the bridge, suspended high in the air, was an exhilarating experience. Our visit to Neuschwanstein Castle was, of course, a highlight, and Marin's recommendations for the best viewpoints, interesting historical tidbits, and seamless coordination made the visit both educational and incredibly enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend your services to anyone seeking a transformative travel adventure. Read more Written November 5, 2023
  • TKG1973 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Radiant Memories: A Brilliant Tour to the Swarovski Crystal Museum with the Exceptional Anna This tour was an absolute delight, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our incredible tour guide, Anna. The Swarovski Crystal Museum itself was a radiant wonderland, and Anna's guidance illuminated every facet of this captivating attraction. Her recommendations on must-see exhibits and hidden gems added depth and richness to our visit. Thanks to Anna's knowledge and insights, our time at the museum was not just informative but also thoroughly enjoyable. I can confidently say that this private half-day tour to the Swarovski Crystal Museum exceeded all my expectations. The tour was impeccably organized, transportation was comfortable, and, most importantly, Anna's presence made the experience truly exceptional. Read more Written November 5, 2023
  • R S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best. Tour. Ever! Anna is an absolute natural at being a tour guide and historian. She was family from the beginning and really made every effort to make our private experience unforgettable. She loves her country and its history with a full heart. Looking forward to booking with her again on her other trips in the near future. You will not be disappointed. Read more Written November 5, 2023
  • calicodreamin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour Anna was lovely! The tour was exactly as described and communication prior to going was prompt. The castles were beautiful and well worth the day trip; I highly recommend if you have the time. Read more Written October 18, 2023
  • Craig M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful tour of Hallstatt My wife and I had a great trip with Anna. Hallstatt was beautiful and Anna was a wonderful guide. She provided so much additional info that we would have never picked up without a great guide. Thanks Anna! Read more Written October 4, 2023
  • E2699BCbrent 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent Tour Anna was wonderful. Exactly what we were hoping for. A local who was able to bring us to where we wanted to ensure we could see what we wanted. Anna has a great personality and certainly knows how to give an entertaining tour! Would definitely go again. Read more Written September 27, 2023
  • 646MikeB 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Alps! This is absolutely a beautiful tour to take. The views are among the most incredible in the world. It was nice to have a private ride and have someone to do the driving and talking. I will say as an English speaker the guide was quite difficult to understand. He was very nice and accommodating. Read more Written September 24, 2023
  • nickrE6081RS 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hallstatt day trip We had a wonderful day on the private tour to Hallstatt and made a few stops as well with some amazing views. Marin was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend this trip for anyone looking to see some beautiful locations on a short schedule. Read more Written September 21, 2023
  • 8mareer 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles great experience. our guide, Anna, was terrific. Anna was most informative of the history of the royal family and the castle. Anna explained clearly where to go and meet. We would highly recommend this tour . Read more Written September 18, 2023
  • audreycN3656MV 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent day out We had a great tour of Hallstatt and Lake Gosau plus a few other customised stops that were of interest to us. Marin our driver and guide was very accomodating to our interests and give us lots of information during the day. He is more like a companion and a friend. Highly recommended! Read more Written September 16, 2023
  • Amor8282 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Innsbruck to Dolomites trip What an amazing guidade trip to the dolomites. Ana was excellent, she took care of all our needs, from our lunch break, taking care of my car sickness, to making sure we saw all the sights we hoped for. Would recommend this trip to anyone wishing to see the dolomites but doesn't have more than a day to do so. Thank you Ana, you were amazing! Keep up the good work 🙏 Read more Written September 9, 2023
  • nobukos2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thanks for Anna and Marin having given us a so so great tour A tour from Salzburg towards around Austrian Alps Hallstatt absolutely must be the private one. Anna & Marin perfectly and precisely showed us the way we should enjoy a trip. They kindly and interestingly guided us walking along together in several villages, telling us histories, traditions, foods and people living there. We really could have a memorable time. Japanese customers should also chose this perfect private tour. You should go anyway! Read more Written August 17, 2023

More to explore in Munich

beer tours munich

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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beer tours munich

Self-guided Beer-Tour of Munich: Main Sights, Beer & Breweries provided by Anna Tirol

Three people, of whom only their hands can be seen, toast each other with three different coloured beers.

Munich's Craft Beer Scene

Life is too good to always brew the same beer.

Munich is the city of beers: Beyond the Munich classics, a lively, creative and amicable craft beer scene is thriving. We explored five outlets and talked to the passionate brewers who run them.

Icon zur Trennung von Inhalten

In Munich, beer is sheer pleasure: a wheat beer after a hike or a Helles lager beer with a hearty snack in the beer garden. This summer, we decided to do a Munich craft beer tasting. Joining me as the author were my buddy Steffi, Peter, a colleague and beer aficionado, and Frank, our photographer – all sharing in the joy in this subject!

We explored the following craft beer pubs – feel free to savour each article on its own:

Higgins Ale Works

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Giesinger Bräuhaus

Higgins Ale Works – Once Upon a Time in America

As Peter, Frank and I taste a first round of his ales in the tap room of his brewery in Maxvorstadt district, Paul Higgens tells us that he taught himself the craft of brewing. The pub is petite and original. Striking detail: A sign at the counter commemorating the one-man regulars' table of a certain Simon, whose tireless efforts helped the pub open in the spring of 2022.

The walls are adorned with artwork made by a friend from vintage hiking maps. His two passions are also combined in the Higgins Ale Works logo: Hops blossoming in the profile of a hiking boot's footprint.

His profession as an engineer, the brewery and the pub leave him little free time, yet he recently managed to once again embark on a beautiful tour from Lenggries to the Seekarspitze peak and over the Ochsenkamp summit.

Paul started brewing 30 years ago in his home country. Hailing from New Jersey, USA, he can definitely tell the story of how craft beers came to be: In 1966, Mississippi became the last state to abolish prohibition, the ban on alcohol, after almost 50 years. Actually, this would be reason for a cheerful toast to brighter days – had it not been for the abysmal quality of the mass-produced beers.

„Munich beer is very good and, most importantly, budget-friendly, but I truly missed the variety.“ Paul Higgins

In protest, more and more Americans began brewing their own beer in the garage. This marked the birth of a movement that Paul joined in the early 1990s with his first brewing experiments. Craft beer has been a norm in the U.S. for some time now. You can order it in any pub or restaurant, no matter how small.

In Munich, it's a completely different story. When Paul and his wife Jen came to the Bavarian capital for professional reasons in 2003, they discovered a relatively small beer scene. “Munich beer is very good and, most importantly, budget-friendly”, Paul says, “but I truly missed the variety.”

Exterior view of the craft beer bar Higgins Tap Room in Munich's Maxvostadt district.

After they decided to settle down in Munich, he first brewed his ales at home and from 2015, he moved his operation to the basement of a former bakery in Maxvorstadt district. Paul laughs as he recalls how his wife nudged him toward a rental offer, to put an end to the brewing in the kitchen.

What started as a hobby turned into a thriving business that gained momentum, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, they expect to brew 8,000 litres to serve in their own tap room and to supply the pubs in Munich (exclusively) with their “Ale Works,“ produced according to the Bavarian Purity Law.

„Craft Beer is at least as intricate as a fine wine. Pour it into an elegant glass, savour it slowly, and allow ample time to enjoy and explore its diverse aromas and flavours.“ Paul Higgins

Because of the special hop varieties and rising prices in this market, you have to dig a little deeper into your pocket for his creations like the Pioneer Cream Ale (light, with French hops), his Glory Daze Grisette Saison (citrusy summer beer with Belgian hops, spelt malt and a touch of Amarillo and Centennial hops) or the Secret Idahoe (slightly bitter, with balanced acidity).

Great taste comes at a price. As beer connoisseur Peter professionally lets the beer grace his palate, he picks up a hint of cardamom. That's pretty close to the mark – smoky, with a subtle clove undertone would be another way to characterise this style.

Paul believes that craft beer is more than just a thirst-quencher; it's at least as intricate as a fine wine and should be treated as such. “Pour it into an elegant glass, savour it slowly, and allow ample time to enjoy and explore its diverse aromas and flavours,“ he advises.

Résumé: The tap room captivates with its fantastic location nestled in the shadow of the huge Spaten Brewery. Employees from Google and Apple enjoy meeting here for an after-work beer as much as students or touring philharmonic musicians. Tourists drop by especially during Oktoberfest time. Tip: In autumn, Paul will again harvest the grapes next to the tap room and craft his delightful “grape and grain style“ drink, a unique fusion of wine and beer. Pink in colour and bubbly like champagne.

Higgins Ale Works , Karlstrasse 122

Another great spot: Tap-House , Rosenheimerstrasse 108

Paulaner Bräuhaus – Persuading the Customer

No. Becoming a brewmaster was not Annalena Ebner's childhood dream. However, when it came to choosing her career path later on, she had a distinct vision. She wanted to enter the food industry and focus on a product that does not contain inferior ingredients and can be packaged sustainably. That's how she ended up brewing beer at Paulaner Bräuhaus in Munich's central Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district.

In addition to its large brewery, Paulaner maintains brew pubs around the world modelled after the Bräuhaus at Kapuzinerplatz (place) in Munich. Alongside the regular beers, they also offer a selection of special craft beers – in line with the Bavarian purity law, of course.

„Certainly, yeast and malt also contribute significantly to a well-balanced taste. But as soon as it gets exotic, it's definitely due to the hops.“ Annalena Ebner

She briefly explains the brewing process to me. It takes about six weeks from the initial brew, which she concocts in the copper-coloured kettles in the guest room of the Paulaner Bräuhaus, before it is ready for serving. While the fermented beer consists of only four ingredients, it offers limitless possibilities for altering the beer's flavour and create new varieties.

In addition to a naturally cloudy pale beer (called Zwickl in the brewery) and a wheat beer, Annalena crafts a third type of “craft beer“ according to her own recipes. During the summer months, her “Vitali” craft is served, a wheat beer infused with a citrus note from Citra hops and 6.5 percent alcohol.

Portrait of brewer Annalena Ebner of Paulaner Bräuhaus in Munich in a warm jacket with the logo of the Paulaner Bräuhaus

Annalena tells us that craft beer breweries tend to play with hops. She says that there is an abundance of brews with almost astonishing flavours, ranging from mango and passion fruit to citrus and pepper to notes reminiscent of liquorice and glacier candy. Certainly, yeast and malt also contribute significantly to a well-balanced taste. “But as soon as it gets exotic,“ says Annalena, “it's definitely due to the hops“.

It might sometimes be too exotic for some guests, who have only ever ordered the usual options and are sceptical about a beer with a scent of grapefruit and passion fruit. In the ambiance of a traditional Bavarian pub, craft beer is just not a guaranteed choice. There is still plenty of room for persuasion for her on this topic. With her special beers, she makes a beeline for the regulars' tables and has already made many a stubborn guest rethink.

Résumé: For me, Vitali has a great taste. I would even dare to call it one of my newly discovered favourite craft beers. The tiny brewery is really worth a visit, so I recommend a tour of Annalena's empire at Paulaner Bräuhaus.

Paulaner Bräuhaus at Kapuzinerplatz , Kapuzinerplatz 5

 Another great spot: Paulaner am Nockherberg , Hochstrasse 77

True Brew – Friendship and Adventure

Upon entering the snug bar on Dreimühlenstrasse in the Schlachthofviertel district, you hear “The Passenger” by Iggy Pop – one of my favourite party tracks that always gets me grooving. This immediately wins me over to the place. Before my visit, I had read on the website that “True Brew is built on the love for excellent beer, friendship and adventure”. So, my first question was about the interplay of these three elements.

Andi, Luis and Lucas have been friends since early childhood. They grew up together in Middle Franconia and their bond has remained unbroken over the years. According to Andi, they always had a passion for the great outdoors. During a snowboarding weekend together, they came to the realisation that they were each “pretty content“ with their lives but still felt they hadn't quite reached their desired destinations.

The snowboard and surfboard now adorn the walls. I wonder if they still get to do any sports.

So, they put all their eggs in one basket and founded True Brew in the Schlachthofviertel district in 2019. Luis is the brewer, Andi studied business administration and Lucas trained as a chef and hotel manager. The snowboard and surfboard now adorn the walls. I wonder if they still get to do any sports.

For reasons of space constraints, the beer is not brewed on site but in neighbouring breweries. However, they manage everything themselves, from procuring the raw materials to bottling. Around 1000 hectolitres are produced per year. The beer flows from decorative copper kettles and is also delivered to selected craft beer pubs, including in Berlin and Hamburg, as well as to various other European countries.

In the meantime, they have opened a second pub in Munich, Andi reports. The new Lagerhaus is more traditionally oriented and offers lager beer and Bavarian cuisine, while True Brew specialises in “craftier options“ and serves homemade pizza.

„The Joyride is packed with hops, but still goes down well. Due to its low alcohol content, you can easily enjoy this beer for a whole evening.“ Andreas „Andi“ Dünkel, True Brew

The beers on tap are classics of the American style with hop-accentuated, aromatic beers such as India Pale Ale. A distinction is made between the West Coast Style, which is rather dry and quite bitter and New England Style, which focuses on tropical, fruity aromas.

Joyride has been a top seller right from the start and the guests love it. It's packed with hops, but still goes down well. Andi mentions that due to its low alcohol content, you can easily enjoy this beer for a whole evening. In Germany, it received the “Ale Beer of the Year 2022“ award at the prestigious Meininger's International Craft Beer Awards. Andi only brings this up in response to my curiosity about the numerous framed certificates next to the bar. Pretty modest of him.

Cosy sitting area in True Brew bar in Munich with leather coach, vintage lamp and pictures and a surfboard on the wall above.

By the way, for takeaway and shipping, they only pack their beers in cans. This helps preserve the beer's freshness and aroma. In Andi's point of view, the eco-balance is also right, especially when you consider the time-intensive production and cleaning of the bottles. I encountered this argument several times on my tour of the scene. And their cans here are really exceptionally beautiful: My Joyride features a camper van against a seaside sunset.

Résumé : If you live in the Dreimühlenstrasse neighbourhood, True Brew is probably your first stop after returning from holiday. But many tourists also come here, especially during the Oktoberfest, because the craft beer scene in Munich is still very informal and small. Just before we leave, a friend enters and jests, “Are you guys busy sharing tips for the best spots in my district again?“ Yes, indeed, we are.

True Brew , Dreimühlenstrasse 25

Another great spot: Frisches Bier , Thalkirchner Strasse 53

BrewsLi – Here, the Focus is on Beer Crafting, not Marketing

The tomato plants outside the window overlook a backyard in a tranquil side street in Munich's Au district . Inside, there are oak floors, dark green panelled walls and rustic brewery-style furniture. Shortly after 5 pm, almost all tables are occupied. The guests are a mixture of people with and without tattoos, some in hard rock T-shirts, others in checked tops. All together, they make a tremendous soundscape. Behind the bar, there are a dozen taps from which the in-house beer specialities flow. In the entrance area, next to the brewing kettle, we spot a pair of rubber boots and a Bobby car, presumably the future brewer’s vehicle.

„Everyone enjoys beer, whether they're wearing a suit or have a mohawk, or whether they've just turned 16 and can finally partake in beer drinking.“ Benjamin Saller aka BrewsLi

Today, my friend Steffi and I have an appointment here with BewsLi, aka Ben Saller. I think he has the most distinctive name of all craft beer pubs in town. When I first read it (Bruce Lee, ha-ha) it made me burst with laughter. A painting of Ben graces the beer coasters, depicting him seated in front of his brewing kettle, wearing the authentic Vietnamese rice hat from back home.

But that's it for the advertising. There is no shop. No vibrant labels. No bottles. The beer is served exclusively from the keg. “I fill beer connoisseurs, not bottles”, Ben asserts with his characteristic seriousness. For him, enjoying beer on site is the most natural and sustainable way to savour the brew. He does not particularly like the term “craft beer” and primarily sees himself as a local supplier of hand-crafted quality beers and thus as the antithesis to the mega-breweries.

„I fill beer connoisseurs, not bottles.“ Benjamin Saller aka BrewsLi

Franconian breweries are his role model. After completing his training as a master brewer, he embarked on the project of opening his own brewery pub in Munich. Target group: From those who may just start drinking beer to those who can't drink beer any more. Initially, this seemed a bit vague to the banker, but eventually Ben was able to persuade him of his business plan. “Everyone enjoys beer,“ Benjamin explains, “whether they're wearing a suit or have a mohawk, or whether they've just turned 16 and can finally partake in beer drinking.“

In the BrewsLi, drinks referred to as beer adhere to the Reinheitsgebot – the German Purity Law. Ben serves his interpretations of classic beer styles, such as Helles , Weissbier and Pilsners on tap. When it comes to craft beers, guests benefit from the youthful host's love of experimentation and curiosity. His declared goal is to have brewed and served all existing beer styles at some point. After all, he says, beer is a millennia-old beverage that has developed in many different directions worldwide. His motto is: “Life is simply too good to always brew the same beer.“

The outdoor area of the craft beer bar BrewsLi in Munich's Au district with wooden tables and benches.

Among his specialities are a wood-aged beer, or, occasionally, a sour drink with fruit (which, naturally, isn't called beer). You can sample a selection of his specialities on a tasting tray. He recommends his Rhode Island Iced Tea, which, as the name suggests, is far from the taste of conventional beers. We take a deep sniff into the glass, trying to discern its unique aroma. It might take some getting used to, but we appreciate the beer, even Steffi, who usually prefers wine. Or maybe it's just because of that.

Résumé: BrewLi is a down-to-earth, completely unpretentious place with the potential to become a regular pub. But one shouldn't jump to conclusions: There are some people in the Munich craft beer scene who claim that BrewsLi makes the quirkiest beers of all!

BrewsLi , Taubenstrasse 2

Another great spot: HopDog , Auenstrasse 100

Giesinger Bräu – The Church Innkeeper of Giesing district

Our last stop is Giesinger Bräu, located in the immediate vicinity of the Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche (church) in the Giesing district. The brewery has its roots in the haze of the old parish church in the neighbourhood where everything took place – from the first batch of raspberry beer brewed in a garage back in 2005 to the opening of the present-day brewery with an annual output of 35,000 hectolitres. In 2019, the brewery expanded to include Plant 2 in the north of Munich. To infuse a sense of home, they put up Giesing signs at the new plant site.

„We are the smallest brewery among the big ones, but the biggest among the small ones.“ Martin Jäger, Giesinger Bräu

Meanwhile, the brewery restaurant at the Giesing site alone has room for 200 guests inside and another 140 or so on the terrace. The so-called “Schänke“ regularly hosts concerts and events. We are lucky enough to get a cool spot right within the brewhouse with a view of the beer kettles. Here we meet Martin Jäger, whose responsibilities include purchasing and events at Giesinger Bräu. Giesinger Bräu focuses on upscale Bavarian pub culture. Martin buys fish, meat, vegetables, and eggs directly from local producers with a strong focus on regional and sustainable sourcing.

We order the highly recommended Obatzta (garnished cream cheese) and salmon served with green tagliatelle pasta and chanterelles The waiter suggests a Märzen beer to go with it, which he personally recommends as his favourite beer. Martin himself enjoys half a litre of the brand-new non-alcoholic beer from their range. The Giesingers offer between 10 and 14 types of beer, continually adding new ones. They maintain their passion for experimentation with a small, high-quality craft beer selection while a traditional festival beer is also slowly maturing in the kettles.

They maintain their passion for experimentation with a small, high-quality craft beer selection while a traditional festival beer is also slowly maturing in the kettles.

Martin has just finished setting up the “Long Night of Breweries“ in the new Plant 2. For one weekend, several breweries from Munich and the surrounding area have invited guests to sample their beers with good music and food. “We are the smallest brewery among the big ones, but the biggest among the small ones,“ Martin declares.

Brewing kettles at Giesinger Bräu in Munich-Giesing

Having started small themselves, they are now reaching out to fellow microbreweries, returning a bit of the solidarity they once received during times of financial constraints. Because there is one thing you have to know: Giesinger Bräu holds the record for the most money raised via crowdfunding in the food industry in Germany.

Résumé: Those who visit Giesinger Bräu tend to go for the traditional: Classic Münchener Helles , Weissbier , Märzen or Dunkel . But craft beers like Lemondrops (a triple beer, heavily hopped with Lemondrop hops) or Sternhagel (a bock beer with quite a high alcohol content), as well as noble beers aged in cognac or whiskey barrels (which took some getting used to for Steffi and me, while Frank was thrilled) also have a large following. Giesinger beer is also available at a stand-up counter at the Viktualienmarkt (market) in the heart of the old town, in Sendling , in the Maxvorstadt , in Haidhausen and in the Glockenbachviertel .

Giesinger Bräu , Martin-Luther-Strasse 2

Another great spot: Lagerhaus , Humboldtstrasse 20

Text: Karoline Graf; Photos: Frank Stolle, Giesinger Bräu, Hannes Rohrer

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The universe of Munich's sausages is almost infinite. An orientation guide.

The universe of Munich's sausages is not infinite. Its full extent may, however, appear unfathomable to many visitors to the city. A guide.

The chef of the restaurant Schneider Bräuhauses München is cutting a knuckle of pork with a big knife.

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Heart, kidney, cheeks, tail: Nose to tail eating is a worldwide trend. Always has been in Munich.

Heart and kidneys, cheeks and tail: While serving up the more unusual parts of an animal may currently be one of the hottest trends, the people of Munich have been doing it for centuries.

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Frauenkirche: Visit of the South Tower

Book a visit to the observation deck of Munich's Frauenkirche and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

Munich's Palace of Justice

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During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

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Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

Hop on and be whisked away by one of the world's most beautiful stretches of street: the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and Harburg.

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Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Neuschwanstein Castle in the surrounding region of Munich.

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

As VIP in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. On this day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing you can visit both dream castles of the fairytale king.

A day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing.

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Visit of the Law Library: Juristische Bibliothek

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Towers at Marienplatz in Munich

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The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

Wort kettle at the Spaten brewery in Munich.

Spaten Brewery Tour

Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

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Alter Peter, Frauenkirche and Neues Rathaus: the Munich skyline in the evening light.

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The big munich beer festival you’ve never heard of kicks off in march.

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Traditionally, politicians and celebrities sit in the audience and are publicly mocked by a comedian ... [+] at the Nockherberg beer hall on the opening day of Starkbierfest, the strong beer season.

Everybody has heard of Oktoberfest. That’s the biggest beer festival in the world and the 2023 edition set new attendance records .

Lesser known, but perhaps more fun (with better beer and without the tourist crowds), is Munich’s Starkbierfest.

“Starkbier” simply means “strong beer”, but in reference to these historically monastic Lenten brews, starkbier is also known as “fastenbock” or “doppelbock.” According to legend, monks would forgo solid food during Lent, surviving solely on beer. Special beer would be brewed by the monks for that purpose — stronger, richer and darker to sustain the monks during their fast.

All of the major Munich breweries make one and they can be recognized by their names, which typically end in “ator”. The most famous and original is Paulaner’s Salvator , but Ayinger makes Celebrator , Augustiner makes Maximator; Löwenbrau makes Triumphator , Spaten makes Optimator , Hacker-Pschorr makes Animator and Hofbrau makes Delicator . Doppelbock’s range from 7% ABV to 10% ABV (compared to a more typical 5% ABV for “regular” beers).

Traditionally, Starkbierfest starts at Paulaner am Nockherberg with a comedic roast of dignitaries and politicians, including a keg tapping by Munich’s mayor. In 2024, that VIP event was held on February 28, but Paulaner am Nockherberg will officially host Starkbierfest for the public starting today, from March 1 to 24.

Hofbräuhaus on Platzl square (dusk) - Munich, Bavaria, Germany

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Paulaner’s and the other breweries’ -ator beers may be available throughout Munich outside the Paulaner am Nockherberg dates, since doppelbocks may be drunk for the duration of Lent. All of the major breweries have beer halls that serve their doppelbocks during Starkbierfest:

  • Ayinger Bräustüberl ( Celebrator ) Starkbierfest runs from March 1 to 24.
  • Augustiner-Keller ( Maximator ) is celebrating Starkbierfest from February 22 to March 23.
  • Hacker-Pschorr Donisl will serve Animator from March 1 to 23.
  • Hofbraukeller hosted official ticketed events serving Delicator on February 23 and 24.
  • Löwenbraukeller will serve Triumphator from March 1 to 23.
  • Giesinger Bräustüberl will have Innovator on March 1 and 2.

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beer tours munich

16 Cities In Europe Every Beer Lover Should Visit

F rom iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa to breathtaking landscapes like the Matterhorn and the Cliffs of Moher, Europe's got a lot to offer when it comes to tourism. This culturally-rich continent also boasts an unrivaled beer culture that includes styles as varied as pilsners and stouts. On top of the myriad styles, Europe's beer scene is unique in its ability to blend centuries-old brewing traditions with innovative craft methods.

To celebrate the magic that is European beer, we've curated a list of must-visit cities that every beer lover should visit at least once. In this article, you'll find all the legendary beer capitals along with some new kids on the block. Not only do each of these destinations offer you the chance to savor exceptional brews, but their brewpubs, festivals, and tours provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in their vibrant beer cultures. So grab your passport and get ready for a beer-filled adventure you'll never forget.

Munich, Germany

Few cities are as closely associated with beer as Munich. Every year, Bavaria's capital city is home to Oktoberfest, a 16-day festival celebrating German culture, food, and, of course, beer. Märzen lager is the unofficial  Oktoberfest beer , but all kinds of tipples are available.

Outside of the festival season, Munich is still a must-visit European beer city, if only for its massive beer halls. The Hofbräuhaus, a 3,000-seat tavern dating back 500 years, is the most famous, but it's not the only one worth visiting. Spots like Augustiner-Bräustuben and Löwenbräukeller provide the same raucous atmosphere, minus the massive crowds.

If the weather's nice, then relax with a beer al fresco at one of Munich's many beer gardens. We recommend Biergarten Viktualienmarkt (a centrally-located drinking spot close to Munich's top restaurants), Chinesischer Turm (a restaurant-slash-beer garden housed next to the Chinese Tower), and Augustiner Keller (a popular spot serving up soft pretzels and melt-in-your-mouth ribs).

Dublin, Ireland

If you love a good stout, then you'll be right at home in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland's beautiful capital. Not only is this city of 1.2 million people the home of Guinness (the world's most famous stout) , but it also boasts plenty of craft breweries that are shaking up traditional Irish beer culture.

Every day is a lovely day for a Guinness at the seven-story headquarters located at the historic site of St. James's Gate. After touring the massive facility, sip on a creamy pint in the Gravity Bar, a rooftop spot offering a 360-degree view of the city. Looking to hone your bartending skills? Then practice the six-step pouring process at the Guinness Pouring Academy.

After you've had your fill of Guinness, why not try some of the city's beloved craft breweries? BrewDog Outpost, Farrier & Draper, and P. Mac's are just a few of our favorites.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen might not spring to mind when you think of famous beer cities , but forgetting it would be a mistake. The Danish capital is home to Carlsberg, which has been marketed as "probably the best beer in the world." You can learn more about Carlsberg's lofty slogan and storied history by visiting the Carlsberg Visitor Centre. After the tour, make sure to grab a pint of Carlsberg, Tuborg, or Jacobsen Housebrew at the Jacobsen Brewhouse and Bar.

If lagers aren't your thing, then head to one of the city's many up-and-coming craft breweries. With its global reach, Mikkeller & Friends is one of the city's best-known breweries. The Nørrebro location features 40 rotating beers on tap, plus tons of bottled options. Warpigs Brewpub is another must-see. This funky spot is a collaboration between Mikkeller and 3 Floyds, an American brewery. It's famous for its extra-hoppy IPAs and dark barrel-aged beers, not to mention some of the most authentic Texas barbecue outside of the Lone Star State.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is better known for its cannabis culture than its beer, but the city widely referred to as the Venice of the North knows how to sling brews with the best of them. For starters, the Dutch capital is the birthplace of Heineken, one of the world's best-selling beers. At the Heineken Experience, you can learn all about the company's history, witness the Heineken brewing process, and sip a chilly pint on the rooftop terrace.

Looking for something a little more off the beaten path? Amsterdam's got plenty of craft breweries to choose from. For example, there's Brouwerij 't IJ, a small brewery serving everything from crisp lagers to hoppy IPA that's located inside an authentic windmill -- what could be more Dutch than that? Elsewhere, with experimental beers like Funky Frog (a sour beer made with grapefruit), Two Chefs Brewing is one of the more unique options Amsterdam has to offer.

Antwerp, Belgium

Best known for its Diamond District and Flemish Renaissance architecture, Antwerp doesn't have the beer city reputation of Brussels or Leuven, but it's still well worth the visit. Antwerp is a melting pot of Belgian, Dutch, and German beers. Whether you prefer your beer refreshing and light or heavy and dark, you'll have no trouble finding a tasty brew here.

If you're an ale enthusiast then you may already be aware of the drink De Koninck Bolleke, an iconic aspect of Antwerp beer culture if ever there was one. Bolleke is a colloquial term for a bowl-shaped beer glass, whereas Koninck refers to the Antwerp-based brewery that produces the malty, light amber ale the city is famous for.

To add to its beer-city cred, Antwerp is home to several yearly beer festivals. Every November, Billie's Craft Beer Fest welcomes beer lovers from all over the world to nerd out over their favorite brews. Come summertime, the Antwerp Beer Passion Weekend offers visitors the chance to sample over 200 types of Belgian beers.

London, England

Not only is England's capital home to more than 120 breweries, but the city is full of cozy, historical pubs, happening beer gardens, and even a handful of alcohol-free bars. According to many accounts, the city was also instrumental in launching the craft beer revolution in the late 1970s. Needless to say, you won't have any trouble finding a decent beer in merry old London.

However, it's not the number of places in London that impresses the most. Rather, it's the variety of unique locations these watering holes have set up shop in. Some notable locations include The Barrel Project, a taproom hidden underneath a Victorian railway arch, and the Tavern Bar at The Dickens Inn, a converted warehouse.Per the pub's website , this place is "proudly doing what British pubs do best: a good honest pint, friendly faces and top grub."

Also, as a testament to its rich beer culture, London is home to several beer festivals like the Great British Beer Festival, the London Craft Beer Festival, and BrewLDN, to name but a few.

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw was named one of the world's top craft beer cities by CNN  in 2019, and it has only gotten better for brews since then. A big part of Poland's success in the craft beer scene is the country's lack of beer brewing tradition. That may sound like a negative, but it's not. Rather, having the freedom to experiment with new techniques has been an instrumental part in creating Poland's craft beers.

The country's capital city is one of the centers of the country's craft beer revolution. Located in Old Warsaw, Nowogrodzka Street is the place to go for the best bars. Here, you'll find Drugie Dno, a six-tap gastropub housed in a tenement house that's over a hundred years old. Not far from that is Kufle i Kapsle, a craft beer pub with 16 rotating taps and a 150-beer bottle selection. Jabeerwocky and Same Krafty are some of the city's most decorated brewpubs, both making appearances on Enjoy Travel 's 50 Best Craft Beer Bars in Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic

When a country has a patron saint of beer and a national beer celebration that lasts for two weeks, you know brewskis are a big part of the culture. Czech Beer Days takes place in September and is dedicated to all things beer. "St. Wenceslas Day, the 28th of September, is a national holiday, celebrating Václav I's legacy of helping unify Bohemia," explains Prague Morning . "But he is also considered the patron saint of beer."

Once the festival season is over, grab a pint at one of Prague's many historical watering holes. Pivovar Sv. Norbert Strahov, a monastery brewery located just steps from Prague Castle, is arguably one of the city's best locales. We also recommend a visit to U Kunštátů, a craft beer bar and beer garden serving up dozens of craft options. And don't forget to explore the Staropramen complex before you leave -- it's the country's second-largest brewery in terms of sales and the perfect representation of a traditional Czech pilsner beer.

Bern, Switzerland

On top of being the actual capital of Switzerland (a fact that often surprises people), Bern carries the unofficial designation of being Switzerland's capital of beer. Indeed, the city that Toblerone Chocolate built is home to more than 200 breweries and microbreweries. Bern even has its own beer, Bärner Müntschi, an unfiltered, unpasteurized lager made by the Felsenau family brewery.

Altes Tramdepot is one of the city's best breweries, serving up natural, unfiltered brews without chemical additives. In addition to a rotating selection of beers, the brewery has a great selection of permanent offerings including tram beers like Helles and Märzen. Be sure to also check out Barbière, a restaurant-slash-microbrewery serving up a rotating selection of IPAs, ales, and stouts. What's great about Bern is that you don't even have to go out to enjoy some of the city's best tipples -- Kurbel Braeu Brewery will deliver your beers via bike anywhere in the city.

Brussels, Belgium

In addition to being home to the European Parliament, Brussels is an ideal weekend destination and a beer-lover's paradise. For starters, this bustling city of 1.2 million people is home to The Museum of Belgian Brewers, an intimate locale dedicated to 18th-century brewing techniques, mugs, and carafes. After the tour, head to one of the city's many bars and sample some of Belgium's finest beers.

With its world record 2,004 local and international beers, Delirium Cafe is an obvious place to start. Here, you'll find everything from traditional Belgian Abbey beers to off-the-wall favorites like Floris Chocolat, a chocolate-infused beer. Continue your exploration of the city's beer culture with a visit to Á La Bècasse, an old-timey bar specializing in Kriek, a traditional cherry-flavored beer. If the weather's nice, head to The Saint-Géry Market Halls, a 19th-century open-air market offering a selection of more than 100 beers.

Pilsen, Czech Republic

If the name looks familiar, it's because you've seen it before. Pilsen, a small city located 56 miles west of Prague, is the birthplace of pilsner beer. This pale, golden lager first made an appearance in 1842 when local brewers tried to replicate the popular Bavarian lagers of the day. The local ingredients (Moravian barley, Bohemian Saaz hops, and soft Pilsen water) didn't produce the desired product, but rather the world's first pilsner. Unfortunately, the original brewers never patented the name. As a result, pilsner-style beers started popping up all over Europe.

In 1898, Bürger Brauerei trademarked "the original pilsner," aka Pilsner Urquell. You'll have no trouble finding a spot to try Pilsen's favorite beer -- you can even tour the Pilsner Urquell brewery. If you need a break from the pilsners, head to Klub Malých Pivovarů, a beer bar highlighting beers from the Bohemia region and beyond. Or, there's Raven Pub City & Bolevec, a centrally-located bar serving every type of beer you can imagine.

Cologne, Germany

Move over Munich, Cologne is making waves in the beer world. Germany's fourth-largest city is the birthplace of Kölsch, a pilsner-style beer that blends the top-fermenting yeasts used in ale brewing with the low temperatures of lager brewing. The result is a low-alcohol, easy-to-drink beer with light fruity notes.

Given how proud Cologne is of its beer, you'll have no trouble finding a spot to down a tall glass. Founded in 1883, Päffgen is Cologne's oldest house brewery and makes one of the best (if not the best) Kölsches in the city. As the city's second-oldest Kölsch brewery, Mühlen is another solid option.

For something beyond Kölsch, head to Heller. This organic-certified brewery features pilsners, wiesses, and a rotating seasonal selection of wheat beers. Braustelle, Cologne's smallest brewery, offers wheat IPAs, pale ales, and Pink Panther, a fruity ale made with hibiscus flowers.

Strasbourg, France

Although Alsace, the region where Strasbourg is located, is known for its white wines , it's impossible to ignore the nascent beer culture emerging in this eastern region of France. Brasserie Saint-Pierre is one of the region's largest craft breweries. Since 2001, it's been concocting everything from IPAs and stouts to fruit beers -- blueberry beer, anyone? Try a tasting flight at the in-house bar, take a guided tour, or make your own brew at a beer-making workshop.

Bendorf Brewery is another unmissable spot when visiting Strasbourg. Since 2013, this craft brewery has been selling an impressive collection of both permanent and seasonal beers. Some of their flagship products include Kollane Lill, a pale ale, À L'ombre des Pensées, a white IPA, and Les Abysses du Baggersee, a 10% imperial stout. There are plenty of places for beer lovers to visit in this beautiful city.

Wrocław, Poland

Poland is better known for being part of the Vodka Belt , but Wrocław, a city of 640,000 located in Western Poland, is a beer city through and through. Locals even refer to it as The Polish City of Beer. Unlike other parts of the country that are just starting to get into the beer game, Wrocław has long been associated with the frothy stuff. Thanks to its location between Germany and the Czech Republic, the city's beer culture has been influenced by Bavarian wheat beers and Czech pilsners for centuries.

These days, Wrocław's Browar Stu Mostów is Poland's biggest and most popular brewery. This ten-tap brewpub pours unique offerings like WRCLW, a Baltic nitro porter, and Salamander, a low-alcohol sessionable IPA. Another one of our favorites is 4HOPS, a 16-tap bar with plenty of Polish beers to sample. Can't choose just one beer? Then sample a bunch on Wrocław's Craft Beer Tour or visit the city's annual Good Beer Festival in May.

Belgrade, Serbia

An up-and-coming European beer city, Belgrade is worth the visit if you find yourself in the area (plus, Serbian food is to die for). Opened in 2014, Kabinet Brewery is one of the city's most famous brands. Some of its top sellers include Brrkaaa, a citrusy American pale ale, and SuperNova, Serbia's first IPA. You can sample Kabinet's offerings at Samo Pivo, a craft beer bar housed in an abandoned mall, and Gunner's Pub, a cozy 16-tap bar.

Dogma Brewery & Tap Room is another stand-out in the Serbian capital. From its hop-heavy Zuma Mountain IPA to its more accessible Light House Pale Ale, every beer drinker will find something to suit their palate at Dogma. For a truly local experience, head to The Black Turtle, an Irish-inspired brewpub offering a mix of Belgian and German-style beers, plus some fruity options for good measure. If you're in town in June, you can't miss Belgrade Beer Fest, a four-day celebration of local brews and music.

Leuven, Belgium

You've probably never heard of this small Flemish city located 16 miles east of Brussels, but we're willing to bet that you've tried at least one of its beers. That's because Leuven is home to AB InBev, the world's largest brewery. Some of its best-known products include Budweiser, Corona, and Busch. In addition to these staple college party beers, AB InBev manufactures a number of Belgian-style beers like Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, and Leffe.

While there's no ignoring AB InBev's influence in Leuven, it's the city's microbreweries that make it a must-visit European beer destination. Located just a stone's throw from Leuven's Oude Markt, a bustling town square, is Huisbrouwerij Domus, a well-loved brewery known for its old-fashioned lagers and ales. Hof ten Dormaal Brewery, a small, family-owned operation is another favorite, thanks to its experimental barrel-aged beers made with local ingredients. And we can't forget to mention Braxatorium Parcensis, a brewery that brews its beers in an actual abbey. This is without a doubt a city that every beer lover should visit .

Read this next: 40 Most Popular Beers, Ranked Worst To Best

Beers on wall near river

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    Munich's Beer Halls and Breweries When it comes to drinking establishments in Munich, visitors are spoilt for choice. This 3.5-hour tour takes the decision-making out of your hands by taking you on a whistle stop journey around some of the city's most acclaimed beer halls and breweries, including Germany's oldest commercial brewery.

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    You can book a spontaneous brewing tour every saturday with munichwalktorus. Beer Gallery Seasonal Highlights Flirtation in May Bockiger Beppo unfiltered, original gravity: 16,4%, alcohol content: 6,3% Our home-brewed charm offensive! A bright shining bock beer, copper-colored with flavour of sweet fruits, mango and apricots.

  20. Self-guided Beer-Tour of Munich: Main Sights, Beer & Breweries

    During this tour, you are going to learn what Munich, monks, and brewing have in common. You are going to plunge into the modern life and traditions of Munich and feel the Bavarian atmosphere. You will get known brewery visiting culture, history of Oktoberfest and try different types of bier if you want. This tour is prepared by professional ...

  21. Self-guided Beer-Tour Of Munich: Main Sights, Beer & Breweries

    Best Breweries in Munich. The self-guided beer tour of Munich takes beer enthusiasts on a journey to discover the best breweries in the city. Munich is known for its rich brewing tradition, and this tour allows visitors to explore the craft breweries that make the city famous.. These breweries offer unique beer tasting experiences, allowing participants to sample a variety of styles and flavors.

  22. Beer Tour of Munich

    Beer Tour of Munich. Relaxing with a few beers - oh, and maybe a chicken - is part of the Bavarian way of life for men and women, young and old. Andrew Burnyeat reports. Imagine a public park filled with row upon row of tables and benches. Now imagine those benches heaving under the weight of the collective backside of the local populace.

  23. Craft-Beer-Pubs

    In Munich, beer is sheer pleasure: a wheat beer after a hike or a Helles lager beer with a hearty snack in the beer garden. This summer, we decided to do a Munich craft beer tasting. ... Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower. Book now

  24. The Big Munich Beer Festival You've Never Heard Of Kicks Off ...

    All of the major breweries have beer halls that serve their doppelbocks during Starkbierfest: Ayinger Bräustüberl ( Celebrator) Starkbierfest runs from March 1 to 24. Augustiner-Keller ...

  25. 16 Cities In Europe Every Beer Lover Should Visit

    Outside of the festival season, Munich is still a must-visit European beer city, if only for its massive beer halls. The Hofbräuhaus, a 3,000-seat tavern dating back 500 years, is the most famous ...