Beer Gardens – Keeping Munich’s traditions alive

Beautiful, lush gardens! Everybody has heard and visited them. But, ever heard of beer gardens? Yes, the beer gardens thrive and there are plenty of them throughout Germany. But, the finest of the beer gardens are found in and around Munich. The traditional beer gardens of Munich are quite special and provide an unbeatable atmosphere.

The Biergarten or Beer Garden has a history behind it. The beer gardens were in fact formed because of necessity. The brewers in the 18th and 19th centuries had to constantly struggle hard to keep their beer cool, particularly during the warm weather, and prevent it from getting spoilt. The brewers from Munich found a novel way to keep the beer cool during summer. They dug the cellars near the shady shores of Isar River and started storing them there. This took place during early 1724. Local residents started enjoying cool drink and started taking their beer glasses along with them. The benches and tables also appeared on the scene, and thus the tradition of beer garden took birth in Munich.
 
Munich has some of the best beer gardens. The important ones worth visiting include Augustiner Keller, Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz, Königlicher Hirschgarten, Park Café, Seehaus im Englischen Garten, Chinesischer Turm, Hacker-Pschorr Bräuhaus, Olympiapark, Paulaner am Nockherberg, Viktualienmarkt, Löwenbräukeller and Airbräu.

The Augustiner Keller is one of the largest and most popular beer gardens in the city. It forms a part of Augustiner Keller restaurant. The main garden is divided into two parts. The visitors can bring their own food in one part, while in the other part of the beer garden food is available for purchase. The canopy covering provided by leaves from numerous horse chestnut trees makes the whole atmosphere romantic.

The Hofbräukeller am Wiener Platz beer garden is among the best and is located away from the City Center. It is situated in a delightful square. The beer garden is a major haunt for local Munich residents as well as American, Australian and British expatriates. The spare ribs, roast pork, fries and chicken here are also relished by the people most.

Königlicher Hirschgarten is among the biggest beer gardens in Munich. It is also quite family-friendly as well. The beer garden has a seating capacity of 8,000 people.  It was formerly a royal hunting area. It is situated outside the City Center. The food and beer served here are awesome. A small deer sanctuary can also be found here.