The Ultimate Guide to Munich’s Hofbräuhaus

No trip to Munich is complete without visiting the Hofbräuhaus. As the most famous beer hall in the world, it accommodates up to 5,000 guests. Located in the heart of Munich’s old town at Marienplatz, it also hosts the second-largest beer tent during Oktoberfest. Whether visiting during the festival or at any time of the year, experiencing the culture of Bavaria at the Hofbräuhaus is a must.

History of Munich’s Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus, Munich’s oldest beer hall, was established in 1589 by the Duke of Bavaria as the official Royal Brewery. Shortly after, it became publicly owned and has remained a beloved institution ever since.

Throughout the 19th century, the brewery evolved into a multi-functional venue, incorporating a restaurant and entertainment center for events such as weddings and concerts.

Legendary patrons like Mozart, Lenin, Marcel Duchamp, Louis Armstrong, and former U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy and George H. W. Bush have graced its halls. Mozart credited his visits to the Hofbräuhaus as inspirational for his opera “Idomeneo.”

Notably, Adolf Hitler held the first meeting of National Socialists in this very venue in February 1920. During WWII, much of the Hofbräuhaus suffered destruction, but following its reopening in 1958, it gained fame due to stories from American soldiers.

Today, over 25 Hofbräuhaus locations exist worldwide, from Seoul to Stockholm, but the original remains a top attraction in Munich.

What to Expect at Munich’s Hofbräuhaus

Schwemme

The lively atmosphere in the Schwemme features hearty food, live music, and large beers. Guests gather at long wooden tables, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow patrons. The rustic seating, some over a century old, creates a warm and inviting ambiance, enriched by exquisite art adorning the ceiling.

Every day, Bavarian oompah bands perform, filling the air with cheer and excitement. Listen for the iconic Hofbräuhaus song, “In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus, oans, zwoa, g’suffa!” (“There’s a Hofbräuhaus in Munich—one, two, down the hatch!”).

Braustüberl

The Braustüberl restaurant, on the first floor, offers a quieter alternative for those desiring conversation among family or friends, creating a more subdued dining experience.

Biergarten

The Hofbräuhaus’s biergarten is a quintessential representation of German beer gardens. It provides a picturesque setting for 400 people, surrounded by lush kastanienbäumen (chestnut trees) in the heart of the city, making it the perfect spot for delightful summer days.

What to Eat and Drink at Munich’s Hofbräuhaus

The Hofbräuhaus serves traditional Bavarian cuisine, with most ingredients sourced locally. An in-house butcher and brewery guarantee premium quality food and drink.

Start with a Bavarian meal featuring weisswurst (white sausage), senf (mustard), brezn (soft pretzel), and refreshing weissbier. In Bavaria, indulging in beer for breakfast is a common custom. Alternatively, a substantial lunch could include schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), knödel (dumplings), and sauerkraut. For vegetarians and vegans, options such as spätzle and flammkuchen are also available.

Explore the full menu to satisfy your cravings; there’s no need to leave the Hofbräuhaus hungry.

Hofbräu Beers

Starting as a brewery, Hofbräuhaus remains steadfast in producing exceptional beers. Its renowned beer was so sought after during the Thirty Years War that King Gustavus of Sweden chose not to invade Munich in exchange for 600,000 barrels. The brewery adheres to the reinheitsgebot, a 500-year-old beer purity law.

Beers are served in large 1-liter glass steins called mass. Varieties include Hofbräu Original, helles, dunkles, weißerbier, and maibock. For those who prefer alternatives, options like soda, juice, wine, and spirits are also available.

How to Reserve a Table at Munich’s Hofbräuhaus

Despite accusations of being a tourist trap due to its many international visitors, the Hofbräuhaus remains a favored local spot. Regular customers often have their own mugs and reserved seats known as stammtisch, with some visiting for decades. The oldest regulars’ table has enjoyed patronage for over 70 years.

While gaining regular status will take time, making a reservation is advisable to experience the vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends and during Oktoberfest. The Hofbräuhaus operates daily from 9 am to midnight, and reservations can be made in the Braustüberl by filling out their online form or by calling 49 89 / 290 136 100. It is essential to note that reservations cannot be made for the Oktoberfest tent.