It is not just for Oktoberfest that Germans gather around long wooden tables to drink endless liters of beer. The Biergartens (or simply “beer gardens” in English) open as soon as the cold subsides and continue until the last German gives in to fall. There is something special about drinking outside.
Discover the rich history of German biergartens , what to eat and drink, and where the best beer gardens are in Germany.
History of the Biergartens
Biergartens has been a constant in Germany since the 18th century. Developed to brew beer and keep beer in a warmer climate, beer cellars were dug out of the ground, chestnut trees were raised above, and people gathered in the middle to drink the fruits of the brewers’ labor.
The popularity of these informal stalls threatened traditional taverns. They pleaded their case to Maximilian I, the first king of Bavaria, who signed a royal decree that allowed brewers to sell beer, but not food. Committed people, enjoying the best beers straight from the brewer and bringing a picnic. Thus was born the tradition of the beer garden .
Several of these first biergartens in Munich are still in operation today. And the laws have changed since the old days, so now they serve food alongside great beers. A tradition that has been exported around the world, visiting a beer garden provides the opportunity to experience authentic German culture.
Guide to German Biergartens
A beer garden can be found in practically all German dorf (town) and stadt (city). Generally, you shouldn’t look beyond the main town square or locate the closest brewery.
Once you have found a table gathering under the big blue sky, you must find your place. There are no waiters to escort you to a private table. This is a communal seat. If there is an open place, ask the closest group » Ist dieser Platz frei ?» (Is this seat taken?) And take your place.
After taking a seat, there is no need to continue socializing. Even though you may be literally rubbing shoulders with the Biergarten assistant by your side, the Germans are adept at erecting an invisible wall and preserving their own space in a crowded environment.
Some biergartens have staff to take orders, but most of the time there is a central beer pour station where you order and pay, as well as an area to order food. Please note that cash is king in Germany and the card cannot be accepted at biergartens. Then it is up to you to transfer the massive amounts of food and beer to the table.
Meal in a German Biergarten
The earliest beer gardens were purely drinking establishments without food. Many places still allow you to bring your food.
If you prefer to buy your livelihood, there are plenty of hearty German bites to choose from. Regional specialties appear in many areas of Germany, but the Biergarten fare is usually pretty standard. Simple, traditional and cheap, you can expect a meal for around 10 euros.
- Brotzeit – Some form of “bread time “ is the basic snack on the Biergarten menu. In Munich, this could be black bread, Obatzter (soft white cheese mixed with onion and chives), sausages, pickles, and radishes.
- Brezeln (soft pretzel): The quintessential German snack has a place on almost every Speisekarte (menu).
- Wurst – Another classic, the sausage is a favorite of the beer-drinking crowd. In Bavaria this is usually a Weisswurst (but only before noon) . Thuringian Bratwurst is another common suspect. Around Berlin you can usually find currywurst on the menu.
- German Salads – Offered as a side to some of the meatier options, Kartoffelsalat and Sauerkraut can be found in many beer gardens. However, vegetarians should note that salat does not necessarily mean meatless. Bacon ( speck ) can find its way into any German dish.
- Spätzle: A great vegetarian option for a belly that needs more than beer, this egg noodle dish is best served with fried onions and lots of cheese.
- Hendl : Half a chicken with a tasty garlic-garlic sauce is a suitable meal for any barbarian beer garden .
- Flammkuchen – This Alsatian thin crust pizza usually comes with fresh cream , onion, and of course bacon.
- Schweinshaxe : For those with a serious appetite, a large knuckle of pork is the meal of choice. Impress your friends by destroying this mountain of pork.
Beer in the Biergarten
The most important words in a beer garden, “Ein Mass Bier bitte!”
Since many biergartens are attached to a brewery, please note that only beer from that brewery can be served. In general, most breweries serve:
- Light (luz)
- Wheat (trigo)
- Dark (oscuro)
If you want to enjoy a day in the biergarten without having to spend the next day in bed, you can opt for a lighter alcohol content with drinks like a radler – a mix of beer and lemonade. For other light options, check out our list of 8 non-alcoholic summer drinks in Germany.
The best biergartens in Germany
- Munich’s best beer gardens
- The best biergartens in Berlin
- The best Biergartens in Dresden
- Beer in Bamberg
