Germany’s most famous brewery opens its doors to the public every week to share (some) the secrets of its world-famous beer. The Hofbräuhaus is a must see for anyone in Munich or any of its affiliates around the world with one of the busiest tents at Oktoberfest. But what exactly sets this establishment apart from the many other breweries in Bavaria? Some would say beer and its illustrious, and sometimes notorious, history.
History of the Hofbräuhaus
The Hofbräuhaus has royal roots as the Royal Brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria was established in 1589. Eventually these sacred grounds were opened to the masses and the Hofbräuhaus and its beers found their place in history. This makes it one of the oldest breweries in Munich, and it continues to operate almost exactly where it served Kings.
Not all Hofbräuhaus customers have had such a lasting positive impression. The Hofbräukeller is the Bavarian restaurant with a beer garden located near the noisy Hofbräuhaus am Platzl lounge. Owned by the Hofbräuhaus brewery, it was once the meeting point for Adolf Hitler’s first political speech as a member of the Deutsche Arbeiter Partei on October 16, 1919. He followed that meeting with a 25-point National Socialist program on February 24, 1920. However, it is doubtful that this beloved site was the favorite of Germany’s most infamous Führer.
Hitler was not a fan of alcohol, red meat or smoking, all the hallmarks of the Hofbräuhaus and his overblown personality.
Hofbräu beers
This national treasure is now owned by the Bavarian state government and attracts tourists, celebrities and regulars from Germany and abroad. Along with the atmosphere, people come to drink the drink of the gods – a great German beer. Hofbräu recipes have been passed down for generations and follow the strict Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian Beer Purity Law) from 1516. Beers include:
- Hofbräu Original
- Hofbräu dark
- Münchner Weisse
- Hofbräu Black Way
- Hofbräu Maibock
- Munich summer naturally cloudy
- Hofbräu Oktoberfest beer
Visit to the Hofbräu brewery
If your interest extends to brewing beer, not just drinking it, the brewery tour is a unique behind-the-scenes look. Take 60-90 minutes to learn each step of the brewing process, from the sticky smell of hops to fermentation, conditioning and tasting. Finish your education by sampling freshly filtered unfiltered beer with Bavarian snacks. If a taste is not enough, the pub at the end of the tour allows you to continue your ‘sampling’. If you want something more permanent than a headache to remember your visit, there is a souvenir shop filled with beer paraphernalia.
Starting point: Meet the group at the Hofbräu Bierstüberl (address: Hofbräuallee 1 in the Riem district of eastern Munich) and check in at the entrance for a visitor’s pass.
German information: By appointment. Tuesdays at 10:00; Thursday 10:00 and 12:30
Tour in English: by appointment. Thursday 10:00 and 12:30
Important Notes: Tours are open to visitors over the age of 16 and closed-toe shoes are recommended. There are no brewery tours during Oktoberfest.
Hofbräu Brewery Tour Details
- Address : Staatliches Hofbräuhaus Brauerei, Hofbräuallee 1, 81829 München Riem (Map)
- Tel .: 49 / (0) 89/92105171
- Website : www.hofbraeuhaus.de; brewery site http://www.hofbraeu-muenchen.de/en/the-hofbraeu-world/brewery-tours/
- Price : € 6 per person without snack; € 10 per person with snack (Selection of Bavarian specialties such as Bretzel, Weisswurst and 0.5 l drink)
