Munich and Berlin Beer Garden Highlights
The Bavarian capital boasts more beer gardens than any other German city, led by the massive Hirschgarten in Munich. Established in 1791 and nestled under sweeping chestnut trees, Hirschgarten features approximately 8,000 seats, making it the largest beer garden in Germany and the world, according to AFAR. Visitors typically order traditional Augustiner lager in mandatory 1-liter pours, paired with house-made Obazda cheese with onion rings or Bavarian sausage salad with pickles.
In Berlin, the Luftgarten occupies the sprawling grounds of the former Tempelhof Airport. Operated as one of the country’s largest beer gardens, it features benches, lounge chairs, and picnic blankets scattered across open green fields, alongside outdoor movie screenings and events. According to AFAR, patrons frequent the space to enjoy a Radler—beer mixed with Sprite—alongside currywurst. Another prominent Berlin destination is the beer garden at Cafe am Neuen See, situated near the Berlin Zoo next to a small lake where string lights illuminate the trees each evening.
Regional Favorites Across Germany
German beer gardens offer distinct local specialties beyond the capital regions. In Hamburg, Altona’s Balkon Cafe & Biergarten provides panoramic views of the harbor from a park of the same name. According to AFAR, locals typically order a Holsten beer paired with a fisch brötchen, which consists of a fish cake in a bun with mayonnaise.
Further west in Krefeld, the Biergarten Stadtwaldhaus sits within the city forest next to a small lake and adjacent to a wedding venue. The location is known for serving the “Krefelder,” a regional mixture of dark beer and Coca-Cola. In Cologne, Heller’s Volksgarten brews its own beer on-site and offers brewery tours, with a primary focus on lighter Kölsch served in traditional small glasses, as noted by AFAR.
Worth a look