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Drink a Mass at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich
Published by Megan Pasche, Writer
Country: Germany 
The Experience
Drinking a mass at the Hofbrauhaus delivers a delicious taste of Germany! This definitive Munich experience provides everything you'd expect when you think of Bavaria: oompah bands, lederhosen, and beer, all done in a big way. Waitresses whiz about the bustling hall balancing several 1 litre beer steins on a tray, as if it's nothing at all. The noisy chatter of over 4,000 thirsty patrons mixes with the catchy music coming from the lederhosen clad band. Looking around the Hofbrauhaus, you'll see people from all over the world, and undoubtedly, they will be laughing, smiling and enjoying a brew. The vigor is contagious here, you can't help but be happy, and of course a few extremely large beers doesn't hurt the cause.
This massive traditional beer hall, consists of several areas to enjoy your stein of beer. The Hofbrauhaus ground floor, Schwemme, houses row after row of wooden benches and tables with tales of antiquity etched into them. Thousands of names carved layer upon layer into these historic tables, tell tale of the popular pass time for boozy tourists. The second floor, Bräustüberl, is slightly smaller than the first floor accommodating roughly 900 people and serves traditional Bavarian cuisine. You might also be lucky enough to catch some traditional Bavarian signing and dancing here on the festival stage. During the warmer months you can also enjoy your brew in the beer garden.
The Hofbrauhaus was established in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V whose household disliked the beers brewed in Munich at the time. Over the years upon its success, the Hofbrauhaus moved locations and was rebuilt several times. Frequented by Adolf Hitler, the beer hall was used for several functions to declare Nazi policies. During a bomb strike in 1944, much of the Hofbrauhaus was destroyed, although the Schwemme remained. During the reconstruction in 1958 to honour Munich's 800th birthday, the Hofbrauhaus was rebuilt again in its original style.
Although the Hofbrauhaus has a rap for packing in tourists, you can still find many a local here, evident in the rows of reserved tables throughout the hall. These tables are saved for local patrons who come often, and even have their own beer steins which are kept in a locked cupboard. This is a place that can't be missed during a trip to Munich. It maybe a little cheesy, but the fact of the matter is the Hofbrauhaus is a whole lot of fun, and that's all that matters! Whether traveling as a single or in a group, this is a great experience. Munich is known for their friendly locals, so pull up a chair, grab a beer, and make some new friends! Eins, zwei g'suffa!
This massive traditional beer hall, consists of several areas to enjoy your stein of beer. The Hofbrauhaus ground floor, Schwemme, houses row after row of wooden benches and tables with tales of antiquity etched into them. Thousands of names carved layer upon layer into these historic tables, tell tale of the popular pass time for boozy tourists. The second floor, Bräustüberl, is slightly smaller than the first floor accommodating roughly 900 people and serves traditional Bavarian cuisine. You might also be lucky enough to catch some traditional Bavarian signing and dancing here on the festival stage. During the warmer months you can also enjoy your brew in the beer garden.
The Hofbrauhaus was established in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V whose household disliked the beers brewed in Munich at the time. Over the years upon its success, the Hofbrauhaus moved locations and was rebuilt several times. Frequented by Adolf Hitler, the beer hall was used for several functions to declare Nazi policies. During a bomb strike in 1944, much of the Hofbrauhaus was destroyed, although the Schwemme remained. During the reconstruction in 1958 to honour Munich's 800th birthday, the Hofbrauhaus was rebuilt again in its original style.
Although the Hofbrauhaus has a rap for packing in tourists, you can still find many a local here, evident in the rows of reserved tables throughout the hall. These tables are saved for local patrons who come often, and even have their own beer steins which are kept in a locked cupboard. This is a place that can't be missed during a trip to Munich. It maybe a little cheesy, but the fact of the matter is the Hofbrauhaus is a whole lot of fun, and that's all that matters! Whether traveling as a single or in a group, this is a great experience. Munich is known for their friendly locals, so pull up a chair, grab a beer, and make some new friends! Eins, zwei g'suffa!
When to Go to Hofbrauhaus
The Hofbrauhaus is always busy, but if you want to avoid large crowds go earlier in the day. The warmer summer months also allow you to enjoy the delightful beer garden. During Oktoberfest, much like the rest of Munich, this place gets fairly crazy!
Odds n' Ends
The Hofbrauhaus is located in Central Munich, right across from Planet Hollywood. Tables marked "stammtisch", are reserved for regular customers. Sit at one of these, and you'll be asked to move.
The Hofbrauhaus in Munich is the original, but there are now several other franchised locations around the globe. If you can't make it to Germany, you can always track down another location via their website.
The Hofbrauhaus in Munich is the original, but there are now several other franchised locations around the globe. If you can't make it to Germany, you can always track down another location via their website.
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While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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Books and DVDs
- Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- While this region evokes fairytale landscapes and magical winter wonderlands - and you'll see why as you cross-country ski past tiny villages, drink beer under chestnut trees and visit the pocket-sized palace, Schloss Linderhof - there's a cool, contemporary side to be discovered too.
- Munich City Spots (Paperback)
Elsewhere on the Web
- Hofbrauhaus Muchen - OfficialSite
- We are pleased to have the opportunity to welcome you to the Hofbräuhaus website. We would like to invite you to accompany us on a tour of one of Munich ’s oldest breweries.
- Hofbräuhaus - AViewOnCities.com
- The world’s most famous beer hall, a visit to HofBräuhaus is a must for those who want a true taste of Munich.
Media References
- FARE OF THE COUNTRY; Beer-Hall Hopping in Munich - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- THERE is more to Munich than beer," almost every German I met during a visit there reminded me. That said, they invariably went on to recommend their favorite brew
- Frommer's Favorite Experiences Munich - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Spending a Night at the Hofbräuhaus: Established in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V to satisfy the thirst of his court, the Hofbräuhaus is not only the city's major tourist attraction but also the world's most famous beer hall, seating more than 4,000 drinkers.
- On a Munich Tour, Confronting a Dark Past - WashingtonPost (newspaper)
- It's sobering to be reminded that Adolf Hitler developed oratory skills in beer halls and delivered one of his first speeches in the Hofbrauhaus, where today waiters in Bavarian lederhosen avoid photo-snapping tourists while navigating around the massive wooden tables.
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