Inside the Hofbräuhaus Munich – The World’s Famous Bavarian Beer Hall
When you visit Munich, the Hofbräuhaus Munich is a spot you simply cannot miss. This iconic beer hall, dating back to 1589 and seating 1,300 people, is very important to Bavarian culture. It’s not just a place to enjoy a drink, but a vibrant part of Munich’s history.
The atmosphere inside the Hofbräuhaus Munich is truly something special. Long wooden tables are filled with people from all over the world, all enjoying the lively atmosphere. A traditional Bavarian band often plays cheerful Bavarian songs in the background. It’s a place where strangers become friends over a beer and a shared love for good times.
The Hofbräuhaus Munich isn’t just about the beer. The food is amazing too! Enjoy traditional Bavarian dishes like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzel. The friendly staff, dressed in classic Bavarian outfits, add to the charm and authenticity.
Beyond the food and drink, the Hofbräuhaus Munich offers a unique experience. Whether you’re sitting in the grand beer hall or the cozy beer garden, you’ll feel the warm hospitality and feel like a local. It’s the perfect place to enjoy traditional Bavarian beers and meals, and make lasting memories.
The Beer Mug Safe At Hofbräuhaus Munich
This beer hall is not filled only with tourists; there are a lot of locals there too. In the middle area of Hofbräuhaus, there is a place with 616 lockers with personal beer mugs inside. These serve as a type of reservation for regular customers, and some of the lockers are even passed down through generations. The owner of the locker uses a key to open their locker, take out their personal beer mug, order a beer, and pay with a special Biermarke or token, which can be bought at a small discount.
You can also rent a locker if you live in Munich, but the waitlist is long, and some people wait up to a few years to get one. The price for renting is a few euros per month, but it is very hard to get on the list. Don’t worry; tourists can pay with cash or card, so there is no need for tokens. It is interesting to learn this fact and understand what is up with all the locked beer mugs.
The Oldest Regular Guest Of Hofbräuhaus Munich – Angel Aloisius
Once you enter the Hofbräuhaus, you cannot miss the huge figure of the angel hanging from the ceiling. That is Angel Aloisius, the oldest regular guest of Hofbräuhaus Munich.
Angel Aloisius is a fictional character created by the Bavarian author Ludwig Thoma in the early 20th century. In his humorous story, Alois Hingerl was a Munich resident and a loyal regular at the Hofbräuhaus. After his death, he became an angel in heaven and was given a harp and a cloud on which he was to play and sing according to a fixed schedule. However, since there was no beer in heaven, he became more and more frustrated, so he was given an assignment to deliver a letter with divine advice to the Bavarian government, which he was happy to do.
Once he flew back to Earth, the first thing he did was go to the Hofbräuhaus, as he did every day when he was alive. He ordered beer after beer and completely forgot about the assignment, while the Bavarian government is still waiting for its divine advice. His story adds a whimsical touch to the Hofbräuhaus’ rich history. So, when you visit Hofbräuhaus, keep an eye out for Aloisius and enjoy your beer with the same enthusiasm as this cheerful angel.
The History Of Hofbräuhaus Munich
Hofbräuhaus Munich has a rich history in both Bavaria and beer making. It is hard to believe, but in the 16th century, this region was not the beer-drinking haven we know today. People mostly drank wine and imported beer from Northern Germany, which made beer very expensive. Hofbräuhaus was founded on September 27, 1589, by the Bavarian Duke Wilhelm V to supply the royal court with exceptional beer without spending too much on imported beer.
The beer brewed here quickly became a favorite among the royals. In 1828, King Ludwig I opened the Hofbräuhaus to the public to give common people a chance to enjoy affordable beer. With the increasing tourism in Munich, the Hofbräuhaus has become quite popular, so much so that in 1896, Prince Regent Luitpold decided to move the brewery to the Innere Wiener Straße on the Gasteig in the Haidhausen district (where the Hofbräukeller is housed today) and to have the guest area of the Hofbräuhaus greatly enlarged and rebuilt in the Neo-Renaissance style. Over the years, its fame spread far and wide, making it a central part of Munich’s culture.
Throughout the centuries, Hofbräuhaus has seen many changes. It survived wars, economic shifts, and even an almost complete rebuild after all of the rooms, except the historic beer hall (“Schwemme”), were destroyed in World War II bombings. Despite these challenges, it has remained a symbol of Bavarian hospitality and tradition, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Famous People Who Visited Hofbräuhaus Munich
Over the years a lot of celebrities have visited the Hofbräuhaus Munich and enjoyed its lively atmosphere.
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The famous composer enjoyed the atmosphere and beer during his visits to Munich in the late 18th century.
- John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States visited Hofbräuhaus during his trip to Germany in 1963.
- Adolf Hitler – The German National Socialist Party was founded in the Hofbräuhaus Munich and Adolf Hitler presented his “25-point Program” here. In this he threatened to strip the Jews of all their civic rights and to set up a dictatorship. Unfortunately, 13 years later this became the reality.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: The renowned German writer and statesman was known to frequent Hofbräuhaus during his time in Munich.
- Albert Einstein: The physicist visited Hofbräuhaus Munich during his time at the University of Munich.
- Kaiser Wilhelm II: The last German Emperor and King of Prussia was a patron of Hofbräuhaus during the early 20th century.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: The actor and former Governor of California has been spotted enjoying a beer at Hofbräuhaus on several occasions.
- Michael Jackson: The King of Pop visited Hofbrauhaus Munich during his tours in Europe.
These personalities, among many others, have contributed to the rich history and cultural significance of Hofbräuhaus Munich.
The Beer At Hofbräuhaus Munich
One of the highlights of visiting the Hofbräuhaus Munich is, of course, the beer. Brewed according to centuries-old recipes, the beer here is renowned for its rich flavors and quality. At Hofbräuhaus Munich, beer enthusiasts can experience rich Bavarian brewing history with each sip. Hofbräu Original is a traditional beer, brewed since 1589 under the strict Reinheitsgebot purity law, delivering an amazing and refreshing taste. It is very popular with both locals and tourists.
Hofbräu Dunkel, with its deep amber hue and richness, offers a contrast to the Original. This dark lager has a smooth taste that complements Bavarian dishes. It’s a favorite among those seeking a more complex beer taste.
For wheat beer enthusiasts, Hofbräu Münchner Weisse is a great option. Since I love wheat beers, this was my favorite. This beer style was once a privilege reserved exclusively for ducal consumption, establishing a wheat beer monopoly in Bavaria for nearly two centuries. Today, visitors can enjoy its light and fruity notes, making it a refreshing choice during warmer months. They also offer non-alcoholic wheat beers.
Throughout the year, Hofbräuhaus Munich also offers seasonal beers that capture the essence of Bavarian celebrations. From the festive Oktoberfestbier, brewed specifically for the world-famous festival, to Maibock in springtime, each seasonal beer brings a unique touch to the beer menu, reflecting the vibrant culture and traditions of Bavaria.
Was Visiting Hofbräuhaus Worth It?
Before I came here, I read that this place can be avoided because it is very “touristy” and too crowded, but I felt like that just adds to its charm. It is a bit on the pricey side, but everything in Bavaria is, so I didn’t mind. I would definitely recommend visiting this iconic place, as it is not only a beer hall but also has a rich history, beautiful interior, and amazing atmosphere, unlike anything I’ve seen before. They also have live music each day, which adds to its charm. The musicians are dressed in traditional clothes, and the songs are cheerful and pair well with the beer. So, next time you visit Munich, make sure to stop by Hofbräuhaus and experience this firsthand.
