On that day, my friend took me to the largest beer garden in Bavaria: Königlicher Hirschgarten. We arrived around 4 p.m., and since it was still before the end of the workday, the place appeared quite empty. However, I heard that on weekday evenings and holidays, it can get incredibly crowded.
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◦ The origin of beer garden
The emergence of beer gardens (Biergärten) is closely related to Germany's brewing regulations. Before the advent of modern refrigeration techniques, beer brewed during the summer was prone to spoilage due to the high temperatures. Starting in the 13th century, rulers in various regions of Germany began enacting brewing-related laws to safeguard public health. In the 16th century, the ruler of Bavaria issued a decree prohibiting beer brewing during the summer. Brewing was only allowed between September and April of the following year. While this measure addressed safety concerns, it posed a significant challenge to local breweries.
The question arose: How could beer be brewed during the winter while ensuring a continuous supply for the summer months? Finding suitable temperatures and storage spaces for beer became the ultimate solution. Breweries started digging underground cellars on cooler slopes, planting trees to provide shade and lower temperatures. In some cases, they even resorted to cutting ice blocks from frozen lakes and transporting them to the cellars to maintain low temperatures. These lush green cellars not only changed people's drinking habits but also became the precursors to beer gardens.
Breweries began setting up tables and benches in their shaded gardens to serve beer directly to customers. These outdoor areas became popular gathering places, and the concept of beer gardens started to take shape. Over time, beer gardens became synonymous with enjoying beer outdoors in a convivial atmosphere. Today, they continue to be an integral part of German culture, offering a unique experience of savoring beer under the shade of trees and fostering social connections in a relaxed setting.
◦ Königlicher Hirschgarten
Königlicher Hirschgarten is located in the Nymphenburg district of Munich, Germany, within a large park. Its history can be traced back to 1791 when it was initially built as a hunting lodge by Elector Karl Theodor, serving as the precursor to the deer garden.
With approximately 8,000 seats, Königlicher Hirschgarten is the largest beer garden in Bavaria. It not only offers traditional local dishes and refreshing beer but also boasts a nearby wildlife park. This combination makes it a great place for both parents to relax and for children to have fun.
◦ Damenbier and grilled fish
I highly recommend trying their Damenbier! The refreshing fruity aroma perfectly balances the bitterness of the hops, and once you take a sip, you'll be deeply captivated by its unique flavor. To make the experience even better, pair it with a delicious grilled fish, which usually costs around 10€ to 15€. This combination creates the ultimate enjoyment, where the flavors of the beer and the grilled fish complement each other perfectly.
皇家鹿園 Königlicher Hirschgarten Hirschgarten 1, 80639 München, Germany ➤ Book Now