The world famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich is one of the last authentic beer halls of its kind in the world. Established in 1589 by Wilhelm V, the Hofbräu brewery originally brewed beer exclusively for the royalty and their servants here in Munich, hence the name Hofbräu, meaning Court Brew. Common folk were not allowed to drink Hofbräu beer for the first 21 years of the brewery´s existence. The HB Haus itself is just over 100 years old. After having suffered extensive damage at the end of WWII, it was completely renovated. Drink beer by the liter and enjoy Bavarian classics by the lively Oom-Pah band such as John Denver’s, "Take Me Home, Country Roads". The band plays 7 days a week from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Location: Since our shop, Discover Bavaria, is right around the corner from the rear entrance to the Hofbräuhaus, we have a customized map on how to find it, and us. This map shows you the easiest way to find us both from the main square in town, Marienplatz. Just exit the square at the Old Town Hall (MBTs meeting point) and go straight up the Tal street, past McDonald’s to the only traffic light, where you make a left. After about 200 meters, make another left on the Bräuhaus Strasse, just after our Discover Bavaria shop and you’ll immediately see the rear entrance, just another 30 paces ahead.
Sing along in the HB!
The Hofbräuhaus song: In Mün-chen gibt’s das Hof-bräu-haus, oans, zwoa G’suffa! Which means, "In Munich there is the Hofbräuhaus, one, two, slug your beer!"
The Prost song: Ein Pro-sit, ein Pro-sit... der Gemut-lich-keit! Ein Prosit, Ein Pro-O-sit der Gemut-lich-keit! Which, roughly translated means, "Cheers! To that wonderful warm fuzzy feeling inside that we’re all enjoying amidst this fine and friendly atmosphere here tonight!"= Gemütlichkeit!
THEE HB classic...(no kidding!): "Take me home, Country Roads" (by John Denver, rest his soul)
Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge mountains, Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees, younger than the mountains, blowin like a breez. Country Roads... take me home... to the place... I belong... West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home... country roads.
All my memories, gather round her, finest lady, stranger to blue water, dark and dusty, painted on the sky, misty taste of moonshine, tear-drop in my eye... Refrain
I hear her voice in the morning hour she calls me, radio reminds me of my home far away... Drivin´ down the road I get a feeling, that I should have been home yesterday, yesterday... Refrain
As you likely already know, Munich is world famous for its beer and is often referred to as The Beer-Drinking Capital of the World. From what was once many, only six major breweries remain in Munich. Together they brew an estimated 580 million liters (!) annually. The oldest and (generally) local favorite brewery in Munich is the Augustiner, which was established in 1328. The other five are Paulaner, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbrau (Lion’s Brew) and Hofbräu (Court Brew). Paulaner and Augustiner are both named after the ordinance of monks that established the breweries. All beer in Germany is brewed according to the oldest known food quality law in the world, the Rheinheitsgebot of 1516. This beer "purity order" was initiated here in Munich by Herzog Wilhelm IV after numerous failed attempts to institute such a law dating as far back as 1156. Beer is usually cheaper than bottled water, is often referred to as "flüssiges Brot" (liquid bread) and it is not the least bit uncommon to see locals enjoying the stuff hours before noon. Here in Bavaria we like to drink beer by the liter in a glass mug called a Mass. In fact, most beer gardens don’t even serve "normal" beer referred to as Helles, in lesser quantities.
Weißbier is usually golden to orange in color and made from wheat as opposed to barley. Weißbier has a lot of yeast, which can lead to a very high stink factor down the line, if you know what I mean.
Dark beer is excellent and referred to as Dunkles.
A seasonally brewed beer is Bockbier, which is sweet and STRONG, with anywhere between 7 to 11% alcohol content whereby other beers have about 5 %. The Starkbierzeit during lent was originated by the Paulaner Monks back around 1630. To this day the Starkbierfest takes place annually at the Paulanerkeller am Nockherberg in late March to early April. You may also find it interesting to know that the legal drinking age in Germany for beer is 16, (18 for hard liquor).
For "Cheers", say Prost! When ordering another beer, just say, "noch eins bitte!".