Bavarian Beer Trail in Munich: 10 Local Breweries

Bavarian Beer Trail in Munich: 10 Local Breweries

April 11, 2025

Munich, the heart of Bavaria, is inextricably linked to the beer culture that has shaped the region's identity for centuries. The city is famous for Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, but its brewing heritage runs much deeper. In recent years, alongside the traditional brewing giants, a number of smaller, artisanal breweries have appeared on the map in Munich, bringing freshness and innovation to the Bavarian beer scene. Come discover the 10 unique breweries that make up Munich's contemporary Bavarian beer trail - from renowned brewpubs to modern craft breweries. Each offers a unique experience, combining tradition with modernity and creating beers that will delight even the most discerning connoisseurs. Get ready for a fascinating journey through the flavors, aromas and stories behind Munich's premium beers.

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Tradition and innovation in the heart of Munich

Our beer journey begins with Giesinger Bräu, one of Munich's most respected craft breweries. Founded in 2006, Giesinger Bräu has quickly gained recognition among local beer lovers and tourists alike. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to traditional beer styles. Their flagship product, Giesinger Erhellung, is a modern interpretation of the classic Munich pale lager that impresses with its freshness and depth of flavor. A visit to their brewery on Detmoldstraße 40 is not only an opportunity to taste delicious beer, but also a chance to learn about the production process during regularly organized tours. With a rating of 4.8 out of 5, Giesinger Bräu is proof that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.

The next stop on our tour is True Brew Brewing Co., a modern craft brewery that is bringing a breath of fresh air to Munich's beer scene. Located at Dreimühlenstraße 25, True Brew offers a wide selection of beers inspired by American craft brewing while paying homage to Bavarian traditions. Their IPAs and session lagers have won praise from beer lovers, as evidenced by their high rating of 4.8. True Brew is also noted for its friendly atmosphere and modern decor, making it ideal for the younger generation of beer drinkers.

Not to be overlooked is Richelbräu, a small but extremely charismatic brewery located on Richelstraße 26. This family-owned business, run with passion and attention to detail, offers a unique beer experience. Richelbräu is known for its experimental brews that combine traditional techniques with modern brewing trends. With a rating of 4.7, this brewery is proof that small can be beautiful and tasty. Tours of the brewery, led by the owner himself, are not only educational, but also extremely entertaining, full of anecdotes and tidbits of Munich brewing history.

Comparing the three breweries, it's clear that each offers something unique. Giesinger Bräu impresses with its scale of production and consistency in maintaining high quality, True Brew attracts lovers of modern beer styles, and Richelbräu charms with its intimate atmosphere and experimental approach. All three places share a passion for beer and a quest for perfection, which is reflected in their high ratings. Prices at these breweries are similar, falling within the moderate range, making them accessible to a wide audience. It's worth noting that both Giesinger Bräu and True Brew offer the option to purchase beer to go, which is a great option for those who want to continue tasting at home.

Discover the gems of Munich brewing

Continuing our beer odyssey, we stop at Tilmans Biere, also known as Tilmans Biere (Büro), located at 53 Thalkirchner Str. This small craft brewery has gained recognition for its innovative approach to classic beer styles. With a rating of 4.5, Tilmans Biere offers a wide range of beers, from traditional lagers to experimental ales. Particularly recommended is their 'Das Helle', which combines the lightness of a pale lager with the citrus notes characteristic of modern craft beers.

Not far from the city center, at Ubostraße 22, is Aubinger Bräu, a small, family-owned brewery that impresses with the authenticity and quality of its products. With an impressive 5.0 rating, Aubinger Bräu is where tradition meets passion. Open only on Fridays, this brewery offers limited edition beers that attract connoisseurs from all over Munich. Their Maibock is particularly prized for its rich, malty character and balanced bitterness.

The next stop on our tour is Haderner Bräu München, located at Großhaderner Str. 56a. With a rating of 4.6, this organic brewery stands out not only for the quality of its beer, but also for its commitment to sustainable production practices. Haderner Bräu offers brewery tours combined with tastings, a great opportunity to explore the ins and outs of organic brewing. Their IPAs and Helles are especially prized for their clean, distinct flavor and aroma.

Wolfscraft GmbH, located at Hopfenstraße 8, is another gem on the Munich beer map. With a rating of 4.7, this brewery is known for its innovative interpretations of classic styles. Especially noteworthy are their non-alcoholic beers, which taste just as good as their alcoholic counterparts. Wolfscraft GmbH proves that non-alcoholic beer can be just as complex and satisfying as traditional variants.

Comparing these four breweries, it's clear that each has a unique proposition. Tilmans Biere stands out for its innovative approach to classic styles, Aubinger Bräu captivates with its authenticity and exclusivity, Haderner Bräu focuses on ecology and education, and Wolfscraft GmbH impresses with the quality of its non-alcoholic beers. In terms of accessibility, Aubinger Bräu is the most exclusive due to its limited opening hours, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage for potential visitors. Haderner Bräu and Wolfscraft GmbH offer more regular access to their products.

In terms of pricing, all four breweries are in the moderate range, although Aubinger Bräu may be slightly more expensive due to limited availability. It is worth noting that Haderner Bräu and Wolfscraft GmbH offer additional value in the form of educational tours and a wide range of non-alcoholic beers, which may appeal to different audiences. Regardless of your choice, each of these breweries guarantees an unforgettable beer experience, combining tradition with innovation.

Final touches of the Bavarian beer trail

As we approach the end of our beer tour of Munich, we can't leave out Münchner Kindl Brauerei, located at Tegernseer Landstraße 337. This relatively new brewery, with a rating of 4.5, has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to traditional Bavarian brewing. Münchner Kindl Brauerei combines modern techniques with a respect for local heritage to create beers that are both familiar and surprising. Their unique architecture and commitment to sustainability further enhance its appeal.

Another spot on our map is Higgins Ale Works, located at Karlstraße 122. With an impressive 5.0 rating, this American-inspired craft brewery is bringing a breath of fresh air to Munich's beer scene. Higgins Ale Works is known for its wide range of kraft beers, from intensely hopped IPAs to creamy stouts. Their beer tastings paired with matched foods are particularly popular with gastronomic adventurers.

To conclude our beer odyssey, we return to Giesinger Bräu's roots with a visit to Giesinger Bräustüberl on Martin-Luther-Straße 2. This beer bar, an integral part of the Giesinger brewery, offers not only excellent beer, but also traditional Bavarian food. With a rating of 4.7, Giesinger Bräustüberl is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Munich's beer culture.

Comparing these last three stops on our itinerary, we can see some interesting differences and similarities. Münchner Kindl Brauerei stands out for its modern approach to tradition, offering a unique architectural and educational experience. Higgins Ale Works brings an international element, showcasing American beer styles in the heart of Bavaria. Giesinger Bräustüberl, on the other hand, offers the most traditional experience, combining excellent beer with classic Bavarian cuisine.

In terms of accessibility, Giesinger Bräustüberl has the edge as a permanent fixture in Munich, open regularly and offering a full menu. Münchner Kindl Brauerei, as a newer establishment, may have more limited opening hours, but compensates with the uniqueness of its offerings. Higgins Ale Works, on the other hand, may attract a more niche audience interested in American beer styles.

In terms of pricing, all three places fall into the moderate range, although Higgins Ale Works may be slightly more expensive due to its imported ingredients and specialized brewing methods. Giesinger Bräustüberl offers the best value for money, especially given the opportunity to combine a beer tasting with a full meal.

It's worth noting that each of these places offers something unique: Münchner Kindl Brauerei for a modern take on tradition, Higgins Ale Works for an international variety of styles, and Giesinger Bräustüberl for an authentic Bavarian experience. Whatever your preference, there is something for every beer lover, making these three locations the perfect culmination of our Bavarian beer trail in Munich.

All in all, the Munich Beer Trail offers an incredibly diverse experience, from traditional Bavarian breweries to modern beer experiments. Each of the breweries we visited brings something unique to the city's rich beer culture, underscoring why Munich remains one of the most important brewing centers in the world. Whether you're a fan of classic lagers or a seeker of new flavors, Munich's Bavarian beer trail is sure to satisfy your beer cravings and leave you with an unforgettable experience.

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