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If you’ve missed sipping suds under the old chestnut tree, stein in hand and pretzel on your plate, we’ve rounded up five stunning settings in which you can do exactly that, with the appropriate precautions. Research where you want to go beforehand, so you can make a reservation or have what you need to make your visit a smooth one.
A beer garden waiting for its visitors again | Photo by Karen Bradbury
Andechs
Andechser Bräustüberl — A visit to Bavaria's sacred mountain high above the glistening waters of the Ammersee will include stunning views of the Alpine countryside and should of course incorporate a visit to the famous pilgrimage church, a not-to-be-missed rococo jewel. Crown your day of pilgrimage with a trip to the beer garden, where you can indulge in lights, darks and pilsners resulting from the successful marriage between Benedictine brewing tradition and ultra-modern brewing technology. Take solace in the fact that the business enterprises of the Benedictine monks who work here to date help fund the abbey’s social commitments. Ample reason to say “one more, please.” Speaking of which, ordering a “Hell” on a holy mountain is something you don’t get to do just every day of the week.
Bamberg
Wilde-Rose-Keller — This beer garden capable of accommodating 1,500 guests when operating at full swing ticks all the boxes: ancient chestnut trees, traditional hearty Franconian fare and a children’s play area. If you’re lucky, your visit might just coincide with a time when a traditional band is playing on the music pavilion. Sample one of the local specialties, the Schäufele, a pork shoulder traditionally served in a beery sauce.
Chiemsee
Seehäusl — Servicemembers with fond memories of staying at the AFRC Chiemsee in decades past can enliven their returns to this stunning region with a visit to this hidden gem of a cafe and beer garden situated directly beside the beautiful deep blue lake. Located on the northern shore in the town of Gollenshausen bei Gstadt am Chiemsee, it’s a favorite stop of cyclists touring the lake and offers lots of freshly-caught fish dishes to sample.
Munich
Augustiner Keller — One of the oldest beer gardens in a city synonymous with beer culture offers space for a mind-boggling 5,000 guests at a time. The dappled shade thrown by over one hundred chestnut trees creates a leafy oasis that contrasts nicely with the urban bustle outside. Pair your suds with the Augustiner ‘Brotzeit’ platter, featuring cold Bavarian “tapas” the likes of pork roast, liver pâté, salami, ham, Emmental and home-made Keller cheese, served with tomatoes, pickles, boiled egg, bread, butter and, of course, a pretzel. Thirsty guests have been quenching their thirst with fresh-tapped brews here since 1812, so they’re obviously doing something right!
Regensburg
Spitalgarten — How about a beer garden offering views of the steeples of a UNESCO-listed medieval wonder of a town, its famed 12th-century Stone Bridge and the Danube River to boot? Guests rave about the home-style cooking and the wide and tasty assortment of beer available here. Order a Dunkles and you won’t go amiss! If you’re looking to stay over in a town well-known for its bustling nightlife (under normal circumstances, that is), there’s even a hotel attached.
Don’t forget to raise a glass and toast all those working so hard to keep us safe as we navigate through these treacherous times. Prost, stay healthy and stay positive!
