Munich beer

The beer of Munich, Germany

Munich is deservedly one of the world's beer capitals, so celebrate that status with toast after toast of light beer (that's the color, folks, not the calories) that comes in a giant liter-sized mug called ein Mass.

How to order a beer in Munich

Outside of Oktoberfest tents, if you just order ein Bier, you'll usually get a more manageable half-liter.

If you want the big boy—the liter-sized mug—make sure to order it by name: ein Mass.

Types of beer in Munich

Every good bräuhaus has its own line of home-brewed beers—they've been microbreweries since the Middle Ages—but here are some general terms you'll run across.

Helles means light-colored beer.

Dunkles is dark beer.

Munich beer types include:

• Pils - Typical ale.
• Dunklesbier, bock, or dopplebock - Variations on the dark brown ale and dark beer theme.
• Weissbier - Made with wheat; a bit sweeter than usual.
• Radlermass - a beer-and-lemonade spritzer.

All Munich beers are made under the strictest quality guidelines and almost never contain preservatives (Germans drink it so quickly, there's no need).

Tips

• Book a tour: Visit the beer halls of Munich on a guided tour booked at a discount via our partners Viator.com:
  
  
  • Bavarian Beer and Food Evening Tour in Munich
  • Munich Bavarian Food Walking Tour
  • Behind-the-Scenes Paulaner Brewery and Beer Tour in Munich
  • Munich Super Saver: Paulaner Brewery and Beer Tour plus Express Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  • Munich by Night and Dinner at Hofbrauhaus