Two signs a state is serious about its beer? They have multiple annual beer festivals, and they enforce a beer purity law to ensure nothing stands in the way of achieving the perfect brew. Bavarian breweries certainly fit the bill, with the world-famous Oktoberfest celebrating the German state’s love of a nice cold glass of beer – or several! In addition, Bavaria’s Reinheitsgebot purity law ensures that only the cleanest water, barley, and hops are used in beer production across the region.
With beer brewing being such a widely celebrated practice here, it’s no surprise that breweries in Bavaria are plentiful and steeped in history. If you’re a beer enthusiast eager to explore the traditions and craftsmanship behind premium beer brewing, the list of Bavarian breweries we’ve compiled in this article is a great place to start.
Acrobrau
Image source: Acrobrau
Acrobrau, a family-owned brewery with a long, fascinating history spanning almost 500 years, is located in Moos. The brewery uses water from its mineral well, along with high-quality barley and wheat malt, Hallertau hops, and the brand’s unique strain of yeast to craft its beers. The brand’s range of beers includes several Helles lagers, Dunkel, Pilsner, Doppelbock, Weissbier, and Zwickelbier.
You can get a peek behind the scenes on the brewery tour offered by Acrobrau. During the tour, you’ll learn the secrets of crafting a delicious brew and even taste unfiltered Zwickelbier right from the cellars at the end of the tour. You can register for this tour through the website or over the phone, and if you can’t make it there, you can take a virtual tour instead.
Andechs Abbey
Image source: Andechs Abbey
Located at the top of the Holy Mountain, the Andechs Abbey brewery is a prime example of brewing excellence. The Benedictine monks have been serving pilgrims here since 1455 and their dedication has always been to quality beer that’s an “enjoyment for the body and soul.”
The brewing process combines old Benedictine brewing traditions with the latest technology. In addition, the Andechs Abbey Brewery uses high-quality raw materials, brewed over time into flavourful first-rate beers. One of its most popular brews is the Doppelbock, a dark strong beer made all year round and a testament to the monks’ dedication to quality and tradition. Every sip proves their brewing prowess, perfected over the centuries. The brewery is a great place to visit for beer enthusiasts, with a serene setting that combines spiritual tranquillity with the joys of tasting a great brew.
Andechs offers a brewery tour that incorporates virtual reality, allowing you to learn more about the brewing process while you taste the delicious end product as well.
Augustiner-Brau
Image source: Augustiner-Bräu
Munich’s oldest private brewery, Augustiner-Bräu, has been brewing beer for centuries, staying true to its roots despite changing times. Founded in 1328 by Augustinian monks, the brewery remained part of their monastery until the early 19th century when it was sold. To this day, it remains Munich’s oldest privately-owned brewery. Every beer is still brewed according to the Bavarian Purity Law, ensuring an authentic taste that beer lovers appreciate.
A big part of Augustiner’s charm is how its beer is served. Instead of modern steel kegs, Augustiner beer is stored in traditional wooden barrels called Hirsche, giving it a smoother, richer taste. Many say this method makes Augustiner beer stand out from the rest.
But there’s more to Augustiner than just great beer. Since 1996, more than half of the brewery’s profits have gone to charity through the Edith Haberland-Wagner Foundation. Edith Haberland-Wagner, a descendant of the Wagner brewing family, inherited a majority share of the brewery in 1981 and took great care to ensure its future. Today, the foundation supports cultural traditions, environmental conservation, historic preservation, and charitable causes that help people in need.
Keeping things in the family, the foundation is now led by Catherine Demeter, another descendant of the brewery’s founding family. Under her leadership, Augustiner-Bräu remains a brewery with a purpose—keeping Munich’s beer traditions alive while giving back to the community.
Ayinger Brewery
Image source: Ayinger Brewery
Located in the village of Aying, the Ayinger Brewery is celebrated for its award-winning beers. Brewery tours at Ayinger are available in English, as well as Italian. These typically last two hours and include a beer tasting so you can sample the famous beer that’s been awarded numerous times for its excellence.
Among a wide collection of beers, one of the popular brews by Ayinger is the Celebrator Doppelbock, a rich, malty beer with an unforgettable taste. Ayinger stands out for using high-quality ingredients, traditional brewing methods, and sustainable practices in their brewing process.
Ducal Bavarian Brewery of Tegernsee
Image source: Herzogliches Bräustüberl
Set close to the scenic Tegernsee lake, the Herzoglich Bayerisches Brauhaus Tegernsee (Ducal Bavarian Brewery of Tegernsee) is a brewery with deep historical roots. While local legend claims brewing began here around 1050, official records date its establishment to 1675 when brewing rights were formally transferred to Tegernsee Abbey.
Originally run by Benedictine monks, the brewery became part of the Bavarian royal estate in 1817 when King Maximilian I Joseph acquired the former monastery. Since then, it has remained under the ownership of the Wittelsbach family and is currently managed by Duchess Maria Anna in Bavaria.
Tegernsee beers are widely respected in Bavaria and beyond. Their lineup includes the refreshing Tegernseer Hell, a classic Helles lager, and the malty Tegernseer Dunkles, a traditional dark beer. For those who enjoy a stronger brew, Tegernseer Quirinus and Dunkler Doppelbock offer rich, full-bodied flavours. Fans of crisp, hoppy beers can opt for Tegernseer Pils, a German-style Pilsner, or Tegernseer Export, a smooth Dortmund-style Export beer.
Additionally, the brewery produces a seasonal Blauer Page Bock beer. The best place to try these beers fresh is the historic Herzogliches Bräustüberl (pictured above), located within the old abbey, where visitors can enjoy a true Bavarian beer hall experience.
Erdinger
Image source: Erdinger Weißbräu
Erdinger Weißbräu, based in the Bavarian town of Erding, is one of the most famous names in wheat beer and a true icon among Bavarian breweries. Founded in 1886, it has grown into the world’s largest wheat beer brewery, with its brews enjoyed across Germany and far beyond. Despite its global reach, Erdinger stays true to its roots, using traditional brewing methods alongside state-of-the-art technology to create its signature beers.
Erdinger’s Weißbier is the star of the show – a smooth, golden wheat beer with a refreshing taste. For those who like something darker, Dunkel brings rich, malty flavours, while Kristallweizen offers a crisp, filtered alternative. If you’re after something stronger, Pikantus, a bold Weizenbock, packs a punch, and the seasonal Schneeweiße is a must-try in the winter months. There are also lighter options like Leicht, with lower alcohol content, and Alkoholfrei, Erdinger’s famous non-alcoholic brew. Meanwhile, Festbier is brewed specially for Erding’s Herbstfest, and Urweisse gives a nod to old Bavarian brewing traditions.
Hacker-Pschorr Brewery
Formed from the 1972 merger of the two Bavarian breweries Hacker and Pschorr, Hacker-Pschorr is a historic Munich brewery renowned for its traditional beers. The brewery produces a variety of beers, some of which you’ll only find seasonally. Its Oktoberfest Märzen, for example, is a malty, amber lager and a staple of Munich’s annual Oktoberfest festival — something to look forward to in the 2025 edition.
Hacker-Pschorr also shares tidbits and insights about the beer brewing process through fun tours, workshops, and special events. So, as you sip on the artfully crafted brews, tasting the liquid goodness perfected over several years, you’ll also learn to appreciate the artistry that goes into every drop.
Hofbräu München
Image source: Hofbräu München
Located in the heart of Munich, Hofbräu München stands as a beacon of Bavarian brewing tradition. Established in 1589 by Duke Wilhelm V to supply the royal court with quality beer, it has evolved into one of the city’s most iconic breweries.
A significant part of its legacy is the renowned Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, often hailed as “the most famous tavern in the world.” This historic beer hall has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a vibrant atmosphere where traditional Bavarian music and dishes complement the enjoyment of their signature brews.
Hofbräu München masterfully blends time-honoured brewing techniques with modern advancements. Also adhering to the Bavarian Purity Law of 1516, their beers are crafted using only the cleanest water along with high quality malt, hops, and yeast. The brewery sources water from its own 150-meter-deep well, tapping into pristine reserves from the Pleistocene era. Malt is procured from select Bavarian malt houses, and hops are sourced from the renowned Hallertau region, ensuring each brew embodies authentic Bavarian character.
For those keen to delve deeper into the art of brewing, Hofbräu München offers guided tours of their facility. Participants can also enjoy a hearty Bavarian snack paired with freshly brewed beer, making it a comprehensive experience for beer enthusiasts.
Hofmühl
Hofmühl was founded in 1492 by the Prince-Bishop of Eichstätt, and was nationalised in 1803. Since 1876, it’s been owned by the Emslander family who have carried on the brewery’s legacy of supplying high-quality beers in the region.
The main ingredients are sourced locally; from the malt that’s obtained from regional malthouses to hops from nearby hop gardens, water from the brewery’s own well, and yeasts cultivated within the brewery. As a testament to the brewery’s great quality beers, it has received numerous awards and outstanding reviews over the years in both national and international competitions.
KaiserBräu
Image source: Kaiser Bräu
Located in Neuhaus an der Pegnitz between Nuremberg and Bayreuth, Kaiser Bräu is a family-owned brewery offering a diverse range of beers. It is the largest brewery in the district of Nürnberger Land, Bavaria. Using state-of-the-art technology in combination with old brewing traditions, the brewery crafts quality beers that have won awards in various quality and taste competitions.
In adherence to the Bavarian Purity Law, Kaiser Bräu brews its beers using water, malt, and hops that are carefully selected to ensure great taste and good quality. Kaiser Bräu’s focus on local community and sustainable practices is a key part of its identity, honed over the decades since its founding in 1929.
König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei
König Ludwig Schlossbrauerei (King Ludwig Castle Brewery) produces beers that reflect Bavaria’s history and carry on the age-old brewing traditions of the prominent House of Wittelsbach. Some of the most popular brews that made the brewery stand out over the years are the König Ludwig Dunkel and the Konig Ludwig Weissbier with dark, light, and non-alcoholic wheat beers.
The brewery’s links to royal roots add a touch of prestige to their products, which have maintained the highest quality over the years at three locations: Kaltenberg Castle and Fürstenfeldbruck (both west of Munich), as well as Holzkirchen in the Alpine foothills.
Kulmbacher Brewery
Located in the district of Kulmbach, Kulmbacher Brewery is known for its strong beers and brewing traditions proudly displayed at the Bavarian Museum of Brewing on the Kulmbacher Monchshof site. Kulmbacher’s brewing process includes mashing, lautering, wort boiling, cooling, fermentation, maturing and storage, and lastly, filtration.
Through this process, the brewery ensures every bottle of beer is of high quality. The Eisbock is one example of this; a potent beer that’s as tasty as it is strong. Kulmbacher’s diverse range of beers caters to a wide range of tastes, so whatever your preference, you’ll find something you can enjoy.
Löwenbräu Brewery
Image source: Löwenbräukeller
Löwenbräu Brewery, with its iconic lion emblem, stands as a pillar of Munich’s rich brewing heritage. Tracing its origins back to 1383, the brewery’s name, meaning “lion’s brew,” reflects its longstanding association with quality beer.
In 1818, Georg Brey acquired Löwenbräu, ushering in an era of significant growth. Under his leadership, the brewery relocated to Nymphenburger Strasse between 1826 and 1851, solidifying its presence in Munich. By 1863, Löwenbräu had become the city’s largest brewery, producing a quarter of Munich’s beer output.
A notable landmark in the brewery’s history is the Löwenbräukeller, inaugurated in 1883. This beer palace, situated adjacent to the brewery, has served as a vibrant gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, embodying the convivial spirit of Bavarian beer culture.
For those eager to delve into the art of brewing, Löwenbräu offers an immersive two-hour brewery tour in collaboration with the Löwenbräukeller. Guests are guided through various facets of the brewing process, including visits to the brewhouse, fermentation and storage tanks, the museum cellar, and the bottling plant. The experience culminates with a hearty Bavarian meal, allowing participants to savour the brewery’s offerings in a traditional setting.
Schlenkerla
Image source: Schlenkerla
Schlenkerla stands out from other Bavarian breweries for its unique offering of smoked beers, particularly its Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen. The distinctive smoky flavour is achieved by smoking the malt over beechwood fires during the beer-making process.
The brewery is located in the middle of the old part of Bamberg, directly beneath the cathedral. Currently run by the Trum family, Schlenkerla offers soaked beer tapped directly from wooden barrels that add to its unique taste. The 11-step brewing process detailed on the brewery’s website highlights the attention and care that goes into the making of smoked beer, ensuring quality and great taste with every brew.
Schneider Weisse
Image source: Schneider Weisse
Schneider Weisse, located in the historic old quarter of Kelheim near the Danube, is a true icon among Bavarian breweries. As Bavaria’s oldest wheat beer brewery, it has been crafting exceptional wheat beers for over 400 years. Since 1928, it has been owned by the Schneider family, who have brought seven generations of brewing expertise to the brand, building its reputation for quality and tradition.
Renowned for its rich, full-bodied wheat beers, Schneider Weisse is best known for Aventinus Weizenbock, a bold and complex brew that has become a favourite among beer lovers. The brewery expertly balances tradition and innovation, staying true to time-honoured brewing methods while continuously refining its craft. With its heritage-protected brewing complex and deep-rooted passion for wheat beer, Schneider Weisse remains a leader in the industry, proving that great beer is best made with patience, skill, and a respect for history.
St. Erhard
A relatively new brewery in Bamberg, founded in 2011, St. Erhard is known for its modern interpretations of traditional Bavarian brewing styles. Although it started small, it has since grown into a major player in the world of craft beer.
Its beers are characterised by the brewery’s high quality and innovative flavours that challenge the status quo and strive to offer new taste experiences and beer styles. The brewery’s modern approach to brewing is certainly a refreshing addition to the Bavarian beer scene.
Stadtbrauerei Spalt
Image source: Stadtbrauerei
Located in the heart of Spalt, Stadtbrauerei is known for its hops grown in hop forests that surround the town. This is just one of a few key ingredients that make Stadtbrauerei traditional beers exceptional among Bavarian breweries. The brewery offers two types of tours to showcase the process that creates its premium beers. The first tour with beer tasting includes an hour in the Spalt city brewery and another hour of beer tasting in Fasswichs. You’ll get a taste of different Spalter beers, a freshly baked beer stick, and a special Spalter beer glass.
The second tour includes a snack and has an hour-long trip through the Spalt city brewery, followed by 90 minutes in the Fasswichs. During this tour, you’ll taste different beer specialties and get the Brewer’s snack with some delicacies, Spalter beer bread, and fresh pretzels; plus the special Spalter beer glass. The Spalter Bier is one of its most popular brews, crafted from high-quality hops, through traditional brewing methods to ensure a tasty, quality beer experience.
Thorbräu
Situated near the historic Wertachbrucker Tor in Augsburg, Thorbräu has been brewing beer since 1582, making it one of Bavaria’s oldest breweries. The Kuhnle family took ownership in 1875 and, now in its fourth generation, continues to uphold the brewery’s legacy while embracing innovation. Since 1968, Thorbräu has relied on a Ziemann copper brewhouse, prioritising quality over quantity, with an annual output of just 7,000 hectoliters.
Thorbräu’s beer selection ranges from classics like Hell, Dunkel, and Augsburger Weisse to creative specialities such as the hop-forward Celtic and the uniquely flavoured Lemon MacMallow. Visitors can enjoy these brews at the Bräustüberl, the brewery’s cosy pub, or reserve the rustic outdoor seating on Bourges Square for private events. With a strong commitment to tradition and craftsmanship, Thorbräu remains a standout name among Bavarian breweries.
Tucher Brewery
Image source: Tucher
Founded in 1672, Tucher has a reputation for consistently producing clean beer for over 300 years. The brewery is located on the border between Furth and Nuremberg and is one of the oldest private breweries in the country.
Tucher offers brewery tours, allowing you to see firsthand how the specialty beers are made. The tours are about 90 minutes long and are designed to give you an insight into the beer brewing process in a fun and memorable way.
Weihenstephan
Image source: Weihenstephan Facebook
Claiming to be “the world’s oldest brewery,” Bavarian State Brewery Weihenstephan, perched on a hilltop near Freising, is a fascinating blend of brewing innovation and tradition. Originally a monastery brewery of the Benedictine monks, it continues to offer not only great beer but also spectacular views.
However, its title as the world’s oldest brewery is not without controversy. Until the 1950s, Weihenstephan dated its founding to 1146, but then a document surfaced claiming that in 1040, Otto I, Bishop of Freising, granted the abbey brewing rights. This document is widely considered a forgery from the early 1600s. The first confirmed written record of brewing at Weihenstephan comes from 1675, though an earlier reference from 768 mentions a hop garden in the area, suggesting brewing may have taken place much earlier.
Despite the historical debate, Weihenstephan’s brewing legacy is undeniable. Visitors can take a tour that begins in the brewery’s museum before walking through the production facilities to see the brewing process step by step.
Weltenburg Abbey
Perched on the banks of the Danube, Weltenburg Abbey (Kloster Weltenburg) is home to what is considered the world’s oldest monastic brewery, with beer brewing dating back to 1050. Run by Benedictine monks, the brewery is famous for its rich, flavourful dark beers made using traditional methods and pure spring water.
One of its most celebrated brews, Weltenburger Kloster Barock Dunkel, has been named the best Dunkel beer in the world multiple times at the World Beer Cup. The equally popular Weltenburger Kloster Dunkel is another showcase of the monks’ brewing mastery. Visitors can enjoy these award-winning beers in the monastery’s restaurant, located in a wing overlooking the Danube, or in the open-air Biergarten in the courtyard during the warmer months. With its stunning riverside setting, peaceful hiking trails, and top-quality beer, Weltenburg Abbey is a must-visit for anyone exploring Bavarian breweries.
Würzburger Hofbräu
Würzburger Hofbräu was founded in 1643 by the Prince-Bishop of Main Franconia, Johann Philipp von Schönborn, making it the oldest existing company in Würzburg. Thanks to its popular Franconian beers, the brewery is a crucial part of the city’s beer culture. Würzburger produces various beer styles, including Helles and Dunkel, as well as seasonal brews like Marzen.
Every Würzburger beer has a well-balanced taste, so whether you’re more into the traditional styles or you’re a modern craft beer enthusiast, you’ll find something to suit your palate. You can learn more about the brewing process and get a taste of the different beers from the Würzburger collection through brewery tours and tasting events held there occasionally.
Zoigl
Image source: Richard Huber (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Zoigl is a unique brewing tradition in the Oberpfalz region, where communal breweries produce unfiltered, naturally cloudy beer. The Zoigl star, a symbol of the tradition, indicates which taverns are currently serving Zoigl beer.
For over 500 years, the secret to making this perfect bottom-fermented beer has been handed down from generation to generation. The beer, made in the community brewhouses, is known and loved for its distinctive flavours, resulting from simple high-quality ingredients and local brewing methods. While Zoigl is not a single brewery but a combination of brewers using the same method, each beer has a slightly unique taste.
Every brewery listed has a range of beers to cater to different tastes. Among those are some beloved types that make up the list of popular beers in Munich. These include Starkbier, Festbier, Weissbier, Hell, Dunkel, and Pils.
Bavarian Breweries: Final Word
Each brewery highlighted here offers a peek into Bavaria’s rich beer-brewing tradition, celebrating different styles and timeless traditions. The beloved brew continues to bring people together in an atmosphere filled with joy and fun. So next time you’re here, take some time out to explore the exciting world of Bavarian breweries!
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