Munich's Best Beer Steins: Where To Buy

Beer steins, also known as 'Humpen', 'Steinkrug' or 'Seidl' in German, are an iconic part of Bavarian culture and are especially associated with the city of Munich. Beer steins are rustic drinking vessels that originated in the 16th century and are commonly made from clay, glass, or porcelain. They typically feature a cylindrical body, a sturdy handle, and a hinged metal lid. The standard volume of a Bavarian beer stein ranges from 0.5 litres to 1 litre, but some special editions can hold up to 32 litres! Munich, known for its vibrant beer culture and the famous Oktoberfest celebration, offers numerous options for those seeking to purchase authentic beer steins. From renowned breweries like Augustiner and Hofbräuhaus to speciality shops like Kustermann and Glaskunst Huber, there are plenty of places to find the perfect beer stein in Munich.

Flea markets

Riesenflohmarkt, Theresienwiese

The biggest flea market in Munich, with over 2,000 vendors, takes place once a year during the Fruhlingsfest spring festival on Theresienwiese Square. You'll find a variety of items on offer, from arty prints to antique furniture, and it's the perfect place to hunt for hidden treasures like beer steins.

Olympiapark Flea Market

Held in the large Olympia Park parking area, this flea market attracts locals, tourists, and thrifting pros alike. You'll find a wide range of items, from vintage to new, and there are also food stalls where you can refuel with delicious bratwurst.

Daglfing Flea Market

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Daglfing Flea Market takes place every Friday and Saturday (except public holidays) at the horse racetrack in Daglfing. In addition to the open-air market, there's an indoor antique centre with furniture, militaria, and other collectibles. This market offers a unique and spacious shopping experience for antiques and rarities.

Antikpalast and Flohmarkt Freimann

For antique lovers, the Antikpalast and Flohmarkt Freimann in northern Munich is a must-visit. This indoor market has over 40 stands operated by professional sellers, offering a wide range of unique and rare items. It's a true treasure trove for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces and remarkable artefacts.

Midnightbazar

The Midnightbazar is one of the few night flea markets in Munich. It takes place every fortnight on Saturday evenings at various locations, including Backstage, Werksviertel-Mitte, and Schneckenmarkt. In addition to the usual stalls, Midnightbazar also features a beer garden, food trucks, and live music, creating a fun and vibrant atmosphere.

Flea Market at Munich-Riem

Fondly known as Bargain Paradise, this open-air flea market has been running since 1993 and is Bavaria's largest. It takes place every Saturday from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm, offering a wide range of items, including antiquities, trinkets, and clothing. The earlier you arrive, the better the deals!

Munich's flea markets offer a fun and affordable shopping experience, and with a little luck, you're sure to find some unique beer steins to take home as souvenirs or gifts.

Beer gardens

If you're looking to buy beer steins in Munich, there are several options to consider. For those seeking an authentic experience, a visit to a flea market may be in order. Flea markets offer a variety of unique and antique beer steins at potentially more affordable prices. However, keep in mind that you may need to arrange shipping separately.

If you're specifically interested in lidded beer steins, the Kustermann store at the western edge of Viktualienmarkt is recommended as the leading store for household goods in Munich. Glaskunst Huber in Munich-Ramersdorf is another option.

For those who prefer the convenience of shopping near tourist attractions, there are souvenir shops near the Hofbrauhaus and Marienplatz that sell beer steins. The Augustiner Brewery also has a nice gift shop that sells decorated mugs and steins. If you're looking for higher-end options, Geschenke Kaiser am Platzl is recommended.

For those who are unable to travel to Munich but still want to purchase authentic German beer steins, online retailers like GermanSteins.com offer a variety of options, including limited-edition pieces handcrafted by skilled German artisans.

Now, onto the topic of beer gardens in Munich:

For a more authentic and less touristy experience, there are several other beer gardens recommended by locals. The Augustiner-Keller, located near the main train station, offers a traditional beer garden experience with a large outdoor seating area and delicious food. Another option is the Hirschgarten, one of the largest beer gardens in Munich, set in a picturesque park with a deer enclosure.

If you're looking for a more modern setting, the Paulaner am Nockherberg beer garden offers a beautiful view of the city and a unique atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It is also known for its excellent food, making it a great choice for a full dining experience.

Lastly, the Chinesischer Turm beer garden in the English Garden is worth a visit. Surrounded by lush greenery, this beer garden has a unique Chinese pagoda and offers a peaceful escape from the city, along with traditional Bavarian food and drinks.

Each of these beer gardens offers a distinct experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Bavarian beer culture and enjoy a refreshing drink in a variety of settings, from traditional gardens to modern rooftops.

Hofbräuhaus

The Munich Hofbräuhaus is the most famous beer hall in the world and has been a part of Munich's history for over 400 years. It is a must-see during your visit to Bavaria. Even if you don't drink beer, there are a few interesting things to check out. Right behind the entrance, you will find the souvenir shop where you can buy all kinds of authentic Hofbräuhaus beer steins and other Munich gifts.

The Munich Hofbräuhaus has 424 lockers for regular customers to store their personal beer mugs. People who have a locker would never give up this unique privilege, even though it is quite expensive at around 200 euros per year.

If you are looking for a more authentic experience, there are much nicer and less touristy places around where you can enjoy the authentic Bavarian atmosphere. However, a visit to Munich is not complete without a trip to the Hofbräuhaus.

Beer halls

In addition to the Hofbräuhaus, Munich offers a variety of other beer halls and gardens that provide a more authentic and less touristy experience. These include the Augustiner Brewery, which has a nice gift shop selling decorated mugs, and the Weihenstephan brewery in Freising, where you can find beer steins adorned with Bavarian Tracht. If you're looking for a more unique and personalised stein, Glaskunst Huber in Munich-Ramersdorf is a good option.

For those who enjoy collecting beer steins, the flea markets in Munich are a treasure trove. You can often find antique and unique steins at these markets, and sometimes at very reasonable prices. If you're looking for a wider variety of options, the Kustermann store at the western edge of Viktualienmarkt is the leading shop for household goods in Munich. They offer a range of beer steins and other drinking vessels made from different materials.

Lastly, for those who want to avoid the tourist shops, there are a few other options. Geschenke Kaiser am Platzl offers a range of beer steins, although at a higher price point. Alternatively, you can visit the Anneliese Friese shop in Rothenburg, which is known for its high-quality merchandise and has been recommended by travel guidebooks.

Online

If you're looking to buy a beer stein in Munich, there are several online options available. Here are some websites you can explore:

GermanSteins.com:

GermanSteins.com offers a wide range of authentic German beer steins, including glass, ceramic, and porcelain options. They have been in the business since 1954 and provide free shipping for orders over $99. The website features a variety of Munich-themed steins, such as the Munich Marienplatz Market Porcelain Beer Stein, which showcases a colourful panorama of the historic town square.

Steinsandclocks.com:

Steinsandclocks.com is a family-owned business specialising in cuckoo clocks and beer steins. They offer unique, handcrafted steins made using antique techniques by native German artisans. The website provides a range of options, including limited-edition and themed steins. Steinsandclocks.com also offers free shipping for orders over €50 within Germany.

Herrmann-geschenke.de:

Herrmann Geschenke is a gift shop based in Munich that offers a large selection of beer steins. They carry over 400 different drinking vessels made from clay, glass, or porcelain, featuring traditional and modern designs. The website highlights the cultural significance of beer steins in Bavaria and provides detailed information about the history and varieties of steins.

GermanClocksandGifts.com:

GermanClocksandGifts.com offers a range of authentic German beer steins for various occasions, including gifts, collector's items, and souvenirs. They provide free shipping for orders over $100. The website features steins with different themes, such as historical, medieval, and city motifs.

In addition to these specialised websites, you can also explore online marketplaces like eBay.de, as suggested by a user on the Rick Steves Travel Forum. This could be a good option to find unique or vintage beer steins at varying price points.

Frequently asked questions