Layover in Munich? Hit the airport’s beer garden!

Flying through Munich and have a couple of hours to spare before your flight? Sounds like it’s time to hit the airport’s beloved “Airbräu” beer garden!

Airport bars and lounges are nothing new, of course. But Munich’s airport offers a uniquely Bavarian twist to “grabbing a beer between flights”: Don’t just head to a bar. Head to the airport’s biergarten.

At this convivial outdoor space, you can sample the airport’s own home-brew, crafted in strict compliance with the Purity Decree of 1516 (which, side note: turns 500 years old next year!). This isn’t just any old beer, but one brewed with Hofbräuhaus yeast and hops from the Hallertau region. We’ll take two.

Cheapo note: A half-liter of the biergarten’s brew will only set you back €2.75, notably cheaper than at bars inside the airport (not to mention in the city center).

In addition, their kitchen dishes up plates of Bavarian specialties that will practically ensure that you’ll fall asleep on your next flight. Throw in the possibility of cabaret-style performances, and we’re suddenly excited about a layover.

But is it practical?

But wait, we hear the Nervous Nellies (understandably) protest: Is grabbing an air-brew and sausage platter really a practical option between flights? What about security? Getting to your gate on time? Getting tipsy, passing out and waking up in Nuremberg?

Fortunately, it’s logistically pretty simple. The beer garden is located in the airport’s “forum”, the outdoor public space between the airport’s two terminals. As the airport is already comparatively small, reaching the beer hall isn’t more than a few minute’s walk from most gates.

Given the airport’s size, security is also a relatively quick and breezy experience. Airport insiders tell us you should give yourself about 20 minutes to reach your gate from the beer garden in normal flying conditions.

As for getting tipsy and waking up in Nuremberg, well, here you might want to exercise a bit of prudence. After a couple of steins of airbräu, you might want to give yourself a few extra minutes to navigate to the right gate.

More in Munich

Heading to Munich soon and looking for affordable sleeping options? Check out our list of recommended budget hotels in Munich’s city center, all inspected and reviewed by our editors.

Looking for more ways to save in Munich? Read more tips in our Munich blog.