Munich, Germany's Starkbierfest Celebration

While Oktoberfest is the more well-known beer festival in Munich, Germany, the Starkbierfest is widely considered by beer enthusiasts to have the tastier beers. There is a different feel to Starkbierfest, with most of the festivities held in the cellars of local breweries instead of at a fairground site like Oktoberfest. At Starkbierfest, the main focus of the entire celebration is the dark, tasty beer itself and those who brew it.

Munich, Germany's Starkbierfest celebration: History of the beer

The production of Starkbier (literally "strong beer" in German) was originally done by monks during the 40 days of Lent. The monks were required to give up meat and dairy products over Lent, so they drank the heavy, malty brews of Starkbier in order to feel full. Starkbier is thicker than most beers because the brewing process uses significantly more grain than a standard brew. This results in a thick and very strong beer, with an average of seven percent alcohol by volume. By contrast, most local Munich beers are five percent alcohol by volume. The name of Starkbier is indeed appropriate for this strong, thick brew.

Munich, Germany's Starkbierfest celebration: When and where it happens

Because of the beer's historical association with Lent, the dates of the Starkbierfest celebrations vary each year depending on the date of Easter. Starkbierfest is different from Oktoberfest in that it is held in the cellars of several bars and breweries throughout Munich instead of being set in a massive fairground. This reflects Starkbierfest's focus on the beer and brewers rather than catering solely to tourists.

Munich, Germany's Starkbierfest celebration: Commencement

The first barrel of each year's Starkbierfest occurs at the Paulanerkeller cellar. Located outside of the center of Munich, on the Nockherberg, the Paulanerkeller celebration is not open to the public. Only invited guests are able to view this official commencement to the annual Starkbierfest, but the pub's cellar will be opened to the general public throughout the rest of the Starkbierfest celebration. To get to the Paulanerkeller, take a trip on the S bahn and the subsequent tram to this Munich, Germany location.

Munich, Germany's Starkbierfest celebration: Where it is held

There are other Munich breweries that participate in the annual Starkbierfest celebration. Some of these breweries even produce their own special beer for the annual festival, like Lowenbrau's Triumphator brew. The most centrally-located brewery, the Arnulfstrasse 52 is also this only cellar in this area that charges an admission fee. The delicious Starkbier found inside makes this cover charge well worth it, along with the tasty food that is served along with the popular beverages.