Beer gardens are a part of German culture and one of the best ways to experience the country. People come together in the open air to enjoy German lagers and wheat beers, hearty food and the convivial atmosphere. Beer gardens have a firm place not only in Bavaria, but also here in the North. An evening in a beer garden is therefore highly recommended for visitors to Hamburg – it’s relaxed, typically German and always a special experience.
Spielbudenplatz
Spielbudenplatz square on the infamous Reeperbahn ceased to be an inside tip long ago, yet it’s still a lovely spot to relax with a cold drink in the early evening. Bring your friends or make new ones, have a well-drafted Astra pilsener from the tap and enjoy live music from one of the stages almost every day during summer. You can bring your own food or purchase meals and snacks on site, especially during Nachtmarkt on Wednesdays or Food Truck Donnerstag on Thursdays.
Getting There:
U3 trains to St. Pauli
For more information, see the Spielbudenplatz website.
Landhaus Walter
Nestled in the heart of the Stadtpark city park is the tranquil Landhaus Walter, which offers Hamburg’s largest modern beer garden. With pebble stone floor and tall trees providing shade, it provides space for 1,200 guests, and its large tent in the centre doubles as a stage for live music on weekends. The beer and wine selection is decent and there is a small but good selection of classic snacks, many of which are vegetarian or vegan.
Getting There:
U3 trains to Borgweg
For more information, see Landhaus Walter.
Sierichs Biergarten
From Sierichs beer garden, you can look out over the Stadtparksee lake and the festival grounds all the way to the planetarium. The pilsener and wheat beers are fresh from the tap and the food on offer here includes burgers, bratwurst, pizza, snacks and cakes. For younger visitors, there’s a sandpit and a ‘vehicle park’ with an excavator and a Bobby Car. A refreshing plus for hot summer days is its close proximity to the freshwater swimming pool next door.
Getting There:
U3 trains to Saarlandstraße
For more information, see Sierichs Biergarten.
Klempau's Paulaner Biergarten
In the heart of the Altona Volkspark greens, Klempau’s Paulaner Biergarten invites you to enjoy fresh Bavarian lagers and wheat beers from the tap in the shade of tall trees. During summer, patrons can take in the view over the lush lawn whilst their children let off steam on the playground, which is conveniently situated within view. Alongside Hamburg specialities, such as Matjes Hausfrauen Art, Bavarian classics such as Weißwurst, Käsespätzle and Fleischkäse are also served here, with many vegetarian or vegan options.
Getting There:
Bus lines 2, 3 to August-Kirch-Straße
Klempau’s Paulaner Biergarten is a 10–15-minute walk from the bus stop.
Pony Waldschänke
Anyone looking for a place to recharge after a long hike through the Klövensteen woodlands, will find just right spot at the Pony Waldschänke. Here, amidst the trees and down-to-earth atmosphere, patrons are served pasta dishes, baked potatoes, waffles and more. These are accompanied by draught beer (including non-alcoholic options) – perfect for a nice afternoon outing.
Getting There:
S1 trains to Rissen;
Pony Waldschänke is a beautiful 30–45-minute walk (3km) from the station.
On-site parking is available.
For more information, see Pony Waldschänke.
Zum Anleger
Patrons can let their gaze wander across the water whilst enjoying a freshly tapped beer in the Zum Anleger beer garden by the Wilhelmsburg canals. The Anleger is a literal ‘landing pier’ that hires out pedal boats and canoes, enabling visitors to explore the waterways of the large river island. It is also the starting point for excursions in the surrounding area, and the host offers boat trips along the banks of Hamburg.
Getting There:
S3, S5 trains to Veddel, then
Bus line 13 to Vogelhüttendeich, or
Bus line 155 to Schlenzigstraße
For more information, see Zum Anleger.
Factory Hasselbrook
Factory Hasselbrook is a restaurant housed in an old factory building, with a particular focus on dishes made from regional ingredients and different beer styles. While the building boasts a stunning industry-style interior design, the main reason to stop by is the magnificent beer garden in the back courtyard, with its pebble floor and large chestnut trees. The beer garden is open during the summer months, and the Factory is easily accessible via the train station next door.
Getting There:
S1 trains to Hasselbrook
For more information, see Factory Hasselbrook.