Starkbierfest Paulaner am Nockherberg

Munich's Fifth Season at Nockherberg

The Starkbierfest Paulaner am Nockherberg is the most famous of Munich's Starkbierfeste — and thus the highlight of a traditional Bavarian custom that is considered the 'fifth season' in Munich. Between Carnival and the start of Oktoberfest in September, the three weeks of Starkbierzeit in March are when the old Paulaner monasteries tap their legendary doppelbock Salvator — a dark, malty, full-bodied strong beer with over 7% alcohol content.

Salvator — Liquida non frangit ieunum

The story begins in 1629 at the Paulaner monastery in Munich. The monks, who had come to the Isar from Italy, brewed a particularly strong beer during Lent, which they initially called 'Father's Drink' and later Salvator — in honor of the order's founder, Francis of Paola. Their theological justification: 'Liquida non frangit ieunum' — Liquid does not break the fast. In 1780, Elector Karl Theodor officially permitted public serving. The monastery ritual evolved into the Munich folk festival you experience today at Nockherberg.

The Politiker-Derbleckn — Cabaret with Beer

For decades, the highlight of the Starkbierzeit has been the Politiker-Derbleckn on the opening night. A cabaret artist in a monk's habit takes on the role of 'Brother Barnabas' and settles scores with Bavarian and German political celebrities — hearty, coarse, but witty. The top politicians sit in front of him and have to endure it. The event is broadcast live on Bayerischer Rundfunk, ORF, and the ARD media library. This political show is exclusively for invited guests — the public celebrates in the large beer tent in the following three weeks.

Atmosphere in the Beer Tent

When the festival tent, with around 5,000 seats, opens, there's a real Oktoberfest atmosphere: Maßkrugs of Salvator (be careful — after two Maß, things get tight), pretzels, roast chicken, pork knuckles from the Lechner family's kitchen, and the band Südherz, which leads through the entire evening — from Bavarian classics to contemporary hits and sing-along anthems. New for 2026 is the live format 'Wiesn-TV' with host Moses Wolff, who conducts spontaneous conversations with guests directly from the festival tent.

Hochstraße 77, Au-Haidhausen

Nockherberg is located on the south bank of the Isar in the Au-Haidhausen district, above the river with a view of the Munich city center. When the weather is nice, the huge beer garden under old chestnut trees is open — one of Munich's most beautiful beer garden settings. It's easily accessible via the U2 (Kolumbusplatz) or S-Bahn (Rosenheimer Platz).

Other Starkbierfeste in Comparison

Besides Nockherberg, other Starkbierfeste are taking place in Munich: Augustinerkeller (Triumphator), Löwenbräukeller (Triumphator), Hofbräukeller (Maximator), Paulaner Bräuhaus. However, Nockherberg remains the original due to the Politiker-Derbleckn and its history — when people talk about Starkbierzeit in Munich, they mean here first.