Starkbierfest Paulaner am Nockherberg
Munich's most famous Starkbierfest with politician-mocking
About Starkbierfest Nockherberg
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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.
Starkbierfest Nockherberg — edition 2026
The 2026 Starkbierzeit at Nockherberg begins on March 6 and runs until March 29 — almost four weeks of festival tent atmosphere with the famous Paulaner Salvator doppelbock. In the large festival tent (around 5,000 seats) and in the beer garden when the weather is nice, the band Südherz provides the musical accompaniment — Bavarian classics, hits, and sing-along anthems.
The menu features pork knuckles, roast chicken, pretzels, Obatzda, and all the classics of Bavarian festival cuisine. Maßkrugs of Salvator are recommended, but be careful — the strong beer has over 7% alcohol. Opening with the Politiker-Derbleckn (closed event with TV broadcast on BR and ARD media library), public festival operation in the following three weeks with reservations.
Programme Starkbierfest Nockherberg 2026
Opening Night (Closed Event)
- Politiker-Derbleckn with live broadcast on BR and ARD media library
- Performance by 'Bruder Barnabas' (cabaret artist in monk's habit) with satirical speech
- Salvator tapping
Festival Period March 6–29, 2026 (Public, Reservations Recommended)
- Mon–Fri 4:00 PM–10:30 PM — Beer tent with band Südherz
- Sat+Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (1st reservation period) and 4:30 PM–10:30 PM (2nd reservation period) — Day event and evening program
- Mon–Thu 6:00 PM–10:30 PM — Hausbox as walk-in without reservation
- When the weather is nice — Beer garden open
New in 2026 — Wiesn-TV
- Live format with host Moses Wolff from the Starkbier tent
- Spontaneous live conversations with guests, celebrity visitors, and artists
Program
- Beer: Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock on tap
- Cuisine: Florian Lechner and his team — Pork knuckles, roast chicken, roast pork, vegetarian options
- Music: Band Südherz
Reservations and current information at paulaner-nockherberg.com.
Highlights Starkbierfest Nockherberg 2026
- Politiker-Derbleckn on opening night with TV broadcast on BR and ARD media library
- Live band Südherz in the large festival tent
- Original Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock on tap
- New in 2026: Live format 'Wiesn-TV' with Moses Wolff
- Beer garden under old chestnut trees in nice weather
Prices Starkbierfest Nockherberg 2026
Free admission. Reservations with consumption vouchers (typically €25–40 per person). Maß of Salvator approx. €14–15, food €15–25. Politiker-Derbleckn on opening night is by invitation only (no public ticket sales).
Practical information — Starkbierfest Nockherberg
Getting There
Subway: U2 to Kolumbusplatz, then a 10-minute walk. S-Bahn: all main lines to Rosenheimer Platz, then a 15-minute walk. Difficult by car; expensive parking garages in the city center are recommended.
Reservations
Seats in the festival tent must be reserved — online via the official website. For walk-ins, there are the 'Hausboxen' (house boxes) from Monday to Thursday from 6 PM (limited capacity).
Admission and Prices
Free admission, reservations with consumption vouchers are common (typically €25-40 per person). Maß of Salvator 2026 approx. €14-15. Food €15-25. Politiker-Derbleckn on the opening night is by invitation only.
Opening Hours
Mon–Fri 4:00 PM–10:30 PM (1st reservation period), Sat+Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM and 4:30 PM–10:30 PM (2 reservation periods), Hausbox 6:00 PM–10:30 PM (Mon–Thu).
Accommodation
Munich offers the full spectrum from hostels to luxury hotels. During the festival period (March), prices are moderate — check for competition from spring trade fairs or ITB Berlin before traveling.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Starkbierfest Nockherberg al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Starkbierfest Nockherberg
Paulaner am Nockherberg
Hochstraße 77, 81541 München