You are standing in front of the Bierbrunnen, a charming fountain nestled in a niche of the sidewalk. It’s a fascinating blend of history and beer-loving culture. This fountain, sculpted by Joachim Berthold and unveiled in 1958, marks the location of the nearby Brauerhaus, the home of Munich’s brewers. Back in the day, the fountain was a place of festive celebration. During its unveiling, a woman dressed in a Dirndl stood surrounded by the fountain’s basin, her hand gracefully pulling draft beer from a tap into steins for the excited onlookers. Imagine the scene: a stream of fresh, amber liquid cascading into mugs, the aroma of hops and malt filling the air, and a chorus of laughter and cheers echoing around the fountain! Sadly, the fountain no longer flows with beer. The tradition of free beer on this spot endures, but it’s now confined to a single day a year – the “Tag des Bieres” (Day of Beer), celebrated on April 23rd. On that day, you can find the fountain dispensing free beer again, marking the anniversary of the Bavarian Purity Law. You can see a commemorative inscription on the fountain that perfectly encapsulates the essence of this beloved beverage: “Hopfen und Malz Gott erhalt’s” (May God preserve hops and malt). This humble fountain serves as a powerful testament to Munich’s long and deep connection to the beer brewing tradition.
Gaststätte Fraunhofer
Picture the Gaststätte Fraunhofer. Its history whispers from the very wood of its interior. This isn’t just any tavern. It’s