Paulaner Brewery
The story of Paulaner is inseparable from Munich’s brewing heritage. Founded in 1634, the brewery’s roots actually go back even further. Long before it became a global name, monks in Munich were brewing a strong beer called Paulaner Salvator as early as 1516.
Life in the monastery was hard and resources were scarce, especially during Lent. To sustain themselves, the monks brewed this nourishing, strong beer — fully in line with the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian Purity Law, which many German brewers still voluntarily follow today.
Paulaner history and beer origin
So, where is Paulaner beer from?
Paulaner originates from Munich, Bavaria, where brewing is both craft and culture.
Salvator quickly became so popular that other brewers complained to the Munich city council, claiming unfair competition. An official document dated 24 February 1634 records these complaints — the earliest written proof of the Paulaner brewery’s existence. This moment is proudly referenced on Paulaner labels to this day.
From monastic beginnings to international success, Paulaner history is deeply rooted in tradition, quality and Bavarian identity.
Watch: how to pour a Paulaner Weissbier properly
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The Bavarian beer garden tradition
The beer garden has a well-established history and is a long-held tradition dating back to 1539. At this time, breweries were only permitted to brew during the colder months of the year. To have beer all year round, beer was kept in cellars to keep it cool for the warmer months. These cellars were often dug beneath chestnut trees which provided shade and a layer of gravel was added to the ground for insulation. Soon simple tables and benches were set up ... and here lies the genesis of the beer garden!
Local entrepreneurs started to complain again when the beer gardens started to sell food. As a result King Max I established the Beer garden ordinance (Biergartenverordnung) in 1812; which prohibited all but bread to be sold in the beer gardens. This law remains and is why you can still bring your own food to a beer garden today.
Paulaner is one of six official Oktoberfest breweries. Only these Munich breweries are allowed to pitch a tent and serve their beer during Oktoberfest.
In 2026, Oktoberfest will begin on Saturday, 19th September. At Beerwulf, we offer you the possibility to celebrate Oktoberfest at home, together with Paulaner. On this page and on the official Paulaner website, you will find the best tips for decorating your home, a recipe for the ultimate Bavarian drink board and even an Oktoberfest concert.
A Bavarian food platter
Oktoberfest isn't complete without a good snack platter. Watch this video, it will help you put together an authentically Bavarian board. All the tasty snacks; cheese, dips, sausage, crunchy vegetables and pickles.
Germany’s most popular weissbier
Paulaner’s reputation now stretches far beyond Munich. Today, more than two million hectolitres of beer are brewed annually and exported to over 70 countries worldwide.
The undisputed flagship is Paulaner Weissbier, Germany’s most popular wheat beer. It’s often described as the ultimate beer garden beer — refreshing, flavourful and unmistakably Bavarian.
Expect classic banana aromas, alongside more subtle fruity notes of mango and pineapple. Like all great weizens, it’s naturally cloudy and crowned with a generous foam head.
Pouring a Weissbier properly is an art in itself and one Paulaner takes very seriously.
Paulaner meaning today
What does Paulaner mean today?
It stands for authenticity, tradition and brewing excellence. From the legendary Salvator Doppelbock to Oktoberfest Bier and Weissbier, Paulaner remains firmly connected to its monastic roots while continuing to celebrate Bavarian beer culture around the world.