A food market of epic proportions, Viktualienmarkt is one of my favourite spots in Munich. Bursting at the seams with local delicacies and fresh produce, there’s a reason this place is so popular with tourists and locals. Feeling hungry? Then head on down to see what all the fuss is about!
Table of contents
From a rundown of all the best food and drink spots to a brief history of the market, here’s my ultimate guide to Viktualienmarkt!
Viktualienmarkt in Munich: Everything you need to know
What you need to know
- How old is Viktualienmarkt? Viktualienmarkt has been located on its current site since 1807, there’s more on its history below!
- How many stalls are there at Viktualienmarkt? Around 140!
- How to pronounce Viktualienmarkt? Fik-too-ah-lien-markt
- How busy does Viktualienmarkt get? The market does get pretty busy, especially on Saturdays. If you’re just looking to browse around I’d recommend going earlier to avoid the crowds.
- Are the shops in Viktualienmarkt expensive? I thought the shops and stalls were averagely priced. There are a few selling more luxurious foods at a higher price.
How to get there
Located right in the heart of Munich city centre, Viktualienmarkt is really easy to find. Here’s how you can get there:
- By public transport: Take the U or S Bahn to Marienplatz station, most of the lines stop here. From here it’s a 3-minute walk to the market.
- On foot: As previously said, Viktualienmarkt is right in the middle of the city. It’s a stone’s throw away from both town halls, Marienplatz and St. Peters Church. Munich is well-signposted, so you’d have to try hard to lose your way!
- By car: I wouldn’t recommend trying to drive directly to Viktualienmarkt. While it is doable the market and area around it get incredibly busy with pedestrians and the roads are generally one-way, making it difficult to navigate, especially on Saturdays. If you do want to go by car the best place to park would be Schrannenhalle Parkhaus.
Opening times
Viktualienmarkt is open Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 8 pm. The market is closed on Sundays.
Entry fee
Viktualienmarkt is completley free to enter!
My tips for visiting
- Going to the beer garden: If you want to visit the beer garden, get there early! This place gets super busy and I rarely saw a free table there.
- Check out the surrounding streets for more options: Outside of the market stalls the site is surrounded by cafes, bakeries and restaurants. Be sure to go exploring if you’re hungry to find something you’ll love.
Viktualienmarkt history
Munich’s food market originally found its home in Marienplatz. However, as it grew in popularity, it quickly outgrew this space. In May 1807, King Maximilian I ordered the market to move to a larger location, where it has remained ever since. With this move came a new name: Viktualienmarkt.
By the late 1820s, the market once again began to outgrow its space and had to be further enlarged. This expansion included the addition of a butcher’s hall, a fish hall, fruit stalls, and many other delicious offerings.
Viktualienmarkt suffered heavy damage during WWII and was almost closed to make way for new buildings. Instead, it was rebuilt and improved, continuing to evolve into the vibrant market we know today.
Food and drink
A market is nothing without its food and drink, so what does Viktualienmarkt have to offer? In short, everything. There’s such a huge variety of food on offer, whether you’re looking for a sit-down meal or just a snack on the go, you’ll find something here to suit everyone’s tastes!
Restaurants
If you’re looking for traditional German and Bavarian dishes you’ll find them here. There are several different restaurants within Viktualienmarkt serving all kinds of tasty meals. There’s a soup kitchen, fish restaurant and lots of spots selling specialities like bratwurst, Weißwurst and schnitzel. Here are just a few:
- Caspar Plautz: The ultimate spot if you’re big on potato dishes
- Fisch Witte: One of the most well-known and well-loved spots on Viktualienmarkt, Fisch Witte is of course known for their fresh seafood.
- SABABA: Simple and delicious Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel, hummus and schwarma.
VIktualienmarkt is also surrounded by restaurants, bakeries and places to grab food on the go so there’s no shortage of stops if you’re looking for a meal.
Beer garden
Built in 1970, the Viktualienmarkt Beer Garden is incredibly popular and incredibly unique. What makes this different from the rest is that it frequently changes the breweries it uses, rotating through several different varieties including Hofbräu from the famous Hofbräuhaus.
As with any beer garden, you’re welcome to bring your food, as long as you purchase your drinks from the beer garden itself. So, take a stroll around the market to find some tasty treats to enjoy with your drink before settling down!
Other stalls
With over 100 stalls, Viktualienmarkt has everything you could need. From fresh produce, fruit juice, meats, fish, and baked goods to coffee, toasted sandwiches, honey, and more, whether you’re looking for a snack or stocking up on supplies, Viktualienmarkt has you covered.
If you’re in the mood for ice cream, you have to try Der Verrückte Eismacher (The Crazy Ice Cream Maker). They offer some unusual but delicious flavours, including sausage-flavoured ice cream!
There are also a couple of souvenir shops around the market if you’re looking to pick up something memorable from your trip.
Viktualienmarkt Fountains
As you walk through Viktalienmarket you’ll notice quite a few fountains dotted around. Six of them are modelled after well-known figures from Munich’s past:
- Elise Aulinger – A well-known actress
- Jakob Roider – A popular Bavarian folk singer known for singing at beer festivals
- Liesl Karlstadt – A well-loved actress and cabaret performer
- Karl Valentin – A comedian, sometimes known as the Charlie Chaplin of Germany
- Weiß Ferdl – An actor and folk singer
- Ida Schumacher – A famous actress
A fountain festival is held in August where the fountains are decorated and celebrated with live music and performances from actors.
Name
Originally the square was called ‘Marktplatz’ (Market place). The name ‘Viktualienmarkt’ comes from the word ‘Viktualien’ which in turn comes from an old Latin word, ‘Victus‘ which means food.
Viktualienmarkt Maypole
The heart of Viktualienmarkt is undoubtedly its maypole. Maypoles are a traditional fixture in Bavarian towns and villages, painted in the state colours of blue and white, and adorned with various decorations and figures that reflect local culture. As a representative of Munich, the Viktualienmarkt maypole features depictions of Oktoberfest, the patron saints of brewers, dancers, and musicians.
First raised in 1962, the maypole is a beloved addition to the market and serves as a popular meeting point for visitors and locals alike.
Summary
Simply put, Viktualienmarkt has to be on your list of places to visit in Munich. The atmosphere is amazing and the food is delicious, what more could you need? Stop by, try some local dishes and get involved in the spirit of Viktualienmarkt!
