wine tours munich germany

THE 5 BEST Munich Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in munich.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Perfect Start: Munich PRIVATE Tour with Bavarian Breakfast

2. PRIVATE - Best Munich Cocktail Tour - all inclusive

3. German Wine Self-Guided Tour in Munich's Old Town Wine Bars

4. The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food

5. Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert

6. Private Champagne Sundowner on Rooftops of Munich

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse

Augsburg Pub Crawl

Bavarian traditions & Beer tasting

Bavarian Christmas Market Cooking Class

Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

What travelers are saying.

  A wine tour in Munich? – Yes!

Discover a Munich before its time as the capital of beer! A time when not beer, but wine was the drink No. 1 in all Bavaria.

Wine Tour Munich is a guided walking tour through the Old Town of Munich followed by a wine tasting. This tour is unique in Munich. It brings up the city’s forgotten wine history: where were the places to go in medieval Munich and which wines were drunk? What was the King’s favourite drink and were there even vines planted in the city?

After the tour, a short ride by public transport takes you to the wine tasting.

A welcome drink starts the tasting, with three white and three red wines. These are from grape varieties or wine regions which were popular in medieval Munich – and are still today…

For lovers of wine or/and Munich – and for all who like to have a look at Munich through the wine glass…

Where?            Isartor (outside, at Thomas-Wimmer-Ring)

When?             Currently no further tours are planned

How much?    49,- € per person (incl. tour + tasting)                          Public transport MVV-Ticket is not included – please obtain a valid ticket before the tour How long?      Takes approx. 4 hours (tour + tasting)

A couple of years ago the wine fever caught me. Wine is an exciting drink and a perfect match to everything that’s fun: parties, good food, pleasant evenings with friends, travel,…

In 2011 I was lucky to combine business with passion. Since then I have been working as a wine sales consultant, and obtained the WSET Level 3 degree.

I am from Bavaria, but my studies in tourism management brought me to Munich. When I decided to stay, I realised that I didn’t know anything about my new home town. To change this, I completed a city guide training program. I found Munich as exciting as wine, which inspired me to give a different view on the city: Munich as a town with wine tradition, long before it became famous for its beer...

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THE 5 BEST Munich Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tours & tastings in munich.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Perfect Start: Munich PRIVATE Tour with Bavarian Breakfast

2. PRIVATE - Best Munich Cocktail Tour - all inclusive

3. German Wine Self-Guided Tour in Munich's Old Town Wine Bars

4. The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food

5. Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert

6. Private Champagne Sundowner on Rooftops of Munich

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse

Augsburg Pub Crawl

Bavarian traditions & Beer tasting

Bavarian Christmas Market Cooking Class

Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

What travellers are saying.

Wine Tasting in Munich: 10 Places You Have to Try

The German city of Munich is located in Bavaria, not normally known as one of the country's top wine regions. In fact, this is beer country, and Munich is known as the home of the world's largest Oktoberfest, making this very much a beer city.

But wine lovers shouldn't despair. Bavaria itself is home to the Franconia wine region. And beyond that, Germany as a whole has some great wine-producing regions that make quality European wines you can sample in Munich. It's not hard to find wine tasting events at a delightful Munich wine bar where you can learn more about the world of German wines.

Plus, if you're a fan of beer, too, you're in luck. A beer tour or one of the many brewery tours through Munich's city center will teach you more about beer than anybody really needs to know.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Munich , and you'll be ready to embark on a wine tour of this beer city. Wine tastings are some of the best ways to experience Germany's rich wine culture, and the best wine bars in Munich can guide you through vintage wines from around the country. A Munich wine tasting is one of the best things to do at night in the city , so take a look at these great wine tasting options.

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Weinhaus Neuner

The oldest wine house in Munich, this establishment dates back to 1641, proving that Munich has deep roots in the world of wine as well as beer. This beautiful wine bar lets you drink wine paired with delicious food in a stunning setting. The bar is located in an old townhouse, and the ambiance is cozy and inviting.

The Weinhaus Neuner wine list includes over 400 different varieties of German and international wines. You're sure to find something you love here, whether you're a red wine fan or prefer white or rosé.

The food at Weinhaus Neuner is just as noteworthy as the wine list. Choose from a variety of small plates like fried artichokes, lamb's tongue salad, and venison carpaccio. Or go for something heartier like the Bavarian cheese spaetzle or veal shank. No matter what you order, it will be delicious.

At Weinhaus Neuner, you can enjoy a wine tasting of three different wines paired with three small plates. This is a great way to sample some of the best that this wine bar has to offer. The menu has a great selection of local wines and concentrates on wines from across Germany and Austria, but there are also French wines, Italian wines, and other countries represented, so you're sure to find something you like. A great place in Munich for wine lovers, this is an essential stop on any wine tour Munich offers.

Address: Herzogspitalstraße 8

Wein Cantina

If you really want to push the boat out, this restaurant offers a four-course feast along with wine pairing so that you can really dig into a sumptuous meal. Of course, you can also order à la carte if you want to keep things more under control. Either way, you'll be guided in your journey through the restaurant's wine cellar by knowledgeable staff who can let you know more about what you're drinking.

This is a great place to try some of the best German wines as well as international varieties. The Wein Cantina wine list includes both red and white wines, so you can sample a bit of everything. And if you're not sure what to order, the staff will be more than happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.

The food at Wein Cantina is just as good as the wine. Start with a light starter like the salmon tartare or roasted beet salad. Then move on to something heartier like the chicken liver pate or venison ragout. For your main course, try the grilled pork chop or roasted lamb shank. And don't forget to leave room for dessert! The chocolate mousse is delicious.

Address: Elsässer Str. 23

Aquitaine Vinotheque

As you may have guessed from the name, this wine bar is a little taste of France in the heart of Germany. One of Munich's best wine taverns, Aquitaine Vinotheque offers a wide selection of both German and French wines.

This is the perfect place to come if you want to try something new. The knowledgeable staff can help you find a wine that you'll love. And if you're not sure what to order, they'll be more than happy to make some intriguing recommendations based on what you typically like.

Aquitaine Vinotheque also offers a wine seminar organized by German wine experts. These seminars will teach you more about the world of French wine as you enjoy a guided wine tasting combined with tasty cheese and other paired foods. Enjoying the best wines straight from France in this German city is an unusual experience but a great option for Munich wine tasting with a difference.

Address: Theresienstraße 19

Bar Comercial

This restaurant is known for its Italian food, and they make an excellent fusilli Bolognese along with other classic pasta dishes. But they also have an extensive wine list that covers France and Germany as well as Italy. In fact, the wines here come from all over the world, so you're sure to find something you like.

Bar Comercial is a great place for a casual lunch or dinner. It's located in the Fünf Höfe shopping mall if you want to pick up a few things before or after your wine tasting. The food is simple but delicious, and the prices are very reasonable. If you want to try some good German wine without breaking the bank, this is the place to come.

Address: Theatinerstraße 16

Wine On The Rocks Tasting Room

For a taste of something different, try this Munich wine tasting room. Wine On The Rocks specializes in wine from the Valais region of Switzerland, and although Swiss wine doesn't always make it onto the menus of restaurants around the world, perhaps it should.

This tasting room will take you on an exclusive tour through their products and give you a new understanding of this growing wine production region. It's well worth visiting for something out of the ordinary.

Address: Lindwurmstraße 135

Munich Wine Company

One of the best and most well-stocked wine shops in all of Munich, this is the ideal place to do some shopping. Munich Wine Company stocks wine from around the world, not just from Germany, and the knowledgeable staff can guide you and help you pick out a bottle of something truly special.

Munich Wine Company also hosts wine tasting events in the evenings, where you'll be guided through a curated selection of different wines. Each of these wine tastings has a different theme, so one night, you may be trying the best of Australian reds, while another night, you can explore lesser-known Italian wine regions. Either way, you'll get a great insight into the world of wine and probably come away with some new favorites.

Address: Jägerstraße 2

Weintour Munchen

Billing itself as Munich's first wine city tour, this entertaining sightseeing tour blends history and wine to give you a deeper insight into this fascinating city.

The tour covers all the major historical highlights of Munich but with a twist. At each stop, you'll enjoy a different wine that's relevant to the story being told. For example, you may try a local wheat beer at the site of the city's famous Oktoberfest or a Riesling from the Mosel Valley while learning about the city's Roman history.

This is a great way to see Munich's top sights while also getting a crash course in German wine. And at the end of the tour, you'll be given a certificate to show that you're now an honorary Munich wine expert!

Meeting point: outside the Isar Gate

Munich Wine Rebels

This company aims to put the fun back into wine tasting with unpretentious and lively events that combine a party atmosphere with Germany's rich wine culture. They offer both live and online tastings. The in-person tastings feature finger foods specially chosen to pair well with the wines on offer as they take you on an unconventional journey through the world of wine. During the summer, this company also offers wine tastings in the park, or you could even take a journey on the WineBike, one of the most entertaining sightseeing tour options you could possibly have in the city and a great way to combine winetasting with sightseeing.

This company is a great choice for group events and offers wine-based Munich tours that are well outside the ordinary.

Address: Holzstraße 24

Wine Munich

Held over two days in October, Wine Munich is one of the biggest and best wine festivals in all of Bavaria. It's the perfect place to sample some of the best German wine, and with over 200 different wines to choose from, you're sure to find something you love.

The festival takes place in the city center, and with all the wine tasting, you can enjoy live music, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. This is a great event for both locals and visitors to Munich, and it's the perfect way to experience Bavarian wine culture.

Wine dealers and experts from around Germany and across Europe descend on this festival to make deals and discover new intriguing drinks. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy what's on offer here. Spend an afternoon sampling great wines at this festival, and you'll be getting a glimpse into the often overlooked wine culture of Bavaria.

Address: Praterinsel 3-4

Held since 1985, this wine festival has become a tradition for wine connoisseurs in Munich. Taking place in November, the festival features over 700 different wines from more than 200 exhibitors. As well as all the wine tasting, you can enjoy some live music and sample lots of different food.

This is a great event for both locals and visitors to Munich, and it's the perfect way to experience Bavarian wine culture.

Address: Lilienthalallee 40

Bavaria may not be known as wine country in the same way that Alsace or Mosel are. In Munich, beer still reigns supreme as the drink of choice for locals. However, in the last few decades, wine has become a much bigger part of the city's gastronomic life as more and more people discover Munich's favorite alternatives to beer. After all, Germany has been a major wine producer for centuries, and the wine bars of Munich celebrate this aspect of German food culture.

Plus, if you're also a fan of beer, or if you're traveling with people who are, Munich is a place where you can indulge in both beer tasting and wine appreciation. The beer gardens and beer houses of Munich are the perfect introduction to the varied world of Bavarian beer.

Plus, there's more to do in Munich than just drink. Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Munich to see just how much this city has to offer. Exploring the Old Town or visiting some of Munich's fascinating museums can easily keep you occupied for days.

Dropping off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Munich means you can spend your days sightseeing and your evenings enjoying the city's wine bars. This underrated wine city has a lot to offer for those willing to explore, so ditch the heavy bags and start exploring Munich for yourself. Like everyone else who comes here, you'll discover a city with a lot to offer.

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Our wine tour will take place on 15 October, 2020. Start: 7.00 pm. Price: €59/person incl. Wine tasting and culinary accompaniment

The river gently meanders through the landscape and makes its way through sun-drenched valleys. On the steep slopes, the grapes gleam on their well-tended vines…

Our enchanting sommelière Eva Adler from Korn takes you on our virtual wine tour to various top-quality German wineries, which are united by a single grape: the Riesling. The best Rieslings are produced in wine-growing areas with a cooler climate. Germany has no reason to be bashful in a global comparison – quite the contrary! With a Riesling cultivation area of almost 24,000 hectares, we are by far number one in the world here. But the Riesling grape is not only one of the most popular in an international comparisons, this grape variety is much-loved in Germany and all major benchmark Rieslings come from here.

On our wine tour through the world of Riesling, you will experience top wines from five of Germany’s most influential wineries, all from the comfort of your seat. We start in the more than 700-year-old VDP Prädikatsweingut Bürgerspital in beautiful Bavaria. Around the Franconian town of Würzburg there are excellent conditions for viticulture and the Weingut Bürgerspital produces top wines for connoisseurs.

The winery of Nick Köwerich, the Weingut Köwerich , is located in the vineyards along the Moselle between Trier and Bernkastl. The Köwerich family has been mentioned in the church records of the wine-growing village of Leiwen since 1548. True to the motto “Tradition belongs IN the bottle and not ON the bottle”, their products   all have extraordinary names and are a treat for every wine lover.

Back in Franconia, we pay a visit to the Weingut Castell winery. The vineyards of the Princely House of Castell-Castell date back to 1224, making the Domäne Castell one of the oldest wineries in Germany. From the vineyards in the eastern part of the Franconian wine-growing region, on the slopes of the Steigerwald, come not only famous Silvaners but also a great Riesling that will delight your palate.

For the last two representatives of Riesling in Germany, we head west again – to the Rheingau. One of the most important wine-growing regions is home to numerous historical wineries, including that of Dr Robert Weil . The winery can look back proudly on the fact that one of its wines was on the wine list during the maiden voyage of the airship “Graf Zeppelin” to New York: the 1920 Kiedrich Grafenberg Trockenbeerenauslese. But don’t worry – during our wine tour in the OLYMP Munich you will have a much younger and very fine Riesling from the Weil winery in your glass.

The second stop in the southern Rheingau between Nierstein and Oppenheim is the Weingut Louis Guntrum . This well-known establishment also has a long tradition of viticulture. Today it is run by Mr Louis Konstantin Guntrum, the 11th generation of the proud family, and its wines are sold in over 60 countries around the world.

At all stages of our “journey”, you will of course also be accompanied by culinary excellence. The kitchen team at the OLYMP Restaurant in Eching, led by Christian Wiese and Constantin Anghel, has put together a perfect pairing for every wine on the tour, ensuring the very best of gastronomic experiences.

Finally, we stop by the Weingut Köwerich one more time before the evening ends in a relaxed ambience with many new impressions, good conversations and some expert knowledge.

For reservations and further information, please contact us by  email or telephone +49 (0) 89 327 10 0.

Ja, ich bin einverstanden Marketingmitteilungen des Hotel Olymp Munich per E-Mail zu erhalten. Wir geben Ihre Daten nicht weiter und Sie können sich jederzeit abmelden.

THE 5 BEST Wine Tours & Tastings in Munich, Germany

Wine tours & tastings in munich.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Scenic Railroads
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. The Perfect Start: Munich PRIVATE Tour with Bavarian Breakfast

2. PRIVATE - Best Munich Cocktail Tour - all inclusive

3. German Wine Self-Guided Tour in Munich's Old Town Wine Bars

4. The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food

5. Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert

6. Private Champagne Sundowner on Rooftops of Munich

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse

Augsburg Pub Crawl

Bavarian traditions & Beer tasting

Bavarian Christmas Market Cooking Class

Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

What travellers are saying.

• Europe Tours
• Germany Tours
• Bavaria Tours
• Munich Tours
• Wine tasting tours

Munich Wine Tasting Tours 2024/2025

2 superb wine tasting trips in Munich. Planning to go on a wine tasting trip in Munich? Check out 2 great wine tasting trips in Munich. All wine tasting trips are delivered by tour operators in Munich. Prices range from 734 USD to 7,350 USD and our wine tasting trips last from 1 day and to 21 days.

• Germany Travel Guide

2 Wine tasting tours

• Starts Berlin, Germany
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Christmas Markets of Germany

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Festivals and events & Shopping and Markets Festivals and events , Shopping and Markets , Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Christmas markets 'data-more-tripid='21182'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Coach
• Age Range 5-99 yrs
• Operated in English
• Nov 26 10+ seats left
• Nov 29 Only 10 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Munich, Germany
• Ends Zurich, Switzerland

Alpine Christmas Markets

• Activities Festivals and events & Shopping and Markets Festivals and events , Shopping and Markets , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Food tours , Wine tasting tours , Mountains & Christmas markets 'data-more-tripid='21100'>+5 more
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,325
• Special Deal (2%): - US$ 80
• Total Price from: US$ 3,245
• Nov 24 Only 10 seats left
• Dec 01 10+ seats left

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In Germany

Browse Through The Best Selection Of Germany Wine Tours

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Awaken your senses by tasting famous Riesling wines of the Moselle region at Weingut Mönchhof Wine Tasting & Tour

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Wine tasting and tour at Weingut Witwe Dr. H. Thanisch, Erben Müller-Burggraef

Make an exquisite Wine Tasting & Tour memory, paired with a stroll among the vine rows at Weingut Witwe Rr. H. Thanisch

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A visit to the cellar and vineyards at Weingut Gindorf followed by a wine tasting paired with local products

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At Weingut Gindorf, experience the Middle Mosel landscape through their vineyard and indulge in tasting their award-winning wines

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Discover Germany's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

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Explore Germany's dynamic wine region, tasting red wines, sparkling sekt, and local specialties amidst picturesque vineyards

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Please bring your high expectation about Turkish wine :)

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Explore Vineyards and Beautiful Hidden Places on a Private Tour

Our private tours are individually. We guarantee an unforgettable experience

Best Cities to Visit in Germany

Germany Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in germany.

Wine tasting tours in Germany are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

• Frankfurt-am-Main Airport (FRA) , one of Europe’s biggest is close to some of the best wine tastings and tours in Germany. Check out wine tastings and tours in Rheinhessen, Nahe, Franken and Hessische Bergstraße.
• Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the best option to reach wine tastings and tours in Württemberg and wineries in Baden.
• Köln-Bonn Airport (CGN)  is only one hour away from one of the best wine regions in Germany, Mosel.
• Number 3 goes from Cologne to wine tastings and tours in Mosel and wine tastings and tours in Franken.
• Number 5 is the best option if you are travelling from Frankfurt to wine tastings and tours in Rheinhessen, wine tastings and tours in Pfalz and wine tastings and tours in Baden.
• Number 6  from Heidelberg to Nürnberg (or viceversa) will take you directly to the heart of Württemberg.

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in germany.

Personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts

Best Wine Tastings and Tours in Germany

Are you seeking tips or advice on wineries and vineyards to visit in Germany?

Land of cool climate and incredible scenery, there are plenty of options regarding wine tasting & tours in Germany. The WineTourism.com team has prepared you a list of the best wine experiences to enjoy in Germany .

Most of the German wine regions are in the western part of the country. Places like Rheinhessen - the largest German wine region -, Rheingau , and Mosel might attract you with high-quality wines and excellent facilities. Don't forget to taste the signature German wine, Riesling. The different terroirs allow the development of high-mineral wines of distinct flavor.

If you are still in doubt about where to visit first, check out our winery map! There you will find all the partner wineries of WineTourism.com and their wine experiences. Book now and dive into the world of wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, what are the best wine tasting tours in germany, what wine is germany known for, what travellers says about germany wine tours.

Are you interested in reading more about Germany?

Are you interested in reading more about Germany? Read our Germany wine country guide section, or visit our selection of the very best Germany wineries that you can visit during your stay.

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Wine tasting Tours & Trips in Germany

Immerse yourself in culture as you sample the finest local wines on a tour of Germany. With 67 wine tasting adventures ranging from 4 days to 15 days, you'll hop from one winery to another clinking your glasses and sipping premium flavours.

67 Wine tasting tour packages in Germany with 76 reviews

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Great hotels, the GPS track was enormously helpful and overall it was a great trip. Bikes and equipment all good. We did miss our third wine tasting mainly as we assumed it was at the end of the day like the others, only to find it was 20 k back . Beautiful route.

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Wine bars in Munich

Wine & dine.

Thanks to a generation of young sommeliers and committed retailers, the capital of beer has become a new hot spot for wine-lovers. On the Isar, you can discover the best wines in the world in a wonderfully relaxed way. We show you the best places to go.

Geisels Vinothek

The mother of all Munich wine bars and with its 28 years of age a classic in every respect. It is run by the Munich hotelier and restaurateur family Geisel, whose ancestor Anna Geisel established one of the first wine taverns in the beer city of Munich in the 1920s.

If you enter the Vinothek from the pedestrian area between Karlsplatz-Stachus (square) and the Central Station and watch restaurant manager Robert Zeller pouring a vintage Bordeaux or carefully cutting his San-Daniele ham slice by slice on his red Berkel slicer and arranging it on a plate, you'll immediately see how much this old-school maître d' values what he has, and his guests. This relaxed, friendly service is one of the main reasons that people immediately feel at home here. Beneath its vaulted ceiling, the Vinothek itself has around ten seats right by the bar, with the remainder split between about 12 tables across the wood-panelled Bavarian Alpine-style snug – it's a laid-back place.

It's also an ideal spot for travellers: for a glass of wine, a light Mediterranean meal or the excellent home-made pasta before or after a long train journey. The wine menu offers all the main types, with more than 700 entries ranging from big German Rieslings, established Austrian Veltliners from the Wachau and Sauvignon Blancs from Steiermark, to Bordeaux, Burgundies and classical Italian wines from Piemont and Tuscany. What's special about this place: many of the wines have a remarkable vintage. And: almost every day, Robert Zeller opens a special magnum and other sought-after wines which he then serves by the glass.

Tip: Ask for a vintage Bordeaux, and share a bottle with friends. For around 100 euro, you can get wines aged for more than 20 years that have been laid down in perfect conditions. Served with a plate of San Daniele ham.

Geisels Vinothek , Schützenstrasse 11

The whole huge world of wine brought together in a lounge in the heart of Munich . In truth, the Grapes wine bar is of course not a lounge, but rather a small bar and, from 6.30 am, the breakfast room for the Hotel Cortiina on the Ledererstrasse, close to the Hofbräuhaus (beer hall). But somehow, the two Austrian sommeliers Stefan Grabler and Markus Hirschler manage, with charm, invective and 'the good stuff', night after night to transform the discreetly lighted seating area into a proper lounge for wine lovers.

The unbelievably rapidly growing selection – there are currently just under 1,300 different wines covering every style, grape and region – reflects the pair's restless passion and their innate sense of today's most exciting wine styles and winemakers. The wines, ranging from easy-drinking to complex, offer everything to set hearts racing; each with its own character and finesse. Whether it's a Chardonnay from a small vineyard in Burgundy, which is a good indication of everything a premium local wine can be in an affordable quality.

Or orange wines that are created according to nature. Whichever it is, you can count on Grapes to serve wines that surprise. And you can bury any long-held misconception that only bone-dry wines are enjoyable. For example, a Kabinett wine by Matthias Knebel from the steep slopes of the Moselle terraces demonstrates how well sweet and sour can go together.

Grabler and Hirschler regularly bring their favourite winemakers to the city for their monthly winegrowers' evenings. It's an opportunity to drink your way through their Œuvre and understand the signature characteristics of a winemaker. All this in exceptionally comfortable seats, just like you'd find in a real lounge.

Tip: Ask for a glass of the white cuvée Trenzado from Tenerife that cleverly combines enamel, minerals and an earthy texture – and encapsulates the whole island in a single sip.

Grapes Weinbar , Ledererstrasse 8a

Tantris is the city's most spectacular restaurant. Not just because of the bright orange carpets on the ceiling, and because words such as: AFFENDURST (raging thirst), WEINSELIG (merry with wine) und DIONYSISCH (Dionysian) glare out visibly from afar in gold above guests' heads; but also, and actually only, because of its wine menu.

Like a chronicle, it tells the story of the passion of the Eichbauer family and their sommeliers dating back almost five decades. The restaurant owes the treasures in its Schwabing  cellar to its founder Fritz Eichbauer who, in 1971, started his epicurean adventure with an unbelievable 35,000 bottles. From the outset, he fostered personal contact with the best international winegrowers and even today, Tantris sommeliers travel the world to discover the most exciting wines of tomorrow.

Just recently, says head sommelier Nicolas Spanier, he met the Loire winemaker Eric Morgat who is based closed to Angers, and whose wines he now imports exclusively for Tantris. For a first delicious insight into this world of wine, he recommends the wine accompaniment to the five-course menu. For 125 euro, you will be served five wines, some of which have matured for up to 20 years. Not the cheapest, but it's a good investment in your own drinking culture, because these wines will serve as key landmarks in expanding your personal wine horizon. And insiders know: the refills here are fortunately generous.

Tip: Three years ago, the founder's son and now managing director Felix Eichbauer even acquired his own Tuscan vineyard, Podere Salicutti in Montalcino, which he runs with his wife Sabine. Their three vineyards – Brunello Piaggione, Sorgente and Teatro – are on the one hand powerful, but at the same time full of finesse and elegance. They are always included in the wine accompaniment at Tantris, and are occasionally also available by the glass.

Tantris , Johann-Fichte-Strasse 7

The sommeliers at the Mural restaurant are the city's natural wine specialists. Now, Wolfgang Hingerl and Maximilian Hildebrandt have opened a bar at Maxvorstadt  where they are demonstrating that the trend for natural, unsprayed, unfiltered and non-sulphurised wines reached Munich some time ago. These generally organically produced wines are enriching the wine scene in particular when, as here, they are expertly and sensitively selected to find the best examples. This new world is conveyed calmly at Bar Mural.

It becomes clear that sommelier and barkeeper Maximilian Hildebrandt's understanding of wine isn't purely theoretical when, in a quiet moment, he talks about his experience harvesting grapes in Montalcino. He knows how important it is for complex wines in particular to bring only the best grapes to the press and the cellar. His passion for well-crafted wines with character is palpable. He believes that natural wines reveal their origin, or so-called terroir, in a very particular way by revealing all the influences that together define the character of the wine, such as the soil, climate, and even the wine-grower's personality. The many unconventional wines at Mural reflect this idea.

On the open shelves behind the bar, all the wines are visibly displayed as a sort of living wine menu. The long, puristic copper counter, the bar stools and the exposed ventilation pipes make Mural a contemporary urban bar that, with its great sound system, at weekends becomes a wine club that stays open late (officially to 1.00am, but often later).

Tip: A good introduction to the world of natural wine is the Ex Vero III (2012) magnum from the Verlitsch winery, which is served here by the glass for 9 euro.

Bar Mural , Theresienstrasse 1

Pfälzer Weinstube

The Pfälzer Weinstube has had its home right on the Odeonsplatz (square), opposite the Feldherrnhalle (Field Marshal's Hall), since the 1950s. Generations of Munich opera and theatre-goers have enjoyed a large glass of wine here following a performance. The term 'stube' – or snug – couldn't be more of an understatement: the spaces here in the baroque part of the residence are halls. There is space for a total of 450 guests. The large four-columned hall on the ground floor immediately as you enter easily holds is own with the large brasseries in Paris in terms of size. The room height: just under eight metres. And yet it is probably the city's most egalitarian wine spot, with every cross-section of society passing through its doors. Almost like in the beer garden.

Served by the glass, the simple wine is ordered by number. Number 5a, for example, is a straightforward Riesling for 4.60 euro for a large glass. The winner of the Goldene Kammerpreismünze (regional wine award) is described as "racy" and "fully fermented", which sounds like it's more of an acquired tastes than it really is. A decent Riesling. Oh, and by the way: no one at the Pfälzer Weinstube has ever complained about the amount of wine that's poured. The simple glasses may lack style, but they are filled to the brim.

All the wines, as the name suggests, come from the Palatinate region. The Landesverband der Pfälzer in Bayern (regional association of Palatinates in Bavaria) maintains the bar as a reminder of the historical connection between beer-drinking Bavaria and the wine-loving Palatinate. The association selects the bottles of wine that appear on the menu, ensuring regular variety; they are often from award-winning but little-known wineries that present their wines here. But they are all solid wines and – as the menu puts it – "good", in the sense that "the wine displays the properties typical of its grape and origin". Most of all though, it's an old Munich tradition to end the night over a few glasses at this hugely historical spot.

Tip: The tarte flambée is the perfect accompaniment to all the wines. If your culinary tastes are more courageous, try specially imported Palatinate specialities like Saumagen (pig's stomach).

Pfälzer Residenz Weinstube , Residenzstrasse 1

Text: Peter Künzel; Photos: Frank Stolle

Local Love Munich

Munich's districts are diverse, contrasting and worth exploring. Immerse yourself!

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The culinary diversity of the city is reflected not only in its award-winning kitchens...

Bread report: Our daily bread

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Virtually no other city has a bread tradition stretching back as far as that of Munich – or such venerated bakery products. What makes them so exceptional and desirable?

Beer typology

What are you drinking.

Starkbier, Festbier, Hell, Dunkel, Pils: a typology of Munich's beers – and the people who drink them.

Starkbier, Festbier, Hell, Dunkel, Pils: a typology of the most important Munich beers – and the people who drink them.

Cocktail Calendar

Favorite drinks for every month of the year.

For mixing at home: André Meier of the hugely popular The High is compiling a drinks calendar.

Dallmayr Delicacies

Hunting for the best delicacies.

Stefan Weiß, head buyer at Dallmayr, tells us how to find the best products.

Burbot, Bullhead, Whitefish

Native exoticness.

A lot of bones, difficult to eat: Freshwater fish is a culinary niche. But young chefs in Munich are turning char, wels catfish and pike into a true taste adventure.

Column: eating out vegan

"how can it possibly be satisfying".

Our columnist has spent a day tasting the city's vegan cuisine.

Sausage guide

Munich and it's sausages.

The universe of Munich's sausages is almost infinite. An orientation guide.

The universe of Munich's sausages is not infinite. Its full extent may, however, appear unfathomable to many visitors to the city. A guide.

Bavarian gastronomy

Nose to tail.

Heart, kidney, cheeks, tail: Nose to tail eating is a worldwide trend. Always has been in Munich.

Heart and kidneys, cheeks and tail: While serving up the more unusual parts of an animal may currently be one of the hottest trends, the people of Munich have been doing it for centuries.

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Frauenkirche: Visit of the South Tower

Book a visit to the observation deck of Munich's Frauenkirche and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

Viktualienmarkt Tasting Tour

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Discover the most delicious delicacies of the city and learn all kinds of interesting historical facts about Munich's most famous food market.

Justizpalast Tour

During the guided tour of the present-day seat of the Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, you will learn everything about the history and significance of the neo-baroque court and administrative building.

Romantic Road: Rothenburg and Harburg

Hop on and be whisked away by one of the world's most beautiful stretches of street: the Romantic Road to Rothenburg and Harburg.

New Town Hall Tour

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. A visit of the famous law library is also included!

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof

Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king!

Visit of the Law Library: Juristische Bibliothek

Impressive architecture and unique ambience: discover the Law Library in the New Town Hall.

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Enjoy this special tour and pedicap ride past all the famous sights of Munich's old town and into the Englischer Garten.

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Discover the most famous beer hall in the world with an official guide of the city of Munich and enjoy a fresh Mass of beer afterward!

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Old Town Tour

The city walk for everyone who wants to become acquainted with the most beautiful parts of Munich's city centre.

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Experience a brewery tour at Spaten with a look behind the scenes, interesting facts about the company history and beer tasting in the brewery tower.

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The day trip takes you along the Alpine Road to Berchtesgaden area with its dreamlike scenery.

Salzburg and the Lake District

Visit the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Visit the birthplace of composer extraordinaire Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, stroll through the Baroque old town and then relax on the journey to beautiful Lake Wolfgang.

Oktoberfest Shop

Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: Purchase official souvenirs such as the Wiesn poster or the Oktoberfest beer stein in the official Oktoberfest shop.

Dream castles Neuschwanstein & Linderhof VIP

As VIP in the footsteps of King Ludwig II. On this day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing you can visit both dream castles of the fairytale king.

A day tour in the luxurious long-distance coach of Gray Line Sightseeing.

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With a rental bike, you can experience Munich at your own personal pace. Discover hidden alleys and charming districts off the beaten track.

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THE 5 BEST Munich Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in munich.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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1. The Perfect Start: Munich PRIVATE Tour with Bavarian Breakfast

2. PRIVATE - Best Munich Cocktail Tour - all inclusive

3. German Wine Self-Guided Tour in Munich's Old Town Wine Bars

4. The ORIGINAL Munich Christmas Market Festive Wine Tour -with food

5. Private Wine Tasting Tour in Munich with a Wine Expert

6. Private Champagne Sundowner on Rooftops of Munich

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Bavarian Schnitzel Cooking Class in Oberaudorf Farmhouse

Augsburg Pub Crawl

Bavarian traditions & Beer tasting

Bavarian Christmas Market Cooking Class

Garmisch Historical Pub Crawl

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Munich Food Tours

Discover the hearty flavours of Bavarian cuisine and the delicious range of beloved beer on our intimate small-group experiences. Munich is the birthplace of authentic German and Bavarian cuisine, the home of Oktoberfest and the capital of German beer.

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Ultimate Munich Beer Tour and Bites!

Private Oktoberfest Tour – Bavarian Beer & Festive Bites

English, & Deutsch

Munich’s Original Christmas Market Food Tour

A guide to our guides

An original Münchener and true Bavarian. Dan is a rich storyteller, a bible of in-depth knowledge and a converted obsessed foodie. He is an absolute character of his own and our beardy wonder.

The longtime Berliner born Australian. Dov has always held entrepreneurial foodie dreams mixed with a love and passion for the eclectic Berlin culture, developing cuisine and social life.

Our tall talented Irishman, speaks the speak and walks the walk. From being sous chef of the house from age 11, Kev has a deep passion for food, travel, people and Munich. This is an experience you won’t forget!

Worth every penny

Having the food-FRESH pretzels and obazda/onions was perfect with beer at G.Schneider & Son!! A flight of beers! Not just a beer. Then onto Glühwine at Hillegeist. Brought to us outside and lit for us to watch(sugar cubes soaked in Austrian rum). The perfect addition on a cold night! Then onto a Turkish restaurant for a donner sandwich and tegernseer hell beer. Last stop, preceeded by tour to a Michael Jackson memorial-yes that’s right, was a restaurant serving Kloster Andechs beer-produced by a monastery outside of Munich with minimal distribution-lucky us!! And honey schnapps also crafted by the monks. So much food so much to drink.

Would recommend this tour! It was great, fun and the tasting was perfect!

What a fabulous experience! I’ve never done a food tour before but a friend booked this for us! I would HIGHLY recommend a food tour with Fork & Walk! The foodie guide was very knowledgeable and her passion to share her love for food and culture is contagious! Time well spent!

Great experience in Salzburg

I had a great day on my tour to Salzburg. I wasn’t sure if this tour would be worth the money but it definitely was. Salzburg is a magical little city! Katrina from Fork and Walk tours was so fun and really made an effort for my husband and I to have a nice day. She helped us to buy a lock for the bridge and we made a special memory putting it on the bridge. Also the food was delicious. I would definitely recommend this tour!

A+ Food tour and Guide

Must do while visiting Munich! The tour was fantastic and the food was incredible. You will be full after. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and entertaining. Just book it already!

Tasted many flavors of Munich

Katrina & Percy were great at showing us the best of the best locations to taste a variety of culinary treasures. They did so well at explaining the background to every place we visited as well as whatever it was that we were eating or drinking. Katrina made it a point to make selections which you would possibly not ever know of & not hear about unless you lived in Munich. We enjoyed our tour along with the conversation.

Good beer, good times

This beer tour was a great combo of beer history and tasting. It was nice to stay away from the big touristy spots you might expect on a tour like this, and I got to experience quite a few local brews I would otherwise miss. The tour leader, Katrina, kept the conversation interesting with historical tidbits and in depth knowledge of everything we drank. Two thumbs up for this one!

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Extra time at Euro 2024: day trips and more from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Leipzig

Spectacular scenery and rich culture from the Alps to the North Sea are just a train ride away from the main hubs at this summer’s football tournament

From Munich: chill out by Lake Constance

Of all the ways to explore southern Germany this summer, the most memorable is not by train, bus or hire car but by boat. Lake Constance, nearly 40 times bigger than Windermere and two hours south-west of Munich by public transport, is a wonderful water world ringed by harbour towns, and it makes an idyllic break from the Bavarian capital.

With pomp and pageantry to spare, the medieval gateway town Lindau is the most memorable place to start your exploration. First impressions are a serious business there. Upon arrival, you see the same Germany that travellers saw 200 years ago. The seated lion statue that eyes the quayside is still visible from miles around, as is the chess piece lighthouse and the Mangturm , a Rapunzel tower that colours the skyline with zigzag tile patterns in gold and green.

On Lake Constance’s German shore, running north-west from Lindau and accessed by the affordable, shoreline-hopping BSB ferry service , is an even older world. There are old vineyards, old churches, old castles and older monasteries, many of which could well outlive Munich’s tower blocks and football stadiums. The delights of sailing and windsurfing on one of Europe’s largest lakes – as well as swimming in it – worked wonders on me when I first visited after the 2006 World Cup.

After enjoying Lindau’s fortified walls, ivy-draped towers, promenade streets and beer gardens, it’s a 90-minute boat trip to Friedrichshafen , 15 miles up the lakeshore. Here there is often a strange, keel-like structure in the sky above the lake. As much a reminder of the first world war and the Hindenburg disaster as it is of Germany’s engineering prowess, the Zeppelin remains the symbol of Friedrichshafen, and the rigid airships whirr visitors on sightseeing tours above Lake Constance daily in summer. The Zeppelin was born here – on 2 July 1900, the blimp’s initial test flight took place over the shore – and its history can be traced at the harbour Zeppelin Museum . From up in the airship, the blue, far below, makes the inland sea look as if it belongs in a Romantic painting by Caspar David Friedrich.

Most people think Germany is for beer drinkers, but Lake Constance is less about the grain and more about the grape. Pinot gris, blanc, noir and local cultivar Müller-Thurgau have revered status here, and the lakeshore’s pitched sides are braided with vineyards and wine hiking trails.

Meersburg , 12 miles west of Friedrichshafen, offers lakeshore taverns, delicious €4 glasses of plonk and a summer coat of vines, as well as an extraordinary, rose-tinged castle. There are plenty of wineries to choose from, but a long favourite is the Staatsweingut Meersburg , a former prince’s pet winery a steep stroll from the quayside.

From Meersburg’s ferry landing, it’s a 20-minute crossing to Mainau , an extravagant island off the lake’s western shore with a party piece baroque castle. It’s owned by a foundation started by the Count of Wisborg, and in summer its vast gardens – with arboretum, swathes of alpine flowers and an Alice in Wonderland vibe – are open to the public. It’s so wild you can lose yourself among the evergreens, and it feels a world away from any pitch, penalty or football score.

Where to stay Hotel Zum Schiff in Meersburg (doubles from €139 B&B) is on the lakeshore, has comfy rooms, a chaotic restaurant and a terrace that’s the best location on the water. Mike MacEacheran

From Leipzig: visit Saxon Switzerland

It’s best to try to pronounce Sächsische Schweiz after a couple of strong schnapps. Or just cheat and use the less tongue-tying English translation, “Saxon Switzerland”. However you manage to say it, it’s certainly worth taking some time to see it.

A 25-minute train ride from Saxony’s magnificent state capital, Dresden, and two hours from the its biggest city, Leipzig, this picturesque national park rises impressively from the east bank of the River Elbe and is one of the region’s most popular recreational areas. Yet Saxon Switzerland remains fairly under the radar for most non-German visitors.

The park is the German section of the broader Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which straddle the Czech border (the larger Czech side is called Bohemian Switzerland), and its generous 340-square-miles are characterised by undulating landscapes, craggy sandstone formations, vertiginous valleys, waterfalls and sweeping ravines.

Discovered as a tourism destination a couple of centuries ago, it captured the imaginations of Romantic artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, who painted his classic Wanderer above the Sea of Fog here.

The park was also one of the birthplaces of rock climbing, a pursuit that continues on the area’s thousand-plus free-standing rock faces and climbing peaks. More recently, the park’s scenery has found cinematic fame in films such as Cloud Atlas , The Reader , and The Grand Budapest Hotel .

But even though it drew 1.6 million overnight stays in 2023, it never feels as crowded as, say, the Bavarian Alps further south – with the exception of the park’s obvious tourist magnet, the Bastei Bridge, an attractive outcrop of sandstone offering sweeping, Instagrammable views across the winding Elbe and surrounding mountains.

Just a short way beyond the bridge, however, is quiet, almost deserted forest and 750 miles of crisscrossing hiking trails and climbing routes. Even the most famous multistage trail, the Malerweg (Painters’ Way), which runs for more than 70 miles – divided into eight official day-hikes that vary from easy to demanding – gets immediately quieter after the initial Bastei section. Deeper into the park, there may be the chance to spot peregrine falcons and black storks, kingfishers and Eurasian pygmy owls, lynx and deer, chamois and beavers.

There are restaurants and accommodation options peppered throughout the park, as well as public transport options for many hikes and even luggage transportation services. For cyclists, there are about 30 miles of mountain bike trails, as well as the more leisurely Elbe Cycle Route , which can be picked up at Dresden and remains reassuringly flat and delightfully curvaceous all the way to the mountains and the Czech border.

The pretty spa town of Bad Schandau, at the foot of the Saxon Switzerland mountains, is one of the park’s main gateways and easily accessible by train from Dresden. A few miles further, reachable by car, bus or train, is the tiny village of Schmilka, which has its own Bio Village – a complex of sustainably built hotels and eco-restaurants with equally excellent access to the park.

Where to stay : Hotel Helvetia (doubles from €229 half-board) has riverside views, a sauna complex, an organic restaurant, daily yoga classes and guided hikes. It’s on the Elbe Cycle Route and close to the Malerweg too. Paul Sullivan

From Hamburg: head for the North Sea coast

Less than two hours’ drive from the hustle of Hamburg, Sankt Peter-Ording is a popular seaside spa town that also offers untamed nature, as it sits within the Unesco-listed Wadden Sea, one of the world’s largest stretches of wetland. Blurring the lines between water and land, and running from the northern Netherlands across Germany’s north-west coast and up Denmark’s west, this is a panorama that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the cycles of nature.

At low tide, a vast mudflat world is revealed, while at high tide porpoises can be spotted. Away from designated surfing and land sailing zones, photographers and nature lovers come to spot migratory birds (geese, waders, ducks) flying over the salt marshes and dunes on the “ east Atlantic flyway ” from the Arctic to Africa. The only points of orientation are the occasional stilt houses, a symbol of humanity’s adaptation to this unique natural backdrop.

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In this remarkable landscape, Sankt Peter-Ording offers another feature that may appear contradictory to the natural surroundings – cars parked on the beach. This may appear absurd, but is a clever approach to enabling a direct experience with nature while funding conservation efforts. Parking fees go towards the preservation of this ecosystem, a sustainable model that strengthens the connection between people and nature.

While the birds gorge on delicacies in the mudflats, the culinary offerings in Sankt Peter-Ording are equally rich.  Salt & Silver is a stilt restaurant run by Johannes Riffelmacher and Thomas Kosikowski, who also have two branches in Hamburg. Recently recommended in the Michelin guide, it offers locally sourced meat and fish cooked with Nordic finesse. Nearby, Yamacito Seafood Bar serves fresh fish sandwiches, while Auntie Clara in the Urban Nature hotel (see below) serves “soul” food such as hotpot curry.

From the Good Times Surfshop in the Beach Motel (doubles from €85), Tobias Seemeier and Katharina Simon organise punk concerts, skateboarding and surfing events that add a youthful vibe to the town. But at the oldest pub, the Thalamegus, innkeeper Lisa maintains the Frisian tradition. Here, Frisengeist , a flambéed grain brandy, is served with a special toast, which is not only a ritual, but a tribute to Frisian hospitality.

Where to stay The Urban Nature hotel (doubles from €69 room-only) pitches itself as “somewhere in between for city kids and nature freaks” and contrasts a modern design with the rugged beauty of the surroundings. There’s a range of activities from morning walks to yoga. Malte Brenneisen

From Berlin: take a tour of the Spreewald

“Taste the best pickles in town!” beams the ruddy-faced stall-holder, proffering a large gherkin on a stick. I have to admit it’s pretty good – but best in town? That’s a bold statement given that I’m walking along the Gherkin Mile in Lübbenau, the gherkin capital of Germany.

Lübbenau, a market town 60 miles south of Berlin, is also known as the gateway to the Spreewald (Spree Forest). The remarkable landscape of this vast wetland was shaped during the last ice age, when the River Spree split into a labyrinthine network of narrow waterways, creating an inland delta with swathes of meadows interrupted by dense woodland.

Over the years, settlers converted the streams into irrigation canals in order to drain the mineral-rich land for farming. This unique and abundantly diverse ecosystem was designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1991, so that its thousands of species of plants, trees, birds, insects and mammals could be protected.

Unsurprisingly, this green haven is popular with tourists and with Berliners looking to escape the city. Trains run frequently from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübbenau, taking just over an hour and costing about €23 return with Deutsche Bahn . As there are more waterways here than roads, the best way to explore is by boat. I head to the lively harbour area to join a tour on one of the traditional punts, or Kahns .

This region is home to the Sorb people, a Slavic ethnic minority whose descendants settled here in the sixth century. Sorbian customs, crafts, clothing and language have been fervently preserved here, having survived the repression of the Nazi regime. Women wear long colourful skirts, pretty lace shawls and large embroidered headdresses.

Helped aboard by Dirk, our ferryman, I squeeze on to one of the cushioned benches around a wooden table. Dirk pushes off and tells us about the history of the region while we munch on gherkins and thick black bread.

Our half-day trip meanders past quaint villages full of traditional half-timbered buildings. Dirk navigates under rickety pedestrian bridges and through hand-operated locks with impressive dexterity, while pointing out birds, trees and insects.

Dragonflies flash across the water, and I’m sure I spot an otter sliding slinkily beneath the surface.

We stop at Lehde, a village of just 130 inhabitants, to visit its open air museum (the Freilandmuseum Lehde), which celebrates Sorbian culture. Farmsteads have been rebuilt in the original Sorbian style, and I wander around farms from the 18th and 19th centuries, seeing how these rural communities used to live. It’s a fascinating insight into the customs and traditions of this small community. At harvest time, the whole community would come together to pick little cucumbers to pickle. It’s the mineral-rich soil, high humidity and iron oxides in the water that make Spreewaldgurken the perfect pickle.

So unique are this region’s pickled cucumbers, they have achieved Protected Geographical Indication status; the humble Spreewaldgurken are the champagne of the pickle world.

Exploring independently is easy too: there are kayaks and canoes to hire for about €30 a day or bikes from about €15, to paddle or cycle around the tree-canopied canals.

A picturesque 160-mile bike trail, the Gurkenradweg , winds through the Spreewald. After spending a sweaty hour or so on a bike from Lübbenau, cyclists can stop off for a gherkin ice-cream (yes, really) at the Cafe Kleinod in Burg, or a few bottles of gherkin beer.

Deep in the forest a mile or so north of Lehde and accessible only on foot or by bike or boat, Gasthaus Wotschofska is one of the oldest restaurants in the area and has a shady waterside terrace, and large beer garden, naturally.

Where to stay Guesthouse Bludnik (doubles from €130 B&B), on the three-mile circular walk between Lehde and Lübbenau, makes a perfect base. This beautifully restored wooden building is right on the water and has boats and bikes to hire. Celia Topping

• Germany holidays
• Hamburg holidays
• Munich holidays
• Berlin holidays
• Dresden holidays
• Public transport trips
• City breaks

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