The beer garden, or Biergarten as it is known in German, originated in Bavaria during the 19th century when top-fermented beer was predominant. Since the fermentation of the beer had to take place at temperatures between four and eight degrees Celsius, King Ludwig I decreed that it had to be brewed during the winter months.

In order to sell the beer during the summer, large breweries dug cellars in the bank of the river Isar, which allowed them to keep the beer at proper temperatures. The banks were covered in gravel and chestnut trees were planted to provide shade and ensure the cellars stayed cool enough. Simple tables and benches were soon set up under the trees so that the breweries could also serve the beer at the cellars and the beer garden was born.