Munich, April 22, 2026 – The Karl-Stützel-Platz in Munich’s city center is about to get a new attraction: the ‘Buchberg’ beer garden. Slated to open in early to mid-May, this innovative project promises affordable prices and a unique architectural design, all part of an initiative to breathe new life into the Bahnhofsviertel (station district).
A Vision for Revitalization: The ‘Buchberg’ Concept
The ‘Buchberg’ is the brainchild of Florian Schönhofer, Jonas Schönwälder, and Leon Cubigsteltig, with Schönhofer being a well-known figure in Munich’s gastronomy scene, also operating Café Kosmos and Bufet. This new venture, which combines elements of a bar, café, and beer garden, builds on previous efforts to activate the Karl-Stützel-Platz, a suggestion that originated from the “Taskforce Bahnhofsviertel” led by KVR head Hanna Sammüller.
Unlike the previous “Die Null” pop-up, ‘Buchberg’ will serve alcoholic beverages and is designed to be a year-round establishment, operating for four years. Schönhofer noted that the alcohol-free pop-up, while a nice idea, proved not to be economically viable due to its seasonal nature. The ‘Buchberg’ will be open daily from 12 PM to 11 PM.
Unique Design and Dual-Level Experience
One of the most striking features of the ‘Buchberg’ is its unconventional construction. The team repurposed a disused drag lift from near Bad Tölz, dismantling 30 tons of steel for the project. This steel will form a two-level structure spanning approximately 100 square meters.
- The ground level will exclusively offer non-alcoholic beverages.
- The upper level, accessible via stairs at a height of 1.5 meters, will serve alcoholic drinks, overseen by Schönwälder and Cubigsteltig.
Schönhofer describes this concept as bringing “two worlds together in the same place,” aiming to create a “safe space” for a diverse audience and shift the Bahnhofsgegend away from its less desirable reputation.
Affordable Prices and Community Focus
True to Schönhofer’s other establishments, ‘Buchberg’ will prioritize affordability. A 0.3-liter beer is expected to cost around 2.40 Euros, and a Spritz about four Euros. Importantly, there will be no pressure to consume, emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. However, those wishing to drink alcohol on the upper level must appear sober enough to be admitted, a measure intended to ensure comfort and safety rather than strict club-like entry control.
The project has received approval from the district administration (KVR), which sees its value in enhancing the quality of stay in the area. Hanna Sammüller, head of the KVR, stated that “with the new project at Karl-Stützel-Platz, the two operators, with the support of our Taskforce, are adding another mosaic stone to increase the quality of stay in the area.”
Beyond ‘Buchberg’: More Cultural Offerings
The ‘Buchberg’ is not the only initiative to enrich the cultural landscape of the Old Botanical Garden. The “Kult(ur)biergarten Neptunbrunnen” is also slated to be re-established this year, further expanding the area’s appeal.
With David Boppert, managing director of Münchner Kultur GmbH and responsible for events like the “Lange Nacht der Musik,” on the team, ‘Buchberg’ also plans to offer music, potentially live performances, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Source: sueddeutsche.de
