Paulaner am Nockherberg is also known beyond Bavaria's borders - for the Derblecken, which has been poking fun at the Bavarian political scene every year since 1891, the strong beer festival and, of course, its beer. And yet the Nockherberg continues to evolve: Florian Lechner and Christian Schottenhammel have been bringing a breath of fresh air to the Munich institution as landlords since 2018. We spoke to the latter about this change.
Mr. Schottenhamel, what makes the Nockherberg so special?
We sell a piece of Munich and a portion of tradition here. The Nockherberg is known throughout Germany, for example for the Derblecken and the strong beer festival. Here you can experience Munich gastronomy and hold large events at the same time. We have already hosted events with 2,300 people, for which we have set up breakout rooms in the beer garden. The main hall is the big meeting place and afterwards it's off to the restaurant for a meal.
Speaking of food: What does the gastronomy at Nockherberg look like for you?
My partner Florian Lechner has created a great concept here. We are not the deep Bavarian restaurant that only serves roast pork and knuckle of pork, but have Bavaria 2.0 on our menu - modern Bavarian cuisine. We have also become much more vegetarian and have many organic dishes on the menu. The fact is that we are in the midst of a food revolution, and we have to be part of it. If a restaurateur doesn't do this, he will fall by the wayside.
A major renovation was carried out here in 2018. What has changed since then and what's new?
The landlord - namely me (laughs). I've been here for five years and, together with Florian Lechner, I've been pushing ahead with digitalization in particular. We now have everything you could wish for in terms of technology. That's a huge advantage for us: companies don't have to rent anything externally. We have already worked here with 1,000 people who need to access the Internet at the same time. We also have a large underground garage with 250 parking spaces and are well connected to the public transport network. Our customers really appreciate that.
What has been the largest and smallest event hosted at Nockherberg so far?
The smallest conferences take place in the upper event rooms, where there is room for ten to twenty people. Events with 2,300 people naturally take up the entire building. We have a huge beer garden and conferences for 1,000 people can be held outdoors. The Nockherberg is particularly suitable for large events: We have a huge foyer and our large hall can be divided into three areas so that I can also adjust the room sizes during a conference.
Have you noticed a change in the events sector in recent years?
Companies used to organize events for their customers, now they organize events for employees. I think entrepreneurs are now realizing that the highest and most important asset is not sales, but the people in the company and the working environment.
What makes Munich special as a tourist destination?
I am a Münchner Kindl and proud to have grown up here. Munich is unique, I love its proximity to the mountains and the Munich way of life. What also speaks for the city is how often customers choose Munich again for their events - this rate is higher than in any other German city. Nevertheless, Munich needs major events such as the IAA, concerts like Helene Fischer or NFL football events. And I am also proud that we will be hosting four games of the European Men's Football Championship this year.
The best place for a sundowner in Munich?
The bar "Dahoam in Minga" with its lounge area invites you to linger. Or: enjoy a Nockherberg-Hell at the foot of the Bavaria.
What do you prefer, a beer garden with beer or a bar with a white wine spritzer?
A well-groomed, ice-cold draught beer, of course. And preferably in the company of family and friends.
What is your favorite restaurant?
The Wirtshaus in der Au is always worth a visit.
What's your favorite place to return to when you haven't been in Munich for a while?
I enjoy returning to the Theresienwiese when we move into the Festhalle Schottenhamel for the Oktoberfest. It's a special moment for me when we move back into the office two weeks before the Oktoberfest every year, the employees arrive and we check whether everything is still in our office containers as it was the previous year. We then find great things in the drawers that we had forgotten about.
What is your favorite excursion destination from Munich?
The Stöfflhütte on the Waller Alm on the Wilder Kaiser. The golden oil - a type of beer from the brewery - tastes amazing and the view of the Inn Valley from the hut is magnificent. And: the landlord Peter Bichler's mother makes the best cheese dumplings in the whole valley.
Which lake is the most beautiful in the Munich area?
Personally, I love being at Seehamer See on Irschenberg. I have a fishing license there and like to go fishing for whitefish or trout with my son. There is also a wonderful circular hiking trail there. The lake often goes unnoticed because you only know it from driving past on the A8. But it's worth the drive!
Traditional costume or no traditional costume?
For me, traditional costume out of conviction. But I think it should be up to you and you have to feel personally comfortable, otherwise the traditional costume doesn't look authentic. And you can always wear traditional costume in Munich - not lederhosen every day, but with a Bavarian jacket or janker you're always well dressed.
