Märzen: The Oktoberfest Beer Explained

German name

Märzen / Oktoberfestbier

Alcohol

5.5–6.3% ABV

Colour

Amber to copper (Festbier is golden)

Fermentation

Bottom-fermented (lager)

Origin

Bavaria, brewed in March and stored over summer

Glass

Maß stein

Serve at

7–9 °C

Märzen is the beer most people picture when they think of Oktoberfest: amber, malty and smooth, served by the litre. In Australia it is the beer to look for when the Oktoberfest season comes around each September and October.

Where does Märzen come from?

Before refrigeration, Bavarian law banned brewing in the warm months because summer brewing too often produced spoiled beer. Brewers made a stronger, well-hopped beer in March (März), stored it in cool cellars, often under shady chestnut trees, and drank it through the summer. The last barrels were finished in autumn, conveniently in time for the Oktoberfest.

In the 1870s, Munich brewers, including the Sedlmayr family of Spaten, developed the amber Märzen that became the classic Oktoberfest beer. Since around 1990, the Munich breweries have poured a paler, golden Festbier in the tents, but amber Märzen remains the “Oktoberfest beer” for much of the world.

What does Märzen taste like?

• Look: Amber to copper, clear, with an off-white head
• Aroma: Toasted bread, caramel and a hint of nuts
• Taste: Rich malt with a touch of sweetness and a gentle bitterness
• Finish: Clean and dry, so it is surprisingly easy to drink by the litre

Festbier is lighter in colour and more like a stronger Helles.

How to serve Märzen

Serve it at 7–9 °C in a one-litre Maß, of course. See our guide to beer steins.

Food pairing: Roast chicken (Hendl), pork knuckle, pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut and Obatzda cheese dip.

Märzen and Oktoberfest beer in Australia

Seasonal Oktoberfest beers from Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, Löwenbräu, Hofbräu and Augustiner usually reach Australian bottle shops in September, together with Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen. Or drink it in a beer tent: our Oktoberfest in Australia guide lists every event, city by city.

German beer brands that brew Märzen

From our top 20 German beer brands in Australia, ranked by how easy they are to find here.

1. 01PaulanerMunich’s best-known exportMunich, Bavaria · since 1634
   Try: Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier NaturtrübEasy to find
2. 05LöwenbräuMunich’s lion breweryMunich, Bavaria · since 1383
   Try: Löwenbräu OriginalEasy to find
3. 06Hofbräu MünchenThe royal brewery behind the HofbräuhausMunich, Bavaria · since 1589
   Try: Hofbräu OriginalEasy to find
4. 12SpatenThe brewery that invented Munich HellesMunich, Bavaria · since 1397
   Try: Spaten Münchner HellIn larger bottle shops
5. 13Hacker-PschorrMunich tradition since 1417Munich, Bavaria · since 1417
   Try: Hacker-Pschorr Münchner GoldIn larger bottle shops
6. 14AugustinerMunich’s cult favouriteMunich, Bavaria · since 1328
   Try: Augustiner Lagerbier HellSpecialist bottle shops
7. 18AyingerFamily-run village brewery near MunichAying, Bavaria · since 1878
   Try: Ayinger Celebrator DoppelbockSpecialist bottle shops

Märzen FAQs

What does Märzen mean?

Märzen means “March beer”. Before refrigeration, Bavarian brewers were not allowed to brew in summer, so they brewed a stronger beer in March and stored it in cool cellars to drink through the summer and autumn.

Is Märzen the same as Oktoberfest beer?

Not any more. Amber Märzen was the traditional Oktoberfest beer, but since about 1990 the Munich breweries have served a paler, golden Festbier in the tents. Many breweries still sell an amber Märzen as their “Oktoberfest” beer abroad.

Where can I buy Oktoberfest beer in Australia?

Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, Löwenbräu, Hofbräu and Augustiner Oktoberfest beers usually arrive in Australian bottle shops around September, alongside Märzen from Ayinger. Specialist bottle shops have the best range.

How strong is Märzen?

Märzen is typically 5.5–6% ABV. The golden Festbier served at the Munich Oktoberfest is usually around 6–6.3%.

← Back to all German beer types · Last updated 2 October 2026.