A pale lager that has its origins in Bavaria, probably before the 16th century.

The style is characterised by a medium to full body, a malty flavour and a clean dry finish. In Germany, the term covers beers which vary in colour from pale (helles märzen), through amber to dark brown (dunkles märzen). It is the type of beer traditionally served at the Munich Oktoberfest.

It is also brewed in Austria and the Czech Republic.