Written by Vanessa Plaar
Welcome to our ultimate Oktoberfest guide! Here, we’re bringing you all the Wiesn Wisdom you need to make the most of this iconic festival. We’ve teamed up with our German colleague Vanessa, an Oktoberfest veteran, to get all the ins and outs of this legendary celebration.
Q: Let’s start from the beginning. For anyone who’s never heard of it: What is Oktoberfest?
Hi! In a nutshell: Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world, held annually in Munich. It attracts millions of visitors from all over the globe. The festival first took place in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese and has since evolved into a massive celebration featuring beer, traditional costumes, and tons of fun. While other cities have their own versions of Oktoberfest, the original and most authentic experience can only be found in Munich.
Q: You mentioned it’s the largest folk festival in the world. How large is the Oktoberfest grounds?
The grounds are huge! They cover about 34 hectares, and within that space, you’ll find large festival tents and smaller stalls, rides, and attractions. The 12 biggest tents can host around 100,000 visitors in total, providing plenty of room for fun and, of course, lots of beer.
Q: Wow, so where and how is Oktoberfest actually celebrated?
Locals in Munich call Oktoberfest, Wiesn, which translates to “meadow”. And that’s because it takes place on the Theresienwiese, a large field named after, you guessed it, Princess Therese. Over about 10 weeks, 17 large and 21 smaller ones are set up. Inside, people sit on wooden benches at long tables, singing, dancing, and enjoying a Maß of beer, delicious food, and live music. There’s even a dance floor, but most people dance on the tables, benches or just in between – no one really stays seated!
Q: I was a bit confused. Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in September if it’s called Oktoberfest?
Great question! The festival is named Oktoberfest because it originally started in October but moved to September to take advantage of the better weather in Bavaria. It begins in the last two weeks of September and runs until the first weekend of October, so the dates shift slightly each year.
Q: Got it! Now, on a different note, since everything revolves around beer, can you tell us which beer you think is the best and why?
Haha, another good question! The “best” Oktoberfest beer is definitely a matter of personal taste, but I swear by Augustiner Festbier. It’s the only Oktoberfest beer still brewed by a family-owned brewery with over 600 years of tradition. The beer is particularly flavorful with a pleasant maltiness. For me, that makes it the best Oktoberfest beer.
Q: That sounds like a solid choice! But I need to ask – is Oktoberfest beer actually a special type of beer, or is it just regular beer?
Not at all! Oktoberfest beer is actually quite special and a protected brand. To be labeled as Oktoberfest beer, it has to meet specific criteria, including being brewed with ancient water sourced from under Munich city. Only the seven traditional Munich breweries – Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Löwenbräu, Giesinger, Spatenbräu, Hofbräu, and Paulaner – are allowed to serve it at the festival. Six of these breweries even have their own tents on the grounds. For anyone who wants to sample what’s best before their Oktoberfest visit, here’s a tip: You can order Oktoberfest beer boxes online to sample them at home. Fun fact: In 2023, 6.5 million Maß of beer were served.
Q: Wow, that sounds like a lot! But what is a Maß?
A Maß is the large, iconic beer mug that holds about a liter of beer. Here’s a little tip from me: If you’re in a festival tent, steer clear of the servers – they carry between 7 and 12 Maß at once, and considering a full Maß weighs 2.3 kg, you definitely don’t want to be in their way. The servers even have whistles to clear a path. If a liter of beer sounds like too much, you can also order a half Maß.
Q: Good to know! And what about the tents – is there an absolute ‘best’ one, or is it more a matter of personal taste?
It’s definitely a matter of personal taste. Each tent has its own charm and speciality. If you’re looking for traditional coziness, the Augustiner tent is hard to beat. For a lively party, the Hofbräu tent is a favorite. There’s also the Schottenhammel tent, where the first Maß is officially tapped to kick off the festival. The Paulaner and Spatenbräu tents are among the oldest and largest, offering a mix of modern and traditional.
For something special, I’d recommend the Käfer tent. It’s popular with both Munich locals and celebrities, so your chances of spotting some famous faces – like FC Bayern Munich stars – are definitely higher here. No guarantees, but the odds are better!
Q: Do you need tickets to visit Oktoberfest?
You don’t need tickets to enter the Oktoberfest grounds – it’s a public festival, and entry is free. However, especially on weekends, there are often long lines to get into the tents (we’re talking 6:00 am arrival and wait times of up to four hours). If you want a guaranteed spot, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. This way, you can enjoy Oktoberfest stress-free and look forward to all the fun.
Q: Is there food in the tents along with all that beer?
Absolutely! The tents at Oktoberfest offer a wide variety of traditional Bavarian specialities, from crispy roast chicken (Hendl), and pork knuckles, to giant pretzels, white sausages, and cheese spaetzle. There’s Apfelstrudel and Kaiserschmarrn for those with a sweet tooth. The hearty food is perfect for soaking up a few liters of Oktoberfest beer – it’s definitely needed!
Q: How would you describe the atmosphere in the tents?
In a word: festive! The atmosphere is incredibly cheerful and lively, with loud festival music, lots of beer, and a unique vibe that makes Oktoberfest special. Generally, it’s very friendly and fun, but as with any large event involving alcohol, it’s wise to go with friends, especially if you’re a woman. Also try to avoid the “Kotzwiese.”
Q: The Kotzwiese?
Haha, that’s a hill next to the Theresienwiese. It’s where people who’ve had a bit too much to drink end up – let’s just say it’s a place to avoid!
Q: Do you have any tips for those who don’t want to immediately stand out as a tourist? For example, what to wear to Oktoberfest? I think we all know the famous dirndls and lederhosen. Should you really get such an outfit?
To blend in, it’s definitely worth investing in a high-quality traditional outfit. A well-fitting dirndl or lederhosen from a good-quality source will make a big difference. Real Munich locals spend between €800 and €1000 on their traditional attire – some even wear them for weddings! So, showing up in a cheap costume will make you stand out. But don’t worry! There are also high-quality options available at affordable prices.
For the ladies, here’s a heads-up: How you tie your ribbon indicates your relationship status. A bow on the left side means you’re taken, on the right means you’re single, tied in the middle means you’re a virgin, and at the back is for widows or waitresses.
Another tip: Learn the song “Ein Prosit”. It’s sung frequently at Oktoberfest, and knowing the words will definitely help you blend in. It’s all about joining in the fun and cheering on the good times.
Q: Those are great tips! Can you also tell us what to bring into the tent?
You should only bring the essentials – cash, a phone, and maybe a small bag for personal items. You’ll be sitting close together at long tables, and the floor is often covered in beer, so it’s not a good idea to leave anything under your seat. Most ladies carry a small cross-body bag, and for men, lederhosen with big pockets are perfect.
Q: Does Oktoberfest have any special moments, or is every day the same?
There are definitely some special moments. One of the biggest highlights is the Spatenstich, where the Munich mayor taps the first keg of beer to officially open Oktoberfest.
Another highlight is the parade of the Wiesnwirte, where the hosts and breweries parade onto the festival grounds with beautifully decorated wagons and horses – it’s a colorful event that really captures the tradition and charm of Oktoberfest.
You also can’t miss the Teufelsrad, a spinning wheel game where participants try to stay on as long as possible without falling off – it’s hilarious to watch!
Perfect! Thanks, Vanessa, for these fantastic insights and tips.
So, dear readers, get ready for Oktoberfest – with the best beers, the coolest tents, and the right traditional attire, your trip to Munich will be unforgettable!
Do you want to see this craziness by yourself? Pack your bags, grab your reservations with three liters of beer and food, and get ready to be swept away by the festive spirit of Oktoberfest. We promise you an experience full of fun, great vibes, and the best of Bavarian traditions! 🥨🍻🎉
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