Oktoberfest in Munich is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair). Held annually, it attracts millions of visitors from around the globe. For first-timers, navigating this massive celebration can be overwhelming. Worry not, here’s our guide to help you get the most out of this embroidered lederhosen wearing, litre-sized beer drinking and oompah music thigh-slapping event.
Planning Your Trip
When Is Oktoberfest Exactly?
Oktoberfest typically runs from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. The best time to visit is during the weekdays, as weekends are extremely crowded. If you prefer a more traditional experience, visit during the first week when locals are more likely to attend.
Insider Tip: The quieter mornings (especially on weekdays) are perfect for families and those who want to enjoy the festival without the overwhelming crowds. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and you can explore the grounds at your own pace.
Accommodation
Book your accommodation well in advance. Munich’s hotels fill up quickly, and prices can skyrocket. Consider staying in nearby neighbourhoods like Schwabing, Haidhausen, or even in nearby towns with good train connections to Munich, rather than in the actual Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district, where Oktoberfest takes place.
Insider Tip: Look into Airbnb or local guesthouses (Pensionen) for a more authentic and often more affordable stay. Staying slightly outside the city centre can also provide a quieter retreat after a day of festivities.
Nearby Towns To Stay
If Munich’s accommodation is fully booked or too expensive, consider staying in nearby towns. These towns are well-connected to Munich by train:
- Augsburg: About 45 minutes by train, a charming city with its own historical attractions.
- Freising: Only 30 minutes by train, close to Munich Airport and home to the Weihenstephan Brewery.
- Rosenheim: Approximately 40 minutes by train, offering a picturesque setting and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen: Around 1.5 hours by train, perfect if you want to combine Oktoberfest with some alpine scenery.
What To Wear
Traditional Bavarian attire is highly recommended. For men, this means Lederhosen, and for women, a Dirndl. You can purchase these outfits in Munich, but for better quality and prices, consider buying them online or renting them.
Insider Tip: If you buy your attire in Munich, avoid the tourist traps around the main train station. Instead, visit local shops in neighbourhoods like Giesing or Sendling for better deals and authentic quality.
Getting There
Transportation
Munich’s public transportation system (MVV) is efficient and reliable. The Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest is held, is easily accessible by U-Bahn (subway) lines U4 and U5. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel.
Insider Tip: If you’re travelling in a group, the MVV offers group day tickets which can be more economical. Also, the S-Bahn (suburban train) can be a less crowded alternative to the U-Bahn during peak times.
Arriving Early
Arrive early, especially if you want to secure a spot in one of the popular beer tents. On weekends, aim to be there by 9 AM. During weekdays, arriving by 10 AM should suffice.
Insider Tip: If you arrive early, take the opportunity to explore the quieter parts of the festival grounds, such as the Oide Wiesn, before the crowds arrive.
Tickets & Entry
Do You Need Tickets?
Entry to Oktoberfest itself is free. You do not need to buy tickets to enter the festival grounds or the beer tents. However, if you want to reserve a table in a beer tent, you will need to book in advance, and this usually requires purchasing a certain amount of food and drink vouchers. You can also join dedicated tours, which take care of tents, accommodation and just about everything else, for a flat fee. You can find out more here.
Insider Tip: If you don’t have a reservation, you can still find a spot, but it will require patience and early arrival. Try your luck at the less popular times, such as late afternoon or early evening on weekdays.
Navigating The Fest
Beer Tents
There are 14 large tents and 20 smaller ones, each with its own unique atmosphere. Some popular tents include:
- Hofbräu-Festzelt: Known for its lively atmosphere and international crowd.
- Schottenhamel: The oldest tent, where the opening ceremony takes place.
- Augustiner-Festhalle: Famous for serving beer from traditional wooden kegs.
Insider Tip: If you can’t get into one of the big tents, try the smaller ones like Hacker-Pschorr Bräurosl or Fischer Vroni. They often have a more intimate and local feel. Tents like Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke and Weinzelt (wine tent) provide a unique twist on the traditional beer hall experience.
Non-Alcoholic Options
While Oktoberfest is famous for its beer, there are plenty of non-alcoholic options available for those who prefer not to drink or want to take a break from the beer. Munich has even recently announced the opening of a non-alcoholic beer garden in preparation.
Just some of the non-alcoholic beverages served include…
- Spezi: A popular mix of cola and orange soda, refreshing and sweet.
- Apfelschorle: A blend of apple juice and sparkling water, light and hydrating.
- Lemonade: Various types of lemonade are available, often homemade and very refreshing.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer: Many tents offer non-alcoholic versions of their beers, so you can still enjoy the taste without the alcohol.
Insider Tip: Bring a refillable water bottle. There are water fountains around the festival grounds where you can refill for free.
Food & Drink
Must-Try Foods
- Hendl (roast chicken): A staple at Oktoberfest. Average price: €12-€15.
- Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle): Crispy and delicious. Average price: €15-€20.
- Brezn (giant pretzel): Perfect for soaking up the beer. Average price: €4-€6.
- Weißwurst (Bavarian sausage): Traditional Bavarian sausage, usually eaten before noon. Average price: €5-€7 for a pair.
- Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick) at Fischer Vroni: A local favourite and pairs wonderfully with a cold beer. Average price: €4-€6.
Insider Tip: Prices can vary slightly between tents, so if you’re on a budget, check the menus outside the tents before committing. Many tents and stalls are cash-only, so bring enough cash. ATMs are available on-site but can have long queues and high fees.
Entertainment
Rides & Attractions
Oktoberfest is not just about beer. There are numerous rides and attractions, from traditional carousels to modern roller coasters. The Ferris wheel offers a fantastic view of the festival grounds.
Insider Tip: Visit the rides early in the day or late at night to avoid long queues. The atmosphere at night, with all the lights, is particularly magical.
Parades
Don’t miss the opening parade, featuring traditional costumes and horse-drawn beer wagons. The second Sunday hosts the traditional costume and riflemen’s parade, showcasing Bavarian culture.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the parades. The best spots are along the route from Maximilianstraße to Theresienwiese.
Oide Wiesn
For a more traditional experience, visit the Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest) section. It features historical rides, traditional music, and a more relaxed atmosphere. There is a small entrance fee, but it’s worth it for the unique experience.
Safety & Etiquette
Personal Belongings
Keep your belongings secure. Use a money belt or a small crossbody bag. Be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
Drinking Responsibly
Know your limits. The beer is strong, and it’s easy to overindulge. Eat plenty of food and drink water to stay balanced.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Germany. Round up your bill or leave about 10% for good service. The waitstaff work hard and appreciate the gesture.
Insider Tip: If you plan to stay in a tent for a while, tip your server generously at the beginning. This can ensure better service throughout your stay.
The Bottom Line
Oktoberfest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with fun, culture, and, of course, beer. Prost!
And if you’re planning to celebrate the event closer to home, then we’ve got you covered for that too; here’s where Oktoberfest is going down in London. Once again, Prost! Bit squiffy now, to be honest…