At Oktoberfest there are 14 major beer tents, each with their own personality and brand of fun. Lets be real here: the best entertainment at Oktoberfest is the people-watching and that business is totally free. Oh no, Oktoberfest is so much more (but, like, mostly beer, pretzels, and polka). Oktoberfest Munich, Germany is the worlds largest celebration of Bavarian culture the area of Bavaria being the southeast corner of Germany famous for beers, brats, and its use of bustiers. This is most easily done in the morning when the tents open and on weekdays versus Fridays and weekends. Hey, its weird but it works. For the Gents:Is all about the lederhosen or leather breeches which is even more fun to say. There is literally no parking and how would you even find your way home after [insert # of litres] litres? Yes, of course there is fun for the whole family here! oktoberfest background. Two awesome Oktoberfest 2024 events you should consider attending are the opening ceremony and the closing ceremony. This non-stop trip takes 1 hour and 20 minutes each way. Prost! Check out the list of Oktoberfest dates and key days to attend the festival here. Smokingis not permitted in the tents, and because some tents don't allow for re-entry, it can get complicated for smokers. Entry is about the only thing that's free or even notably cheap about this festival, which is known to sell liter glasses of beer for about $12 apiece. After experiencing Oktoberfest's rousing songs, table-top dances, and traditional German food, I have yet to find a similar sense of community elsewhere. After all, theres only one Theresienwiese, just like theres only one Munich Oktoberfest. Incidentally, its only called Wiesn in the short form; Theresienwiese and Festwiese stay as Wiese with an e on the end. If knee-length leather breeches and flouncy dresses don't appeal to you, goofy beer hats, funky glasses, and everyday clothes are perfectly acceptable, too. A conversation. In fact, there's a new (ish) shopping center just outside the main entrance to Oktoberfest - the Forum Schwanthalerhhe. As has always been the rule, the only beer served at Oktoberfest Munich in Germany must be brewed within the city limits. (Some of them involve fax machines so Ill wait while you Google what that is.). Immerse yourself in the world of the fairytale king! From small to large: All Oktoberfest tents, Higher, further, faster! You'll be hard-pressed to make it through the festival without becoming brief friends with the people surrounding you. The Theresienwiese is 42 hectares in size Around 13,000 people work at the Oktoberfest 120,000 seats await the guests In 1985 over 7 million people attended the Oktoberfest - a record! Crowds Pour in for Oktoberfest After Two Years of Pandemic Closures (Should you seek help when working on your dance moves though? Admission to Oktoberfest and its many tents is also free, so don't be tricked into paying an entry fee. Immediately we can discount one option: its not die Wiesen in the plural. The bad news? So if youve got your eye on that Chairoplane, go on a family day. They enforce a strict no smoking policy inside the beer tents at Oktoberfest but each tent typically has its own designated smoking area (on the outside of the tent). ), All the Best Tents at Oktoberfest in Munich (Ranked! These are the 100 most beautiful Wiesn moments! Around 4000 lost and found items are handed in every year . If you're traveling alone or in a small group, don't worry about getting lost or overwhelmed in the crowd. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure for more info. Many will love it, many will hate it. In warm weather, the gardens are an especially pleasant spot to cool off. However much you decide to bring, make sure its all in cash. The price of the non-alcoholic drinks at Oktoberfest is even more insane than the fact that you just ordered one. They have whip-snapping performances, just saying. It's best to travel to the festival from your accommodation in the clothes you want to wear since no large bags are allowed inside the grounds. Oktoberfests in Orange County | Enjoy OC The history of Oktoberfest really boils down to a single wedding, one that has been celebrated for over 200 years now. Youll see all the highlights from when the mayor of Munich taps the first keg and shouts, OZapft Is! to the closing ceremony in the Hacker-Pschorr tent. If you don't want to invest in proper tracht, kit out your look with a feathered hat or another authentic accessory that you can buy around the festival grounds. But the festival has become so popular that it is held around the world. The History of the Oktoberfest in Munich - muenchen.de The perfect exploration tour! Oktoberfest.de - The official Oktoberfest 2023 Website Tons of stuff, actually. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. LGBTQ+ attendees congregate in the Brurosltent. Ever since, Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany has only gotten bigger and bigger. Munich has no shortage of museums so if youre looking for a way to spend some downtime aka, the opposite of your time at Oktoberfest check out one of these: These highlights are just the tip of everything there is to do in Munich, Germany before, after, or during your time at Oktoberfest. Each of the Munich brewers erects one of the temporary structures, with seating capacities of some 6,000. From Munichs main airport, you can easily catch a direct train into the city centre on the S1 and S8 S-Bahn trains. reserve your spot in an Oktoberfest tent here. The closing ceremony happens just before closing time on the last night of Oktoberfest inside the Hacker-Pschorr tent. Rachael Davies. During the day, "Quiet Oktoberfest", with low-volume traditional folk music, keepsthe beer festival accessible and entertaining for families and seniors. Do I need a reservation for the beer tents? Thats mass, not mass. Rule #2: Shake what ya mama gave ya! When you think of Munich, you immediately think of the Oktoberfest. You can always come back. Prost! But you shouldnt, eek! Most tents have several dishes on offer and there are also stands selling full meals, snacks, and desserts located throughout the grounds. Munich's districts are diverse, contrasting and worth exploring. When booking trains, look for final stops in Munichs Hauptbahnhof. Autobahnen (expressways) from Stuttgart, Nrnberg, and Salzburg converge on the city. This year, I traveled to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, for the third time. Traditional dirndl-wearing waitress at Oktoberfest. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Outside the larger tents, the gardens have just as much singing and offer fresh air. The following year the race was combined with a state agricultural fair, and in 1818 booths serving food and drink were introduced. For all those who have always wondered why the Oktoberfest starts in September: It simply has to do with the better weather. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Use this code at checkout: We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Millions of people from different parts of the world attend the Oktoberfest annually. Munich chef Sven Christ shows how to make Oktoberfest specialities - such as a roast chicken with potato salad. going to Munich's Oktoberfest three times. Expect to pay about $150 or more per person, per night for a very basic room. Erin Porter is a freelance writer who has been covering Germany since she moved to Berlin in 2007. Discover what all the fuss is about! Move around and see everything that the festival has to offer, even if you're having a good time where you are. (Youll see.). To eat. It really is a grand celebration. ), How to Plan the Perfect Oktoberfest Trip (Step by Step! As the sun goes down though, the electronic music comes on, the volume goes up and all those steins begin to take effect, bringing a youthful party atmosphere to the event. Its entirely possible to just *show up* at a beer tent and get a seat. This website is property of Civitatis Tours SL. But Oktoberfest is going forward in several cities. If you are looking for a premium beer festival experience then you will love our tours & packages. Meals inside the tents vary as well but can range anywhere from 5 for a tiny snack to 30 for the Bavarian meal of your life. The inaugural Oktoberfest was first celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.The festivities began October 12, 1810, and lasted nearly a week until October 17, ending with an . The Best Food at Oktoberfest You Must Try, How to Find the Cheapest Flights to Munich for Oktoberfest (Step by Step! (This is part of the reason we advocate for visiting Oktoberfest with a tour group!). For all the details on when and where these events take place and if your life, in fact, is in danger (spoiler alert: its not), check out this page, >>> 2023 Schedule of Oktoberfest Events <<<. OktoberfestTours.travel by Thirsty Swagman takes you to the world's best beer festivals including Oktoberfest in Munich, Stuttgart Beer festival, Springfest and Starkbierfest. Oktoberfest | simply Munich Walls down, mugs up! The expression Wiesn, today another name for Oktoberfest, comes from Theresienwiese. Boo Ha Ha - A Haunted Oktobeerfest. For more tips on Munichs public transport system, be sure to read this guide. Prost! And if youre planning ahead any farther than that, maybe you should relax a little with a beer because WHOA. Check out this complete guide for all the stuff you need to know before you go, >>> How to Dress for Oktoberfest: A Complete Guide <<<. Set yourself a budget and shop accordingly. So beautiful was the parade of the landlords Munichs public transportation network consists of underground trains (the U-Bahn), trains that go out to the burbs (the S-Bahn, S standing for suburban), above ground trams (just called trams, meh), and intercity buses. DAYS 09 HOURS 47 MINUTES until 188th Munich Oktoberfest Oktoberfest: News and promotions The beer price at Oktoberfest 2023 How much a liter of beer will cost at the Oktoberfest read more Oktoberfest motif competition 2023 The winner has been chosen! Each year Oktoberfest begins in September (surprise!) Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We may or may not know this from experience. Munich chef Sven Christ shows how to make Oktoberfest specialities - this time: a Lebkuchen heart and roasted almonds. And what are we all going to do, class? Its all the rage, promise. But isnt it always Oktoberfest in our hearts? But the most important thing to remember about Oktoberfest food is it needs to be eaten! Theyre owned either by one of the Big 6 breweries themselves or by private owners. ), Hotels with included breakfasts (Dont. Check out: We know, you totally thought drinking beer out of your own sweaty shoe was about as much adventure as youd see in Munich. Most of the rides and attractions cost between $2 to $5 and range from child-friendly carnival games to enormous roller-coasters. If youre the kind of daredevil who thinks carnival rides at beer festivals is a fun thing, you may need to budget for entertainment as well. Within Europe, theres an endless supply of trains and buses to get you to Munich from almost anywhere. I can revoke my consent to the newsletter at any time with effect for the future. Nope, not in October-keep guessing! Typically, the festival would begin around mid-September and end on the first Sunday of October. Not technically, but it couldnt hurt. Oktoberfest returns in 2022: first-timers' guide - Lonely Planet Because Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany only gets better and better the older it gets like whiskey and that pair of broken-in jeans youre drinking it in. If youre curious about the horse-drawn beer carriagesno, they wont take you across town. Oktoberfest is a folk festival in Munich, Germany which features music, carnival rides, food and beer in a . ), Beers at Oktoberfest are served by the litre (be strong, thirsty one) and, while the price varies from tent to tent, beers average around 11 before tip. The beer served in the Oktoberfest beer tents is a traditional Marzen-style lager whose actual style is called Oktoberfest. For all the details on each of the famous Oktoberfest beer tents, check out this article , >>> Complete Guide to Oktoberfest Beer Tents <<<. The sad part being that there are people at Oktoberfest drinking non-alcoholic beverages. Armbrustschtzenzelt Oktoberfest Tent Guide: Reservations, Photos & More! When asking where is Oktoberfest in Munich, what youre really probably wondering is how to get there. So pour yourself a cold one and lets get started, Join the Oktoberfest Travel group on Facebook for updates on Oktoberfest 2024. So many guns. Oktoberfest (Munich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Okay, we'll help: Oktoberfest 2024 will commence at noon on Saturday September 21st and end on Sunday October 6th, 2024. Don't waste precious party time standing in the queue. Forget. (Okay, you will see some swings too but theyre way more badass than they used to be, we swear!) Enjoy this special tour and pedicap ride past all the famous sights of Munich's old town and into the Englischer Garten. We know what you did last summer.) Updates? Millions of visitors travel thousands of miles to Munich each year to experience their share of the 2-week long festival. Libations can be found in the 14 main beer tents, each offering its own distinctive party atmosphere. The Oktoberfest or "Wiesn", as the locals affectionately call their folk festival, is an integral part of Munich tradition. Thats a great question and the best part is that its all up to you! Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany has been going strong for over 200 years now and has onlynotbeen celebrated 25 times. Want more on the topic of money spending at Oktoberfest? (A true ma-kicking, if you will.). The ideal gift! The weeks-long tradition dates back hundreds of years. Browse 60,871 authentic oktoberfest stock photos, high-res images, and pictures, or explore additional oktoberfest background or oktoberfest food stock images to find the right photo at the right size and resolution for your project. Children under the age of 6 are welcome into the tents so long as they leave the tents by 8 p.m. But dont take our word for it: each year around 6 million people discover this for themselves. Another expensive (albeit fun and novel) way to get to Oktoberfest is by hiring a cycle rickshaw to take you. Absolutely. The key? During my first Oktoberfest, I was nervous about getting involved in the raucous singing and dancing, but those are the things that make the festival what it is. The Oktoberfest opening ceremony takes place in the Schottenhamel tent and marks the official beginning of the fest when the Lord Mayor of Munich taps the first keg and shouts, OZapft Is! Thats German for, Its tapped, yo! The Oktoberfestivities have officially begun, prost! Official guide Rudi Muschler knows a great deal about the secrets of Munich's beer and what role it plays in the city. Yes, I would like to receive the Oktoberfest.de newsletter free of charge and without obligation. Germans sing the repetitive lyrics at festivals, parties, sporting events, or really whenever they've had a decent amount to drink. Were those ladies and gents ready to PAR-TAY or what!? Its never too early to start planning for a trip to Oktoberfest especially when September 2024 is so damn close! Oktoberfest beer tents stick to traditional Bavarian cuisine that will be some of the best food youve ever had. However, there are a few standout years with events - good or bad - that deserve extra mention: Bei Anmeldung erklrt ihr euch mit der Datenschutzbestimmung von muenchen.de einverstanden. Once you have a seat, you might be tempted to stay put and guard it. The traditional German clothing, known as tracht, of dirndls and lederhosen aren't just Oktoberfest costumes. Anyone who tries to get you to pay for reservations in a beer tent is trying to fleece you. In addition to the almost 40 beer tents, visitors can also choose from over a hundred rides. It is a beer festival that lasts for 16 to 18 days from the period between mid or late September lasting until the first weekend of October. History of Oktoberfest - Munich, Bavaria, Germany Oktoberfest, annual festival in Munich, Germany, held over a two-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. H&M. Yes, you can buy dirndls and ladyhosen at H&M in Munich. The people of Munich liked it so much that they celebrated it every year from then on. ), Without a doubt, the one thing that needs to be decided first, after deciding to attend in the first place, is where to stay in Munich for Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest | Definition, History, Traditions, & Facts | Britannica The festival concluded five days later with a horse race held in an open area that came to be called Theresienwiese (Thereses green). Getting around within the Munich city limits wont cost you more than a few euros for a one-way ticket on any type of public transportation. Although the tents tend to be relatively calm early in the day, only about a quarter of the seats inside will be open to walk-ins. Some years its warm and sunny (just like the interior of the Hacker-Pschorr tent intended), some years its chilly, and even others it may be raining. Oktoberfest (German pronunciation: [ktobfst]; Bavarian: Wiesn, Oktobafest) is the world's largest Volksfest, featuring a beer festival and a travelling carnival.It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, running from mid- or late-September to around the first Sunday in October, with more than six million international and national visitors attending the event. Just make sure to factor getting to Munich in the first place into your Oktoberfest budget planning, mmkay? The Oktoberfest youll experience today is much different from the Oktoberfests of yore. Outside the beer tents in the park you can follow giant Cupids arrow to the nearest restroom. The Oktoberfest or "Wiesn", as the locals affectionately call their folk festival, is an integral part of Munich tradition. If youve attended Oktoberfest in the past, youve come to the perfect place to get all the necessary information AGAIN since you forgot everything as soon as that beer hit your lips. The sparklers are lit, the lights are dimmed, and everyone sings together in unison. The list is endless, obviously, because we wont shut up about it. There are actually two designated family days at Oktoberfest during which all rides and performances are discounted. Magistrates, Monachia and magnificent celebrations: explore the Neue Rathaus on Marienplatz with an official City of Munich tour guide. We photographed nine visitors to the Oktoberfest and asked a panel of experts to judge their traditional outfits. Our Oktoberfest tours have consistent 5-star reviews on TourRadar and include premium accommodation (the closest to the festival grounds) for travellers who want the best. During your time at Oktoberfest, dont miss out on any (or all, you go getter, you) of these special events: These take place on the well, the first and last days of Oktoberfest but unless youve already started drinking today, you probably knew that. The good news on that front? Oktoberfest is best-enjoyed singing, dancing, and drinking together with complete strangers who you probably won't ever see again. Bring a piece of Oktoberfest home: The official Oktoberfest poster 2023 is available in our shop. Rich, rustic, and hearty, eating is half the fun during the festival. oktoberfest food. Many peoplesimply go in for a single dayand exhaust their partying all at once. Clothing is an integral part of Bavarian culture, and many rural communities wear the garments to church or other festivals throughout the year. What to Eat at Oktoberfest (or Anytime in Munich)