Oktoberfest means people from all over the world, music, a desire to drink and have fun together, all seasoned with typical Bavarian cheer, and with one essential ingredient: beer! Oktoberfest is an event you should attend at least once in your life.
Oktoberfest: Guide to the pavilions, opening hours, and how to get there
The fame of Oktoberfest has spread throughout the world, becoming the true beer festival : the protagonist of Oktoberfest is in fact the renowned Bavarian beer.
Oktoberfest , with around 7 million visitors each year, is one of the most popular festivals in the world, thanks to its folkloric atmosphere, its music, its delicious Bavarian cuisine, its girls dressed in traditional costumes, and above all, its beer . For many, this event represents an opportunity to indulge in transgression and excess, drinking and celebrating in good company.
When does Oktoberfest start?
Oktoberfest , 2015, and ends on October 4, 2015.
Oktoberfest opening hours
The Oktoberfest is open from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm during the week, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 am on weekends.
How much does beer cost at Oktoberfest and how much does food cost?
A Maß (1 liter) of beer at the Oktoberfest costs between 10 and 10.40 euros, depending on the brewery. Food prices at the Oktoberfest : Sausages, chicken, and pork knuckles range between 7 and 16 euros, respectively, with various sides. For an average Oktoberfest lunch, expect to spend around 13-15 euros, not including beer.
Where is the Oktoberfest located?
The Oktoberfest has been held in Munich for over 200 years at the Theresienwiese (Subway stop: Theresienwiese, Lines: U4, U5)
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest (German for “October Festival” ) is a traditional popular event that takes place annually in Munich , during the two weeks preceding the first Sunday in October.
The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 to celebrate the wedding between the Prince of Bavaria, Ludwig I , and Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen , and this jovial event has continued to be celebrated for 200 years to this day.
Where the Oktoberfest takes place
The Oktoberfest takes place at the Theresiewiese , which is, essentially, a large green area of approximately 104 hectares, located just a 20-minute walk from Marienplatz in central Munich .
Zoom in on the Oktoberfest map to see the locations of the tents with their respective beer halls, the Luna Park, and the nearest subway stations.
Oktoberfest Beer
Munich's six are allowed to serve beer in the Oktoberfest , as they are the only ones to meet the requirements of the Beer Purity Law Paulaner , Spaten , Hofbräu , Hacker-Pschorr , Augustiner, and Löwenbräu . The beer offered is not the usual one, but is produced exclusively for the Oktoberfest .
The star of the Oktoberfest is the Maß , the one-liter beer mug: you can't order a medium or small beer, only the Maß . To order in German, you have to say "Eine Maß bitte" (" one mass, please" ) to the beautiful ladies dressed in traditional costumes serving at the tables.
Beer at the Oktoberfest costs between 9 and 10 euros . A tip: if you want change, ask the waitress explicitly for it, otherwise it will be considered a tip.
The Oktoberfest Halls
The Oktoberfest consists of 14 large halls and 21 smaller tents, seating approximately 100,000 people . Each hall is different, and each serves different types of beer and culinary specialties. Be warned: there are always long lines to enter the halls, and given the huge crowds starting early in the morning, we recommend arriving early to ensure you get a seat right away!
In addition to the warehouses, there are also gardens outside the warehouses, called Biergarten , where it is easier to find a place (hoping it doesn't rain).
The busiest days are weekends or evenings, when locals flock to the Oktoberfest after work. The number of visitors far exceeds the available seating, making it difficult to get in. Furthermore, tent rules stipulate that only those seated may drink , to avoid excessive confusion.
To avoid queues, you can reserve a table inside the Oktoberfest halls : however, there are a limited number of reservable seats.
If you want to avoid the long lines at Oktoberfest , you can spend your evening wandering around the historic beer halls in central Munich .
Oktoberfest Ceremonies and Traditions
The Oktoberfest is punctuated by traditional ceremonies that have been repeated for centuries. In the opening ceremony of the Oktoberfest , which takes place at the Schottenhamel and is called "O'Zapft is" ("A tap is tapped"), the mayor of Munich officially opens the festival by striking the first barrel with a hammer. Beer may only be served from this moment on.
Other ceremonies include:
– The Oktoberfest Brewery Owners' Parade (the Wiesn-Einzug der Festwirte und Brauereien ), during which the owners' floats are paraded, like at Carnival.
– The Trachten und Schützenzug ( Trachten and Schützenzug ), which takes place on the second day and lasts two hours, passing through the center of Munich, led by the Münchner Kindl , the city's symbolic child. This ceremony originated as a celebration of the silver wedding anniversary between Therese and Ludwig.
Other events, such as the old carousel table, take place at the Hippodrom
Oktoberfest opening hours
The Oktoberfest halls are open from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Start of the Oktoberfest
- Saturday, September 19, 2015, 12:00 p.m.: Opening Ceremony ( O'zapft is! )
Opening hours of the Oktoberfest stalls
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 am to 11.30 pm
- Saturday: 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
Family Days : days with reduced prices
- Every Tuesday from 12.00 to 18.00
End of the Oktoberfest
- Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 11:30 PM
Oktoberfest Attractions
Besides the tents and the beer, there are also other attractions at the Oktoberfest that you shouldn't miss.
The Statue of Bavaria.
Standing 18 meters tall and weighing 70 tons, the Statue of Bavaria is a symbol of the Bavarian region and its patriotic sentiment, visible from every point on the Theresienwiese. Made of bronze, there are steps inside to climb to the top and look down through the statue's eyes.
The Oktoberfest Amusement Park
Inside the Theresienwiese there is an area set up as an amusement park and funfair, with rides and attractions suitable for both families with children and adult visitors, lovers of adrenaline.
The Flea Circus
The flea circus has its roots in ancient European traditions. Here you can see little animals pulling wagons, dancing, or playing soccer.
Hau den Lukas
"Hau den Lukas" is a game where participants must demonstrate their physical strength by hitting a block with a large hammer. The hit block sets off a small cart on a vertical track with a bell at the top. Using enough power and the right technique, the player must manage to ring the bell, thus proving their strength.
Der Vogel Jakob – The Jakob Bird
The Jakob Bird is a traditional Bavarian prank: some vendors go around the Oktoberfest chirping like birds, using a strange cardboard whistle hidden in their mouths. You'll find that anyone who tries to imitate them will only make ridiculous sounds that don't sound at all like birds!
Traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest costumes
One aspect that immediately strikes you is the fact that throughout the city you come across people dressed in traditional Bavarian dress : the inhabitants of Munich are very proud of their identity and their traditions.
The men's outfit consists of a checked shirt and Lederhosen , typical leather shorts. Girls, on the other hand, wear the Dirndl , that is, a white blouse, dress, and apron, which can be combined in many different colors.
Pay attention to the position of the bow on the girl's apron! If the bow is on the right side, it means the girl is engaged. A bow on the left side means the girl is single. A bow in the center, however, symbolizes a virgin or "undecided" girl. Finally, a bow placed at the back is typical of maids and widows.
Which days are best to go to Oktoberfest?
The busiest times are on weekends and in the evenings, when the halls are packed and it's very difficult to get in and find a seat inside. It's therefore best to go to the Oktoberfest during weekdays, in the mornings and afternoons.
If you don't want to miss the opening ceremonies, you should come on the first weekend, so you can witness the O'Zapft is , during which the first barrel of beer is officially tapped, and the traditional parades of the Trachten und Schützenzug and the Wiesn-Einzug der Festwirte und Brauereien .
What to see outside of Oktoberfest
If you're tired of drinking in the Oktoberfest , you can always visit lovely Munich ! The city center is just a 20-minute walk from the Theresienwiese . Here you'll find Marienplatz , the main square, where you can admire the enormous carillon ( Glockenspiel ) that has been ringing three times a day for centuries. The city is full of architectural, cultural, and entertainment attractions, and is a pleasant day trip.
Staying on the subject of beer, the historic breweries of Munich , where you can find the same atmosphere you breathe in the tents of the Oktoberfest .
Curiosities and advice
– An average of about 7 million liters of beer are consumed each year.
– Paris Hilton was banned from Oktoberfest.
– Don't go from one tent to another, especially during rush hour, as they might already be full.
– Backpacks are not permitted.
– Wear closed shoes if you don't want to wash your feet
. – Only cash is accepted in the tents
. – The Lebkuchenherz is the traditional souvenir: it is a gingerbread cookie, usually heart-shaped, decorated with writing and decorations.
Discover 15 curiosities about Oktoberfest that you probably didn't know.
Helpful words for surviving Oktoberfest
Health! = Prost!
Thank you = Danke
Please = Bitte
Please = Bitteschön
Grilled chicken = Hendl
Pretzel = Brezn
1 liter of beer = Maß (Masse)
Pork knuckle = Schweinshaxe