Beginner’s Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich
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There’s no other event in Europe that I get routinely asked about by my friends back in the USA like Oktoberfest.
It makes sense - the Bavarian Volksfest is synonymous with German beer culture, and it’s top of mind when people think about visiting Germany.
But Oktoberfest is also a victim of its own success, to some degree.
Each year, Oktoberfest welcomes between 6 to 7 million visitors each year 🤯.
IT’S ONE OF THE LARGEST FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD.
Today, about 20% of Oktoberfest visitors come from outside Germany, including significant numbers from the U.S., Australia, and Italy.
And year round, I field a steady stream of questions about what to wear at Oktoberfest, what not to wear at Oktoberfest, how to plan a visit to Oktoberfest, and which weekend at Oktoberfest is the best.
Wow! Overwhelming much?!
I know that Oktoberfest can feel overwhelming, even when it comes to planning the trip. Here’s a primer for beginners to make it easier to get started:
Beginner’s Guide to Oktoberfest in Munich
Oktoberfest Actually Happens in September
Before we get into the details, let’s check our calendar.
Despite its name, the majority of Oktoberfest takes place in late September.
Lasting between 16 to 18 days, it ends on the first Sunday in October, so if you wait too long to plan a visit the entire fest might actually pass you by.
A Maß (pronounced "mahss") is a traditional German beer mug used at Oktoberfest, holding 1 liter of beer. It's a large glass stein, and the standard way beer is served at the festival.
One good thing about the late September timing is that the weather in Munich is usually mild and cool.
Average temperatures typically fall between 46°F to 64°F, (8°C to 18°C) to give the whole event a perfect autumn feel.
But do bear in mind that temperatures can vary - be sure to dress in layers. (This is especially important as more really warm days slip deeper into the early autumn.)
Oktoberfest is a Traditional German Volksfest - with a Story
Despite its international reputation as a beer festival, Oktoberfest is also a traditional German Volksfest.
This means that in addition to beer tents, there are also rides, games, and family-friendly activities, especially during the day.
In 1810, the citizens of Munich were invited to a festival celebrating the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
Food and drink was provided by the crown, as well as the special treat of a horse race to entertain the masses.
The great field that hosted the first festival was renamed "Theresienwiese," or "Theresa's Meadow" in honor of the new princess.
The name stuck, though many Münchners call it Wiesn today.
Oktoberfest has a funfair next to the beer tents with games and amusement rides like the Ferris Wheel.
Today, Munich’s little ol’ Volksfest generates an estimated $1.3 billion USD (€1.2 billion) for the local economy, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and vendors.
I remember during the pandemic, one of the first indicators that this was a serious situation came when they canceled Oktoberfest. It’s actually been canceled more than twenty times over the course of its history though, due to wars and pandemics, mostly.
The other thing that I love about a German Volksfest - and Oktoberfest is no different - is all of the food.
Bavarian specialties abound: pretzels, bratwurst with sauerkraut, pork knuckle, roasted chickens.
I can rarely pass up spätzle, or the German version of mac ‘n cheese, nor do I have defenses against potato salad. Kartoffelknödel, or potato dumplings, are also a hard recommend if you come across it on the Wiesn.
Book Your Oktoberfest Accommodations Early
Remember that $1.3 billion in economic impact?
THAT’S MOSTLY PEOPLE BOOKING UP HOTEL ROOMS MONTHS IN ADVANCE.
While it’s smart to book your hotel several months in advance, there are still options available in the months and weeks just beforehand.
Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place, sits just under 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) southwest of Munich's main train station, Hauptbahnhof.
There are a lot of hotels near the Hauptbahnhof.
It’s one of the city's main hotel districts, offering a wide range of accommodations.
It's also very convenient for Oktoberfest visitors, since it's within walking distance to Theresienwiese (15 - 20 mins) and has excellent public transport links.
What to Wear to Oktoberfest
Traditional Bavarian folk outfits are commonly worn by locals and visitors alike to Oktoberfest.
For women, Dirndls are dresses consisting of a fitted bodice, a blouse, a full skirt, and an apron.
Women will switch the position of the apron’s bow to signal whether they’re single and looking or taken and off the market. Bow on the left side? Cue up Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.” Bot on the right side? She’s already in a relationship.
Men wear Lederhosen, leather shorts often worn with suspenders, a checkered or white shirt, and sturdy shoes or boots. Real purists will top the outfit with a felt hat, or Tirolerhut and high wool socks.
A Munich storefront selling Dirndls.
If you’re looking to buy a proper Oktoberfest outfit, there are several renowned clothiers in Munich to check out:
Lodenfrey: A high-end store known for its quality Lederhosen and Dirndls, offering a wide range of traditional and contemporary styles.
Angermaier: A well-known brand specializing in traditional Bavarian clothing, with a focus on authentic and stylish Dirndls and Lederhosen.
Hirmer: A famous men's clothing store that carries a large selection of Lederhosen and traditional Bavarian attire, known for its craftsmanship and variety.
Tents and Tables are Where the Oktoberfest Action Happens
There's no entry fee for Oktoberfest itself.
But beer and food, as well as festival rides, are paid separately and can really add up.
Typically, you need to be seated at a table in a tent to be served beer. Reservations are recommended but not always required.
Generally, from Sunday to Wednesday, it’s not too difficult to find a seat at a table within most of the tents.
It’s a little trickier on the weekends.
The Oktoberfest tents are richly decorated and full of attendees in traditional dress.
Oktoberfest reservations need to be made with the specific tent operator.
Though reservations are free, tent operators do require you to purchase food and drink vouchers in exchange for a seat reservation. The vouchers can then be redeemed inside the tent.
WHICH TENT SHOULD YOU VISIT DURING OKTOBERFEST?
Each beer tent has its own unique vibe and character. Some are rowdy, others more relaxed, so research which ones might suit your style. There are fifteen major tents, though the number fluctuates from year to year:
🍻Schottenhamel-Festhalle: The oldest tent, where the mayor taps the first keg to officially open Oktoberfest. It’s popular with younger crowds and known for its lively atmosphere.
🕺 Hofbräu-Festzelt: A large and internationally famous tent run by Hofbräu, attracting many tourists. It has a fun, party vibe with a spacious central area for dancing.
⛅ Hacker-Festzelt: Known as the “Bavarian Heaven,” this tent has a beautifully painted ceiling depicting the Bavarian sky. It’s a great mix of locals and visitors with a festive ambiance.
🪵 Augustiner-Festhalle: A traditional tent known for its family-friendly atmosphere and serving beer from wooden kegs, which many say enhances the taste.
🍺 Paulaner-Festzelt: Recognizable by the large rotating beer mug on its tower, this tent has a cozy, rustic feel and is known for its hearty Bavarian food.
💅 Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke: A smaller, upscale tent with a more exclusive atmosphere, popular with celebrities and offering gourmet food alongside traditional beer.
🎯 Schützen-Festzelt: Located near the Bavaria statue, this tent is popular with locals and known for its roasted chicken and shooting gallery.
🦁 Löwenbräu-Festzelt: Marked by a large lion roaring "Löwenbräu" at the entrance, this tent is lively and popular, especially with international visitors.
🎤 Pschorr-Bräurosl: Named after the daughter of a famous brewer, this tent has a strong traditional vibe with yodeling and other Bavarian entertainment.
🏹 Armbrustschützenzelt: Associated with a traditional crossbow shooting club, this tent combines sport and festivity, offering a more traditional Bavarian experience.
🐟 Fischer Vroni: Famous for its fish dishes, especially grilled fish on a stick (Steckerlfisch), this tent is a bit smaller and more relaxed.
🍗 Ochsenbraterei: As the name suggests, this tent is known for its roasted ox dishes, making it a must-visit for meat lovers. It’s lively but less rowdy than some others.
💃 Marstall: One of the newer tents, Marstall has a chic, elegant feel, with a focus on both traditional and modern Bavarian cuisine.
🍷 Weinzelt: Unlike the other beer tents, Weinzelt is known for serving wine and champagne alongside beer. It’s a bit more refined, attracting those looking for a different kind of festivity.
🎺 Festzelt Tradition: Located in the Oide Wiesn, this tent focuses on Bavarian customs with a nostalgic vibe, traditional brass bands, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Many tents and vendors prefer cash over cards, so it’s a good idea to have Euros on hand.
Oktoberfest is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
The best piece of Oktoberfest advice?
PACE YOURSELF.
During the festival, visitors consume approximately 7.5 million liters of beer 😱.
But this is potent stuff: The beer served at Oktoberfest is stronger than typical beer, usually clocking in around 6% ABV, so it’s easy to overindulge.
The one place you don’t want to end up on is the Kotzhügel, or “puke hill,” where drunken attendees go to get sick and pass out.
To avoid such a fate, drink water and take breaks. Make sure you’re eating enough and don’t forget to walk outside every few hours for a break from the tents and to get a little fresh air.
In Conclusion…
Oktoberfest is a fantastic way to experience traditional Bavarian culture up close.
With a little bit of planning and a few practice shouts of “Prost!” you’ll be on your way to an exciting Oktoberfest excursion.
Until next time,
Angela 🥨