10 things you should know before you go to the Munich Oktoberfest
A little guide to the biggest volksfest in the world
Origin of the Oktoberfest
In 1810 Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria married Princess Therese. Numerous celebrations and events were held in Munich to mark the occasion. One of these events was a horse race, which is the origin of today’s Oktoberfest. This event took place outside the city limits of Munich at that time. The festival ground was later named Theresienwiese in honor of the bride.
Within a few years, this beginning developed into a fair that, with few exceptions, is still held regularly every year.
Although this fair is called Oktoberfest, it starts every year in September and lasts about two weeks. In recent years, each time more than 6 million visitors came and drank more than 7 million liters of beer. There are about 100,000 seats and 1,600 waiters.
And now for the tips
- Accommodation
As already stated, every year a lot of visitors come to the Oktoberfest. During this time, hotel rooms are hard to come by. Therefore, it is important to take care of a hotel room long before visiting the Oktoberfest. And due to the enormous demand, hotel prices are very high during the Oktoberfest. Thereby the room prices for the weekends are higher than for days during the week.
2. Volksfest
Oktoberfest is not only beer tents. Just like other fairs, Oktoberfest also has various rides and carousels. A Ferris wheel may not be missing, of course.
3. Clothing
Most visitors to the Oktoberfest come from Bavaria or the rest of Germany. For many visitors, not only from Bavaria, it belongs to visit the Oktoberfest in a “Tracht” (traditional clothing). The women wear a dirndl and the men lederhosen (leather pants). However, these are not (carnival-) costumes but are traditional clothing in Bavaria and the Alpine region. If you want to visit the Oktoberfest in style, you will find numerous stores in Munich where you can buy such clothes. But as with hotel rooms, dirndls and lederhosen are extremely expensive during the Oktoberfest. It is better to get them in advance.
4. The fairground
Since the very first Oktoberfest, this fair always takes place on the same square. At that time the area was outside the city, today it is in the middle of the city of Munich. This area has the name “Theresienwiese”. Therefore, the people of Munich themselves do not call this fair Oktoberfest, but “Die Wiesn”. This is the short form for Theresienwiese. So when locals talk to you about this festival, they say “Wiesn” and not Oktoberfest.
5. The beer tent
There are numerous beer tents at the Oktoberfest, the largest of which can hold up to 9,000 people. And although there are about 100,000 seats, there are hardly any free seats. The beer tents do not charge admission, so it makes sense to reserve seats in advance. However, the beer tents do not allocate all seats in advance but also keep numerous seats free for spontaneous visitors.
And in between to the toilet? Someone at the table should keep the place free …
The beer tents have no checkroom and bringing bags and backpacks is not allowed. So who visits a beer tent should take as little as possible!
6. Finally in the beer tent
If you have finally arrived in the beer tent and found a seat (either reserved in advance or spontaneously found free seats) it can finally start. Due to the enormous crowd, you sit close to each other. Privacy is different. But that’s exactly what makes it so appealing. After a short time, you’re partying with complete strangers. And after you’ve ordered your first beer, the Wiesn really gets going. And if you’re wearing a dirndl or lederhosen, you should also say “Prost” (cheers) when you’re toasting.
7. The waiters and the ordering process
Now just don’t make a mistake! The waiters at the Oktoberfest have real stress. What they need least are guests who don’t know what they want and take forever to order their drinks. I don’t want to tempt anyone to drink, but a beer tent is a beer tent! So it makes sense to order a beer (or beer for the whole group). The glasses have a capacity of 1 liter (34 fl oz). Such a glass is called a Maßkrug. You can also order a beer by saying “One Maß, please”. In Bavaria, you will be laughed at if you order a small beer. It is equally important to be polite. Saying “Bitte” or “Please” when ordering beer should not be difficult. If you mess with the waiter, you become air for him and you don’t get another chance to order. Tipping is usually not as important in Germany as it is in the States. In the beer tent, you should be aware that a decent tip will get you in the waiter’s good graces.
And very important! Beer is only given to someone with a seat, anyone standing gets no beer!
If you get hungry, you should order food in the beer tent. The dishes offered there are extremely tasty.
8. Paying in the beer tent
In Germany, paying with cash in stores and restaurants is still widespread. The waiters at the Oktoberfest also love cash. So it is best to get enough cash before visiting the Oktoberfest. Then nothing can stand in the way of a wonderful evening in an atmospheric beer tent.
9. Cell phone and selfies
With several thousand visitors in a beer tent and several large beer tents next to each other, the mobile network can sometimes go to its knees. Everyone wants to tell the world how great it is at the Oktoberfest. And of course, souvenir photos have to be taken. Since you’re crowded in the beer tent with many others enjoying the great atmosphere, you’re of course not alone when you take a selfie. Assume that with every selfie table neighbors and strangers want to be photographed with. Photobombers are also everywhere, of course.
10. Last but not least
Even if you don’t want to go home or to your hotel yet, the beer tents close at half-past ten in the evening. So partying through the night in an Oktoberfest tent is not possible. Numerous visitors try to smuggle a Maßkrug out of the beer tent and take it home as a souvenir. Forget it! There are experienced security guards at the exits, and you can’t get past them with a Maßkrug.
And perhaps one last tip: Don’t make any big plans for the day after you visit the Oktoberfest. You need the day to recover.