So that you’re heading to Oktoberfest in Munich and are not certain what to anticipate… that was me not so way back earlier than my very own first journey to the Wiesn!
Oktoberfest – the annual 2-week-long beer competition in Munich – is among the greatest festivals in the complete world, drawing hundreds of thousands of individuals yearly. And, regardless of what you could assume about it, it is NOT solely about ingesting beer (although in fact beer ingesting is an enormous a part of it).
You may not know that Oktoberfest can be about amusement park-style rides, German meals, and stay music. Or that they tear down and rebuild the complete factor yearly. Or that you do not HAVE to drink beer in any respect for those who’re like me and do not prefer it!
In the event you’re planning an Oktoberfest journey this yr or anytime sooner or later, hold studying for all my suggestions and issues you’ll want to know!
16 DOs and DON’Ts for Oktoberfest in Munich
Listed below are all of the issues I believe you need to know earlier than going to Oktoberfest in Munich.
DO know the historical past of Oktoberfest
The custom of Oktoberfest dates again to the nineteenth century. The very first “official” Oktoberfest celebration happened in Munich on October 12, 1810, and it was truly a marriage celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Which makes complete sense while you truly get to Oktoberfest, as a result of being within the tents 100% seems like a extremely large marriage ceremony reception with a gown code and large beers!
In the present day, Oktoberfest occurs yearly in Munich for roughly two weeks, beginning in mid-September and ending the primary Sunday in October. (The precise dates change yr to yr, and the celebration can technically be anyplace from 16-18 days lengthy, relying on the calendar.)
Understanding the historical past of the competition undoubtedly helps you already know what to anticipate. (I describe Oktoberfest as a large county truthful meets the largest marriage ceremony reception you’ll be able to think about.)
DO put on comfy footwear
Oktoberfest takes place on the identical place in Munich yearly: at a large competition floor often called the Theresienwiese (named for Princess Therese!), which is commonly simply shortened to “the Wiesn.” This competition floor close to Munich’s important practice station is enormous, overlaying greater than 100 acres.
There are a number of massive tents, plus a Ferris wheel, carnival rides and video games, meals stands, and extra. Add to this that you’ll possible arrive on foot and would possibly spend a little bit of time standing within the beer tents, and good footwear are just about important for a cushty Oktoberfest expertise!
Whereas some locals would possibly put on conventional footwear to go along with their dirndls or lederhosen, I like to recommend choosing consolation over vogue for those who’re simply visiting for a couple of days. (I wore sneakers to Oktoberfest, and that is what my Oktoberfest-pro good friend Ashley typically wears, too!)
DON’T put on a fancy dress; DO put on Trachten
Talking of what to put on, sure, it is a competition that a lot of native German individuals attend yearly, and most come decked out of their greatest dirndls (for girls) and lederhosen (for males). These outfits are NOT costumes; they’re Tracht or Trachten, that are conventional Bavarian outfits with cultural that means.
And that is one case the place even non-locals are completely inspired to do because the locals do! Whilst you do not HAVE to decorate up, you undoubtedly can put on a dirndl or lederhosen even for those who’re only a vacationer. BUT, make sure that it is near conventional and NOT a Halloween costume.
For girls, a conventional Bavarian dirndl will consist of three items: a shirt (that is often white), a gown that is fitted within the bodice and often goes at the very least to the knee, and an apron. For males, the standard outfit consists of leather-based knee-length shorts (typically with suspenders), a collared (typically checkered) shirt, knee-high socks, and a vest and hat for those who actually wish to full the look.
My good friend Ashley has this tremendous detailed information on what to put on at Oktoberfest and the place to seek out it. However principally, for those who’re gong to order your outfit on-line, simply make sure it is NOT a one-piece Halloween costume; everybody can inform and can completely decide you for it.
Professional tip: You CAN order Oktoberfest outfits on Amazon. Simply take a look at the itemizing objectively, and ensure no matter your ordering has the right quantity of items, and would not value like $19. I ordered my dirndl from Edelnice Trachtenmode, and paid about $120 for simply the gown and apron.
However bear in mind, you do not HAVE to decorate up in any respect. You completely can go to Oktoberfest in avenue garments; there is no precise gown code for this competition, and no person actually cares whether or not you gown up or not. (Nevertheless it IS tons extra enjoyable if you’ll be able to go all-in on an outfit.)
DON’T purchase tickets
Entry to Munich’s Oktoberfest is FREE. It is free to get in to the grounds, and all of the tents are free to enter, too (although in the event that they’re at capability you may not be allowed in). What you may pay for is beer, meals, rides, souvenirs, and many others. Do not get scammed into shopping for Oktoberfest entry tickets of any type.
The ONLY time you would possibly pay to enter Oktoberfest is for those who e book some type of guided tour or expertise that features a desk reservation and meals/beer. For instance, this tour and this tour each supply one-day guided excursions of Oktoberfest with desk reservations plus beer and meals included, and could be an effective way to expertise Oktoberfest for those who’re by yourself. Thirsty Swagman additionally affords guided Oktoberfest excursions that embrace all the above for a number of days, plus resort lodging.
(You’ll have to pay to enter the Oide Wiesn space, however I will cowl this later!)
DON’T carry an enormous bag
Talking of getting into the Oktoberfest grounds… there’s a safety/bag checkpoint, and you are not allowed to herald backpacks or any massive baggage in any respect. (The official bag dimension restrict is 3 liters, or baggage no larger than 20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm (approx. 8 in x 6 in x 4 in)). So women, small purses and bike shorts with pockets underneath your dirndl are your good friend!
DO go to a number of tents
The “tents” at the true Oktoberfest should not like no matter your city units up for its model of Oktoberfest. These tents in Munich are full-on picket buildings with often 2 ranges and towering ceilings. Each tent has a special theme and vibe, and every is stuffed with rows of picket tables and benches that maintain hundreds of individuals.
I undoubtedly suggest exploring as many tents as attainable! (My favourite afternoon at Oktoberfest was spent tent-hopping!)
The primary (large) tents to learn about are:
- Armbrustschützenzelt – The crossbowmen’s tent; and sure, there is a crossbow capturing vary connected. This tent additionally has a extremely enjoyable band.
- Augustiner Festhalle – Recognized for its inexperienced ceiling and Augustiner beer poured straight from picket barrels.
- Fischer-Vroni – They serve the well-known fish on a stick right here.
- Hacker-Festzelt – One of many prettiest tents, with a ceiling that appears just like the sky.
- Hofbräu-Festzelt – THE celebration tent at Oktoberfest.
- Käfer Wiesn-Schänke – This smaller tent extra carefully resembles an alpine cabin than a tent, and is usually the place to go celebrity-spotting and swap beer for champagne. (I personally discovered this one a bit too claustrophobic to get pleasure from!)
- Kufflers Weinzelt – Sure, there is a wine tent! It additionally provides cozy vibes.
- Löwenbräu-Festzelt – The one with the large lion exterior. It is a cheery yellow inside.
- Marstall Festzelt – One of many prettiest tents, with an Artwork Nouveau façade and a horse theme inside. The band is even up on a revolving stage formed like a carousel!
- Ochsenbraterei – Head right here to eat one thing a bit totally different: roast oxen!
- Paulaner Festzelt – Serving basic Paulaner Oktoberfest beer and Bavarian meals, this tent additionally has a preferred outside beer backyard.
- Pschorr-Festzelt Bräurosl – The latest tent, unveiled in 2022.
- Festhalle Schottenhamel – That is the oldest tent at Oktoberfest, and it is the place the primary beer barrel of the competition is tapped every year.
- Schützen-Festzelt – This tent has each a lovely balcony that appears out in direction of the Ferris Wheel, PLUS an indoor capturing vary. Arnold Schwarzenegger is commonly noticed at this one.
And the large tents contained in the Oide Wiesn (which I will speak extra about later) are:
- Boandlkramerei – New in 2024, this tent has room for dancing, and you may catch a musical cabaret efficiency twice a day.
- Festzelt Custom – This enormous tent has an enormous dance ground and serves beer in stone mugs.
- Volkssängerzelt Schützenlisl – Most likely the prettiest tent within the Oide Wiesn, this tent celebrates conventional people singing.
After which there are much more small tents to discover across the Oktoberfest grounds, too! The massive tents can maintain hundreds of individuals in indoor and outside areas, which is how this competition can host hundreds of thousands of individuals every year.
Positively go to a number of tents to absorb the totally different music and vibes, and to strive totally different meals and beer!
DO know what sort of expertise you need
Oktoberfest runs for greater than two weeks, with tents opening every day within the morning and serving beer till often 10:30 at evening. There are SO many various tents at Oktoberfest, and each affords a barely totally different expertise relating to the decor, music, meals, and common make-up of company – and it could possibly change totally relying on what time of day you go!
So to make issues much less overwhelming, it is useful to determine what kind of Oktoberfest expertise you wish to have earlier than you go.
If you wish to full-on celebration and drink tons of beer, you then’ll wish to go to the larger tents within the night – and particularly on weekend evenings. That is the loudest, rowdiest time at Oktoberfest. (And the Hofbrau tent could have essentially the most epic celebration vibes.)
Conversely, for those who’re on the lookout for a quieter Oktoberfest expertise, you may wish to go through the day on a weekday. You’ll be able to nonetheless get meals, drink beer, and take heed to music in all of the tents at lunchtime – simply with out the nighttime crowds. You can even head to the Oide Wiesn for much more chilled-out vibes.
DO discover exterior of the tents
There’s extra to do than simply ingesting at Oktoberfest! I truthfully was not conscious of this earlier than I began planning my very own journey, so do not feel dangerous for those who had no concept, both.
The Theresienwiese is generally coated in all these massive competition tents, nevertheless it additionally has carnival rides and video games, smaller tents to drink in, memento stands, and even an enormous Ferris wheel.
My favourite issues to do exterior of the beer tents at Oktoberfest had been:
- See the horse groups – Each morning, all the most important breweries with tents at Oktoberfest carry adorned beer wagons pulled by groups of draft horses to the competition grounds. The horses are often “parked” exterior the most important tents for a couple of hours every day, making for some nice photographs!
- Trip the Ferris wheel – The Willenborg Ferris wheel has been working at Oktoberfest in Munich since 1979, and can whisk you 50 meters (164 toes) above the Oktoberfest grounds. From there, you get an incredible view of Munich, and on a transparent day may even see mountains!
- Go into the Teufelsrad (Satan’s Wheel) – The Satan’s Wheel is principally a big, barely slanted disc on the bottom inside a small tent. Teams of individuals are known as to come back sit on the middle of the wheel (teams will be issues like “children aged 5-10” or “males sporting lederhosen” and even “cops”), and the objective is to be the final one left because the wheel spins quicker and quicker. The wheel makes use of centrifugal pressure to dump individuals off it – however issues like ropes and padded balls are sometimes used as obstacles, too. You’ll be able to go in and simply watch, even for those who do not wish to take part (you’ll have to pay to enter this tent; final yr it value €5).
- Watch individuals on the Toboggan slide – If people-watching is your jam, head over to the Toboggan journey. That is only a easy toboggan-style slide – however to get onto it, riders have to make use of a fast-moving conveyor belt to get to the steps. Once you add mildly inebriated individuals to this equation, hilarity typically ensues.
DON’T skip the Oide Wiesn
I’ve talked about the Oide Wiesn a number of occasions, and now we’re gonna discuss it! Oide Wiesn interprets to “Outdated Oktoberfest,” and principally is the old-timey part of Oktoberfest. You do need to pay to enter this space (it often prices about €4), however this implies it is often actually chill and quiet right here.
You will discover the identical varieties of issues within the Oide Wiesn as elsewhere at Oktoberfest – simply with a nostalgic bent. There are tents serving beer; Bavarian people music; historic rides and video games; a puppet theater; and even a museum tent with kids’s programming.
I actually loved this a part of Oktoberfest. It was an incredible place to go to on a Saturday afternoon when the common beer tent crowds obtained to be an excessive amount of.
DON’T be shocked to see children
Oktoberfest may be identified for its liters of beer, nevertheless it’s truly fairly a family-friendly occasion, particularly through the day. Youngsters are welcome in all Oktoberfest tents and on the rides, and there are even household days on the competition. Folks completely can and do carry kiddos to the Wiesn.
You’ll be able to take the children to Oktoberfest at evening, too, however simply bear in mind that youngsters between 6 and 16 should be accompanied by an grownup in tents after 8 p.m., and children underneath 6 (or children that *look* like they’re underneath 6) should not allowed within the tents in any respect after 8 p.m.
You DON’T need to drink beer
As somebody who doesn’t drink beer (like, at ALL), I all the time assumed it would not be price it for me to go to Oktoberfest. However you’ll be able to completely benefit from the beer tents with out ingesting any beer!
Entry to the tents is free, so technically you could possibly go in and never drink something in any respect. However most probably you may wish to drink *one thing.* Together with liters of beer, you can even order delicate drinks, water, juice, and even wine.
My good friend Ashley typically drinks radlers (beer combined with lemonade) at Oktoberfest for one thing lighter. And on my first day within the tents, I used to be ordering Apfelschorle, which is apple juice combined with glowing water. (You’ll be able to order Apfelschorle by the liter, and it LOOKS like beer – in case you wish to get your normal Oktoberfest photographs with out losing beer.)
After all, there’s solely a lot apple juice a digestive system can take, so I switched to glowing water by the second day. And guess what? NOBODY CARED. Drink no matter you need.
DO carry money
An vital factor to learn about Oktoberfest is that its a cash-only atmosphere contained in the beer tents. So be sure you carry money (and by money I imply strictly Euros) with you. You will order your drinks and/or meals, after which pay your server after they ship it to your desk.
(And for those who’re interested by costs, count on to pay someplace round €15 for a liter of beer.)
You will additionally need Euro cash (particularly €1 cash) for suggestions and toilet cash. It is normal to tip your server €1-€2 each time they drop one thing off at your desk, and it is also normal to pay €0.50-€1 to make use of the bathrooms, particularly the ladies’s bathrooms. (It is because the ladies’s bathrooms at Oktoberfest tents are precise loos with stalls, that are typically saved fairly clear and stocked with bathroom paper by a toilet attendant, which is who you’re paying!)
DON’T skip the meals
In the event you’re like me (a gal who grew up within the agriculture-heavy Midwest), you most likely affiliate festivals that really feel like county gala’s with heavily-fried meals truck-style meals. And you’ll certainly discover *some* of that at Oktoberfest. However the meals contained in the tents? It is legit fairly good!
Every tent has a barely totally different meals menu (and a few have specialties, just like the oxen at Ochsenbraterei and the fish on the Fischer-Vroni tent), however you’ll be able to typically anticipate finding Bavarian specialties at most of them. So do not skip the hearty conventional meals!
Throughout my time at Oktoberfest, I had a pleasant roast rooster, a HUGE plate of Käsespätzle, and naturally a pretzel as large as my head.
DO count on to sit down with strangers
Tables at Oktoberfest are supposed to maintain 8-10 adults – meaning 4-5 individuals on every bench. And, until you’ve got reserved a whole desk for your self upfront, you’ll be able to count on to be sat with full strangers. It is simply the way it’s achieved right here!
This may typically really feel awkward at first (like when Ashley and I obtained sat with a desk of Russian women within the Marstall Festzelt who had been initially NOT pleased at having to share their desk), however for those who cozy up and clink some beer steins a couple of occasions, everybody begins to really feel like household fairly rapidly.
(In the event you’re touring with a bigger group and wish to make certain that you’ll sit collectively, although, you CAN make desk reservations. Every tent manages its personal reservations, and you’ll find particulars for every on the official Oktoberfest web site.)
DON’T stress in regards to the language barrier
Talking of sitting with strangers and coping with German servers within the beer tents, do not stress an excessive amount of a couple of language barrier. Nearly everybody in Germany lately speaks fairly darn good English, and for those who run into somebody who would not (or claims they do not), numbers in your fingers work the identical in each language, and “bier” and “beer” sound the identical.
I do converse just a little little bit of German, however I do not suppose I used it in any respect at Oktoberfest apart from a fast “danke” (“thanks”) after I ordered/obtained issues.
(And don’t fret about not understanding the beer corridor chants, both; you may catch on fairly rapidly!)
DON’T be a dick
Sure, individuals drink A LOT of beer at Oktoberfest, and plenty of of them get fairly drunk. I am not telling you you should not have time, however clearly strive to not be a whole asshole about it.
Do not chug your beer (it could possibly truly get you thrown out of some tents). Do not attempt to dance on the desk (it should additionally get you faraway from tents). Do not stiff your servers on a tip. Do not pee anyplace apart from in a chosen rest room. And so forth, and many others.
Oktoberfest is supposed to be an enormous celebration, so let’s strive to verify everybody can get pleasure from it!
And there you’ve all my high suggestions for going to your first Oktoberfest in Munich!
Goes to Oktoberfest in your bucket record?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 international locations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!