Going to Oktoberfest in Munich

Coming in rather high on my bucket list was attending Oktoberfest in Munich. When I decided to travel through Europe by train, there was no question that Munich would be a stop and it just so happened that I could make it there for Oktoberfest. Despite getting my phone stolen, Oktoberfest was everything I expected and more.

As a matter of fact, I knew very little about the annual beer drinking fest other than that it originated in Munich and you drink beer… a lot of beer!

A Little History

It all started with a royal wedding back in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig, who would later become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The wedding celebration was held on the fields in front of the city gates and the citizens of Munich were invited. In honor of the Princess, the fields were named Theresienwiese (“Theresa’s meadow”) and are still called that to this day. To mark the close of the event, horse races were held in presence of the Royal Family and the event became a giant celebration for all of Bavaria. The following year the horse races were repeated and this is what started Oktoberfest!

Oktoberfest Today

I think it is amazing that this festival has been taking place since the 1800’s, despite the fact that a lot has changed – no horse races anymore – there is a lot of tradition that still remains. All I knew about the festival was that you drink copious amounts of beer in big giant tents. What I didn’t know was that it really is a big festival complete with food and rides.

Munich isn’t the only city that celebrated Oktoberfest today. In fact, cities throughout Europe hold their own Oktoberfest and the event carries across “The Pond” to North America. From Budapest and Vienna to Los Angeles and Brazil, cities throughout the world have followed the Bavarian tradition and held their own version of the Oktoberfest.

Oktoberfest in Munich

There is no argument that going to the original Oktoberfest in Munich can’t quite compare to the others around the world. So if you are heading to Bavaria, here is what you should know:

What to Wear

I would highly recommend dressing up. I would say about 75% of attendees are in the traditional dirndls (for girls) and lederhosen (for men). They are expensive so be prepared. Dirndls start at 35€ to over 100€ whereas the lederhosen start at 100€ since they are made with leather. You don’t have to wear one though.

When to Go

Oktoberfest is held during different dates every year. The festival takes place over 16 days beginning in late September and ends the first weekend in October.  Opening day is usually packed as are the weekends. The event is less crowded during the weekday as most people are at work. Thursdays through Sundays see the highest number of attendees.

What Time to Arrive

Oktoberfest starts early at 10am and people arrive early to get a table in the tents. While Oktoberfest is a primarily a daytime festival it goes into the evening ending around 10pm. However, the later you go the more drunk people are. I found it easier to get a table the later we went when traveling with a large group.

Securing a Table

If you are traveling with a group of more than three I would suggest arriving early to get a spot – especially for men. Ladies, it is much easier to join a table but it all comes down to luck and timing. If you cannot get a sit-down table,Hofbräu Festzelt has standing tables which are usually easier to join.

Where to Eat

Oktoberfest is not just about beer. It is also a great place to try some traditional German food as many of Munich’s top vendors set up shop at the festival. You definitely don’t need to search for food – it is everywhere. There are full on meals that are served inside – for those who have a table – and outside there are countless food stalls selling everything from giant chicken legs to pretzels larger than your head.

Many of the tents keep to tradition and over the years have become known for their unique, specialty food that they serve. Schützen Festzelt serve a roast suckling pig. Fischer Vroni serves a smoked fish on a stick which is cooked slowly over an open fire pit outside the tent. For more than 130 years, the Ochsenbraterei tent has been roasting a full ox on a spit. Every tent has something different and you can experience countless Bavarian traditions all in one  giant festival.

The Best Tents

While the tents vary from year to year for the most part the usual suspects return. All of the tents are different and serve different types of beer. Some are more traditional than others with regard to the music they play and there are those that are more rowdy and wild. My favorite tents at the 2014 event were Hofbräu Festzelt and Löwenbräu-Festzelt.

Useful Information

The Official Website for Oktoberfest in Municch

BigBoyTravel.com provides great information on Oktoberfest.

The Munich Oktoberfest site also provides useful resources and information.

Location

The festival is held at Theresienwiese which is about a 15-20 minute walk from the main train station Hauptbanhof. Be sure to book hotels well in advance and be prepared to pay as hotel rates soar during Oktoberfest.

Overall Oktoberfest was a lot of fun but I think it is something that I will only experience once in my lifetime. It is one of those been there, done that and I am in no rush to go back. But I wouldn’t necessarily object to going again!

Have you been to Oktoberfest? Would you go again?