A First Timer’s Guide to Oktoberfest
Originally started as a horse race to celebrate the royal wedding in 1810, Munch’s Oktoberfest was immediately so popular that it became annual tradition. Two centuries later, the party is still going strong—but without the horses, and with much larger crowds. These days, the celebration draws about 7 million visitors to southern Germany. And it’s not too late to join in the fun this year! Book a flight and a room at one of the great hotels in Munich, and let our primer help you navigate the world of Oktoberfest.
What
There are many reasons to love Oktoberfest—the festive atmosphere, the quirky outfits, the parades and exhibits. However, the fair’s highlight is definitely the beer. The majority of the drinking is done in 14 large beer tents. You can reserve tables online, but they tend to sell out months in advance. Don’t worry, though—you don’t need a reservation to join in the fun! Simply start at the Schottenhamel tent and make your way around. The bright red Hippodrom tent and the Hofbrau tent are other major hubs of activity. For a dose of authentic Bavarian charm, hit up the Augustiner and Lowenbrau tents as well.
When
The 16-day festival traditionally leads up to the first Sunday in October. However, in 1994, the schedule was modified to incorporate October 3—German Unity Day. If the first Sunday of the month falls on October 1 or 2, the festival is extended to cover that holiday. In 2010, the 177th Annual Munich Oktoberfest will take place from September 18th to October 4th.
Where
Although copycat Oktoberfest celebrations can be found around the globe, no such event can hold a candle to the original. Because of the sheer size and popularity of the famous festival, hotels in Munich tend to book up pretty quickly. However, with just under 2 months left to go, there is still time to make a reservation! From high-end hotels like the Sofitel Munich Bayerpost to budget accommodations like the Siddiqi Pension & Hostel, there are a lot of options. You can even go rustic and stay at Munich’s Thalkirchen Camping Ground, where tents start at just a few euros per night. Public transportation makes it easy to reach the beer tents during the festival.
How
A first timer can easily become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest—not to mention the language barrier. Brush up on a few key phrases before you go, and you’ll be able to drink along with the most seasoned locals. Remember that the German word for “Cheers!” is “Prost!” To order a beer, say “Ein Ma, bitte!” The amber liquid is served in one-liter glass mugs called ma (mass) that cost about 8 euros each. To mix it up, try a refreshing Radler (a mixture of beer and lemonade) instead. Food is also easy to find throughout Oktoberfest. Roast chicken, giant pretzels and generous platefuls of pork knuckes (Schweinshaxe) are popular. If you want something sweet, see if a nice German girl will give you the heart necklace off her neck—it’s made of gingerbread.
Why
Because it’s the largest party in the world!
