The Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors from all over the world to Munich every year. It's not just the good beer that's to blame, but also the very special atmosphere at the world's largest folk festival.
When you think of Munich, you immediately think of the Oktoberfest. No other festival in the world is as famous as the “Wiesn“, as the people of Munich affectionately call it. Every year from September to October, the Theresienwiese is the venue for more than two weeks of toasting and celebrating.Construction begins as early as July, around ten weeks before the start. All the major Munich breweries are represented at the Oktoberfest and brew an extra strong Wiesn beer for the time.
In addition to the almost 40 beer tents, visitors can also choose from over a hundred rides. The real originals include traditional Munich exhibitors, most of which have been at the Oktoberfest for more than a hundred years – such as the Flea Circus, the Schichtl or the Devil's Wheel. The Oiden Wiesn is also traditional. Here, historical rides and three small, quieter beer tents await you for one euro admission.
For all those who have always wondered why the Oktoberfest starts in September: It simply has to do with the better weather. At the end of September, the chances of getting a sunny spot in the beer garden are simply better – although the people of Munich are sure that the weather gods are always particularly kind to them at Oktoberfest time.
What many visitors don't know: We have King Ludwig I to thank for the Oktoberfest. On the occasion of his wedding to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810, a festival was organised for the people on a meadow outside the city. The people of Munich liked it so much that they celebrated it every year from then on. The meadow is still called Theresienwiese after the princess.
A few facts about the Oktoberfest:
The Theresienwiese is42 hectares in size
Around 13,000 people work at the Oktoberfest
120,000 seats await the guests
In 1985 over 7 million people attended the Oktoberfest – a record!
Around 4000 lost and found items are handed in every year
... and only 20 percent of the items are collected again
Visitors drink around 7,500,000 litres of beer every year
There is a dedicated Oktoberfest website where you can find dates, maps and other general information if you want to research ahead of time. Frankly, the hype is justified - it's a phenomenal experience and worth doing at least once in lifetime.
The good news is that you don't need a ticket to visit Oktoberfest. It's only at the Oide Wiesn (the most traditional spot at the festival) that you'll need to buy a €4 ticket for entry. After 9 p.m., however, you can enter for free.
Oktoberfest takes place very centrally in Munich: on the so-called Theresienwiese, a mostly empty space of about 100 acres, not far from the Old Town and in the middle of Munich's Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district.
There is no admission cost to get into Oktoberfest 2024 or 2025. Entering the festival and the Wiesn is completely free—no tickets whatsoever are required. There is also no admission cost to get into the beer tents. You can just walk right up into a beer tent, no tickets, no fees, no guests lists needed.
Dehydration and hangovers: The diuretic effect of alcohol can lead to dehydration, causing symptoms like fatigue, dizziness and dry mouth, while hangovers, characterised by headaches, nausea and confusion, are a common aftermath of binge drinking.
Big disclaimer: you only need one day at Oktoberfest. Any more than that just won't be as enjoyable, so while it is a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience, plan a few other things to do if you're in Munich for a long weekend.
The festival grounds are fenced off and a security service checks visitors at the entrances, supported by the police. The entire Theresienwiese is monitored by more than 50 cameras. There is also a loudspeaker system that reaches the entire festival area.
The average Oktoberfest visit does not include a table reservation, hence, without one, you're in good company. All the large tents, except the Weinzelt and Käfer, are obliged to keep large sections unreserved. As many struggle to find free seats nonetheless, we'd like to offer some tips to you.
Dirndls, for women, and lederhosen for men and some women, make up Munich's Oktoberfest trachten, or traditional costumes, and with well in excess of 90% of revellers in the beer halls sporting some kind of Oktoberfest dirndl or lederhosen, for even the short-term visitor an investment in some Oktoberfest outfits can ...
In fact, it's not really a tip – it's more like a “service fee”. It should be not more than 10 to 15% of the beer or food price. And yes, giving a bit of extra tip will ensure that the waitress will always serve you in time and in quality. What beer is served at Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest tickets (and by that we really mean beer tent reservations) can only be purchased directly from the individual beer tents themselves and can be extremely difficult to get. Again, if you plan to make reservations, ONLY purchase beer tent tickets directly from the tents.
Spending one or two days at Oktoberfest is more than enough. Most of the locals join in on the fun for only a day or two and then head back home. Tourists generally stay longer, but to be honest, one can only consume so much beer and wurst!
Spending one or two days at Oktoberfest is more than enough. Most of the locals join in on the fun for only a day or two and then head back home. Tourists generally stay longer, but to be honest, one can only consume so much beer and wurst!
Since the event originated in Munich, the city naturally hogs the spotlight. Berlin, however, is much less crowded and more affordable than the Bavarian capital. Going to Berlin for Oktoberfest means immersing yourself in German culture, cuisine and overall fun that's hard to replicate anywhere else.
Those who want to do without alcohol at the Oktoberfest have a wide choice of beverages. After all, not all Oktoberfest visitors focus on enjoying a good beer.
Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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