The 181st Oktoberfest kicks off this weekened, so it's time to iron your dirndl and/or dust off the ole lederhosen. Oktoberfest is Disney World for adults: a brilliantly happy place full of entertainment for days, but there are some things you should know before going to Oktoberfest to ensure your good time at the world's largest beer festival. This year's Oktoberfest, or Wiesn as it's called locally, is extra exciting for me as it will be my first living in München! Sunday will mark my sixth trip to Oktoberfest, and after this season, I'll probably lose count of my evenings "auf der Wies'n".
When is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest 2014 runs from Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, October 5. The fest begins at noon on Saturday with the tapping of the first beer keg by new Munich mayor Dieter Reiter in the Schottenhammel tent.
Where is Oktoberfest?
The Wiesn takes place on a Wiesen, meaning meadow, but referring to the fairgrounds, Theresienwiese, meaning Therese's meadow. Princess Therese was the bride of Prince (later King) Ludwig I of Bavaria, who married on October 12, 1810. Festivities for the citizens were held to celebrate the marriage and those festivities are still held yearly (hint: Oktoberfest). The nearest U-Bahn stop is, you guessed it, Theresienwiese on lines 4 and 5. Other close stops are Goetheplatz, lines 3 and 6, and Schwanthalerhöhe, lines 4 and 5.
When Should I Go?
Getting a seat at Oktoberfest is not easy. I've laid out my best tips here, but in summary 1) go on a weekday (exception: October 3rd is a German public holiday) 2) line up before the tents open in the morning 3) go in a group of 3 or less and ask people if you can sit with them.
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Hofbräu Festhalle seats nearly 7000 people inside![/caption]The second weekend of Oktoberfest is always "Italian Weekend". This weekend is IMHO, the worst one to go. The fest is extra over-crowded and there are less locals. If you're going to the Wiesn, don't you want to see some local men in Lederhosen? I sure do.
The tents are certainly most fun during the evenings, when the party bands get the Oktoberfest music rolling and the crowds up dancing. If you learn one song before you go, my I recommend memorizing "Fliegerlied" with motions? It's too much fun. Fortunately, you will already know many others like "Sweet Caroline" and "Country Roads".
What Should I Expect at Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a lot of what you make it. Upon arriving, you will see carnival rides, loads of people dressed in traditional Bavaria tracht: lederhosen and dirndl, carnival games, food vendors, and large and small beer tents. If you want to experience the Oktoberfest party madness, head on over to one of the fourteen large beer tents. From personal experience, I highly recommend the Hacker-Festzelt and Schottenhammel tents, but really, you'll have a blast in any tent you find a seat. You need a seat because a) beer is only served to the tables and b) you cannot stand in the walkways. If you are standing in the aisles, bouncers and waiters will constaly be pushing you along. You will be instantly awed upon entering the massive tents by the people, the decorations, the energy, and how much beer the waiters and waitresses can hold in a single go. Once you find a seat and order your first beer, the real magic begins as you start getting to know the people around you and you sing your first round cheersing to the song "Ein Prosit!" You will learn this one very quickly.
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit.
OANS ZWOA DREI! G'SUFFA!
In the evening, the party bands start playing classic sing-a-long songs, many of which you'll know and love. An eclectic mix of tourists, but mostly locals, will entertain you for the entire event. The rest is history and simply what you make it. I suggest making Bavarian friends who can explain the songs, motions, and traditions, and direct you where to extend the celebration after the festival. Every time I go to the Wiesn, I worry it won't be as f un as the year before, yet somehow, it always leaves lasting memories.
What Should I Bring With Me to Oktoberfest?
- Cash, each liter of beer will run you €10 - 11. Food will cost you €10 - 20. Do you want to ride carnival rides? Do the math, then bring even more cash. Entry to the tents if ree.
- Wear a Dirndl (women) or Lederhosen (men). Not doing so is akin to going to a Halloween party without a costume and who wants to do that?
- Camera
- Pocket tissues, for toilet-paperless bathrooms, clean ups, etc.
- Small purse (leave the big bags at home)
- What Not To Bring: Passport, Coat, DSLR
Miscellaneous
Each year, there is an official Oktoberfest poster and collector's mug. Chosen candidates from local art and design skills submit their projects and the winner is selected by a jury and received €1250 this year.
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Official Oktoberfest Poster 2014[/caption]A mass like that above comes filled with beer. Ideally, it holds 1 Liter of the good stuff, but Oktoberfest is not known for its perfect pours so often you'll see a lot of foam, resulting in less beer. It's Oktoberfest though, so you accept it. The price of beer got a €0.40 cent bump this year. A beer in the tents will cost you from a "low" €9.70 at Heimer's Roasted Duck and Chicken and Heinz' Sausage & Chicken Grill to a high €10.10 at the Schottenhammel-Festhalle, the Löwenbräu-Festzelt, and Zur Bratwurst. Therefore, you will not only want to have your €10 notes ready, but some €1 Euro coins will also be beneficial.
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Perfect pour out the window, yet you drink it with a smile anyway.[/caption]The beer tents at Oktoberfest only serve beer from six breweries, who conform to the Reinheitsgebot, or German beer purity laws. Each brewery sells a special Oktoberfestbier, which is around 6 percent alcohol. The six breweries who can serve beer at the festival are: Augusteiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spatenbräu.
The beer price bump is a standard yearly change, but this year's biggest change was certainly not and regular patrons will notice the absence of the Hippodrom tent. The tent's owner, Sepp Krätz, was found guilty of tax evasion and is serving a 22 year sentence. Most of the large tents at the Oktoberfest are owned by the breweries, but the Hippodrom tent, which was owned by Krätz personally, will not be appearing at this year's festival. That breaks the tent's 111 year streak at Oktoberfest and the tent will be replaced with The Marstall, which seats 3200 inside and 1000 outside. Mastall will be serving Spaten, like Hippodrom. The last time a new tent was introduced was in 1984, with the introduction of the wine tent.
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R.I.P. Hippodrom Tent[/caption]Germans are trustworthy people; should you lose something, don't give up on finding it. Try going to the Oktoberfest Lost and Found Office at the Service Center, open from 13:00 - 23:00. The service center is behind the Schottenhammel tent. Once the fest is over, things move to Munich's lost and found office (Fundbüro der Landeshauptstadt München) at Oetztaler Str. 17/Rgb., 81373 München. If they are not claimed in six months, they're sold at public auction.
Lastly, if you learn any German before you go, Ein Bier Bitte (one beer please) and Danke Schön (thank you) are essetials.
What are your Oktoberfest tips?
38 comments
Love this! I'm going for the first time and I'm so excited!
ReplyDeleteWow this is unbelievably thorough. I wish I could make it, but I'll live vicariously through your updates!
ReplyDeletethis is on my bucketlist to go! i like your tips about what to bring - no nice camera. I'm going to my own version of Oktoberfest in Addison with will maybe be 1/18th of what you're abut to experience. so jealous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post! I'm planning to go to Oktoberfest this year in Munich and it's good to be prepared. I also have a question: do you have any tips on finding accommodations? Unfortunately I'll be there the weekend of Oct 3-5 (the only time I have off from au pairing :/ ) and I would really like to avoid getting ripped off on a hotel or a hostel.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's that time of the year again! :) Have fun! I haven't been there for years but last time somebody stole my phone...and it never showed up again. :( So next time I will go I won't bring any phone, camera or anything else worth some money. :)
ReplyDeleteIf there's one thing I'll regret not doing before I have kids, it'll be Oktoberfest. I can't imagine how ridiculously awesome this would be to experience with our Bavarian friends!
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle,
ReplyDeleteAccommodations are quite tough this last-minute. Have you looked into Couchsurfing? There are also some well-priced Airbnb rental options. Also, check out wg-gesucht.de, some people are offering short-term rentals. Good luck! I hope oyu have a wonderful time.
Oh no! What a shame, I just hate that things like that can take away from such a fun event. I agree, it's best to leave the valuables at home but too hard as a blogger to leave the camera behind ;)
ReplyDeleteYOU WILL THRIVE AT OKTOBERFEST! I went to the Wurstfest in New Braunfels before moving to Germany and had a absolute blast there, so I'm sure the Addison one is simply wonderful too :)
ReplyDeleteNext year? You've gotta go!
ReplyDeleteEeeek! When are you going? I hope you have a blast!
ReplyDeleteI'd totally babysit so you could have one epic Oktoberfest experience :)
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome. :) I'm trying to convince the hubby that we should go next year if we're still kid-free then.
ReplyDeleteDamn, this is a helpful post! I've been to Oktoberfest and I didn't even know some of these things. And I didn't think it was possible but you've made me want to go again. The memories are coming back to me... it's definitely the best party in the world! I definitely second the tip of going in a SMALL group, definitely 3 or less... for better luck finding a table, be female ;)
ReplyDeleteOoooh, I bet you are looking forward to your first visit as an official Munich resident! Great post, but particularly that it is what you make of it. Yes, it's crowded, yes, it's expensive but I have almost always had a damn good time. Side note: kind of surprises me that so many tents pushed the beers up over 10 Euro. I foresee a lot of flying change. Seems like it'd be easier to just keep throwing 10E notes at the waitresses!
ReplyDeleteI'll also second Cynthia's comment: 3 or less, and better luck if all 3 are ladies. Went with a guy friend last year and we had a hell of a time finding a seat on a Thursday afternoon. Ladies (in Dirndl) definitely have a better shot.
Me too! I'm going the last weekend! I was too intimidated to go alone since I've only just arrived in Germany, so I booked with a tour. Hoping it'll work out alright!
ReplyDeletewohooo, great summary, Alex!! I will be there this year again :-) Will go Oct. 4th and join the Schuetzenfestzelt as per invitation :-) Still need to get me a dirndl though.
ReplyDeleteI had so, so much fun last year! What a great way to do things I love - wear regional costume, sing Sweet Caroline at the top of my lungs 1000 times in one night and DRINK SO MUCH BEER! I have a postcard in my classroom with the words "it is tapped" in German. No one has asked what it means.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU. Saved this, pinned it, emailed it to friends, the whole shebang. Great advice.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish I was going to Oktoberfest! Great tips saving this for the day I finally get to go!
ReplyDeleteSO jealous I am not there this year. I am coming to you for this next year for sure!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Last year we had four (two couples) and this year we have a bad guy:girl ratio in our group of 6. so the other girl and I will have to work hard to get us all a seat together! :)
ReplyDeleteBummer about the beer price hike-- I guess we'll have to start collecting more coins this week. Thanks for the head's up on that one!
Yes, love this plan. It's a must!
ReplyDeleteYearly price hikes is certainly a bit much and I imagine the waitresses at the €9.95 tents can't be pleased either....
ReplyDeleteNext year :)
ReplyDeleteYes! I actually collect the official poster each year in postcard form so they are all on my wall :)
ReplyDeleteSo much fun!!! I should be somewhere auf der Wiesn that day as well :) Lucky girl with a table you are!
ReplyDeleteThere's going to be so much flying change! And it has to hurt the waitresses tips who are in the tents that are charging €9.95. They should just keep it at €9.50 and hike it in 10 years, we all know how much the beer really costs.
ReplyDeleteYeah, big groups are just impossible unless you want to get there at 7 am, which I've done before out of necessity but it's just not as fun.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the waitresses will mutiny and demand that they lower the prices back under 10 for next year.... Wishful thinking?
ReplyDeleteAlso, was talking to some students today and they're going this weekend (for work), with a few colleagues from overseas. About 10 men and 1 or 2 women all together. Get this: they had no idea if their boss had reserved a table or not. I'm sitting there going.... "You might not have a table for 12 people on opening day? Good luck with that one!" Amateurs, amateurs, I say!
I went three years straight (2011-2013). Wish I could go this year but I moved back to the U.S. I learned hard lessons the first two years...DON'T GO ON THE WEEKEND!
ReplyDeleteI went each of those years as well! The weekends are so brutal. Searching for a table is about the most stressful experience I have each year ;-) but all worth it when you find one.
ReplyDeleteWHAT! Good luck to them....
ReplyDeleteAnd hey, let's not count out the waitresses as the pretzel bakers did go on strike this year ;)
Last year we got there on a Sunday and walked right into the SpatenBrau tent with no line (or stress). The next day, after our four hr reserved table at Schottenhamel, I was able to get into HB and Hippodrome. I want to go back so bad! Not this year :(
ReplyDeleteOh good, I'm bringing my parents this Sunday so I hope to have the same luck!
ReplyDelete[…] Oktoberfest celebrations throughout Germany. If you plan to go big in Munich I would check out this advice. Overall it was an experience I’ll never forget, and I’ll always have the story about […]
ReplyDeletehey is this forum still active?
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine,
ReplyDeleteIt is not a forum but just comments on a blog post, so yes it is always active.