Oktoberfest: A Guide to Munich’s Beloved Beer Festival
Oktoberfest is a global phenomenon, with celebrations held in countries around the world. However, many agree that the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, is undoubtedly the most electrifying. It attracts a staggering six million visitors annually, according to a festival website operated by the City of Munich. As a non-Bavarian German who visits Munich regularly, I’ve picked up a few tips for navigating the festival, known locally as the "Wiesn." Here’s my insider advice, covering everything from dress code to ordering and even venturing beyond the beer tents.
Key Takeaways For A Successful Oktoberfest Experience:
- Dress the Part: Embrace the traditional Bavarian attire with dirndls for women and lederhosen for men. It’s not cultural appropriation; locals encourage it, and you’ll find options for every budget, from inexpensive to vintage and bespoke.
- Beer, But Not in Steins: The traditional beer glass is a "mass," which holds one liter of beer. Tipping is customary as servers earn a percentage of their sales, plus tips.
- Know Your Ordering Language: Servers will respond to the relaxed address of "du," meaning "you" in German. When the band calls out, "Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. Oans, zwoa, driel g’suffa!" — a toast for fun and friendliness — finish your mass and prepare to reorder.
- Beyond Beer: Enjoy wines, Apfelschorle (apple juice and carbonated water), alcohol-free beer, soft drinks, and even water. Food stalls offer an array of delights from brezen (gigantic pretzels) to bratwurst, weisswurst, schnitzel, fries, curries, and much more.
- Explore Beyond The Tents: Don’t forget to explore Munich beyond the festival grounds. Visit the Sendlinger Tor, a former city gate, and the Viktualienmarkt, a lovely market. The historic old town is nearby, housing the Residenz Palace, the famed Hofbräuhaus, and the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum.
What to Wear: Embrace the Bavarian Tradition
The dress code at Oktoberfest is a delightful opportunity to immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. Dirndls for women and lederhosen for men are the traditional attire, and wearing them is not only encouraged but celebrated! Local vendors offer various styles and price ranges, so you can find your perfect fit, from inexpensive wear-once options to vintage or custom-made rentals.
Remember, lederhosen is plural, meaning a single pair is a lederhose. These are specifically Bavarian garments, not simply German, so you won’t see them in other parts of Germany outside Oktoberfest.
From Ordering to Tipping: Mastering the Beer Tent Etiquette
While it’s easy to assume beer is served in steins, Oktoberfest enthusiasts understand the importance of the "mass," a one-liter beer glass.
Servers, responsible for carrying multiple mass (up to six at a time, weighing roughly 26 pounds) in each hand, are paid based on their sales, making tips essential. Look for the clothespin with their name on it, but feel free to address them as "du," meaning "you."
When the music kicks in, you’ll experience the "Schunkeln," a traditional linked-arm swaying dance. And if you’re a woman wearing a dirndl, be mindful of your bow’s placement – a bow on the right indicates you are single and open to flirting!
More Than Beer: Oktoberfest’s Culinary Delights
Oktoberfest is synonymous with beer, especially the specially brewed, strong varieties (above 6% ABV). However, there are also options for those seeking other beverages.
Apfelschorle, a refreshing blend of apple juice and carbonated water, is a popular choice. Alcohol-free beer and regular soft drinks are readily available, along with water.
And no Oktoberfest celebration is complete without a smorgasbord of delicious food. Brezen, large pretzels, are a staple, alongside meats like bratwurst, weisswurst (white sausage), and schnitzel. Fries, curries, and a variety of other options are available to satisfy every palate.
Munich Must-Dos Beyond the Beer Tents
While the festival itself is a captivating experience, it’s worth venturing beyond the Theresienwiese, the festival grounds, to discover other treasures Munich has to offer.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Sendlinger Tor, a former city gate, and the vibrant Viktualienmarkt, a bustling market brimming with local produce and delicacies.
The historic old town is also easily accessible, home to the Residenz Palace, the former royal residence; the world-renowned Hofbräuhaus brewery; and the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum, showcasing the history and traditions of this iconic festival.
For a scenic day trip, the breathtaking Neuschwanstein Castle is within a 90-minute drive from Munich. Salzburg, Austria, is less than two hours away by train and offers a captivating blend of historical charm and scenic beauty. The picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, north of Munich, is another enchanting destination worth visiting.
After all that beer and exploration, a day of relaxation amidst the snow-capped Alps at Lake Starnberg is the perfect way to unwind.
Experience Oktoberfest Worldwide: Global Celebrations of Bavarian Spirit
For those unable to make it to Munich, don’t despair! There are incredible Oktoberfest celebrations held around the globe, offering an opportunity to experience the tradition, fun, and culinary delights.
One of the most significant celebrations is in Hong Kong, where the Marco Polo German Bierfest brings together all the festival’s iconic features with stunning views of Hong Kong Harbour.
In the United States, Cincinnati, Ohio, hosts a massive Oktoberfest, while Blumenau, Brazil, embraces the tradition with great enthusiasm in South America.
For those seeking a more intimate and less crowded experience, the annual Spring Festival in Munich is a great alternative. Held in the same location, Theresienwiese, it features a smaller number of tents and can be an equally enjoyable celebration, especially for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
