Oktoberfest

What to Expect at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the largest and most famous beer festival on Earth — a 16-to-18-day extravaganza held annually from mid/late September through the first weekend in October on the Theresienwiese in Munich. Drawing 6 to 7 million visitors from around the globe, it's a spectacle on a scale matched by nothing else in Bavaria. Six massive beer tents — each capable of holding 5,000 to 10,000 people — are operated by Munich's legendary "Big Six" breweries: Augustiner, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Spaten, Löwenbräu, and Hofbräu.

Inside the tents, expect a deafening mix of oompah music, singing, clinking Maß glasses, and the occasional burst of confetti. Outside, the festival features over 200 fairground rides and attractions, including the famous Olympia Looping roller coaster. Traditional Bavarian food abounds: Hendl (half roast chicken, ~€14-€16), Schweinebraten (roast pork, ~€18-€20), Brezn (giant pretzels, ~€6-€8), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish, ~€10-€12), and of course, Maß of beer at €13–€15 each.

Most visitors come in Tracht — traditional Bavarian clothing: Lederhosen (leather shorts) for men and Dirndl (dresses with aprons) for women. If you don't own Tracht, don't worry — plenty of shops in Munich rent or sell authentic and modern versions.

Getting There

The Theresienwiese is in central Munich, directly accessible via U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 (station: Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhöhe). S-Bahn stations Hackerbrücke and München Hauptbahnhof are also within walking distance (about 10–15 minutes). During Oktoberfest, Munich's public transport (MVV) runs extended service until the early morning hours. Driving is not recommended — parking is nearly impossible and expensive. If you're staying overnight, book accommodations months in advance.

Nearby Attractions

• Marienplatz & Neues Rathaus: Munich's central square with the iconic Glockenspiel — just 15 minutes on foot or one U-Bahn stop.
• BMW Welt & Museum: About 20 minutes north of the Theresienwiese by U-Bahn.
• Nymphenburg Palace: A stunning baroque palace with extensive gardens, accessible via tram or S-Bahn.
• Viktualienmarkt: Munich's famous open-air food market — perfect for stocking up on cheese, bread, and local delicacies before heading to the fest.

Beer Pricing & Local History

Beer at Oktoberfest costs €13–€15 per Maß in 2024/2025, making it the most expensive beer festival in Bavaria. However, you're paying for the quality: only beer brewed within Munich's city limits by the Big Six and meeting the strict Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) can be served at Oktoberfest.

The festival's origins date back to October 12, 1810, when Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Munich were invited to celebrate on the fields in front of the city gates — the area was subsequently named Theresienwiese in honor of the bride. What began as a single day of horse races has grown into the world's largest folk festival. While weekend tents require reservations months (sometimes a year) in advance, there are always open seats available on weekdays and in the early afternoon, and the outer festival areas (the "Oide Wiesn" heritage section and food stalls) don't require any booking.