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Welcome to Munich, where the beer is cold, the pretzels are warm, and the spirit of celebration reaches its peak at Oktoberfest! If you’re planning your first trip to this legendary festival, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. From the lively beer tents to the traditional Bavarian attire, Oktoberfest is a unique blend of culture, history, and fun.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together this guide with essential tips for first-timers, including how to stay active while enjoying all that Munich has to offer. This is part one of our ultimate guide to Oktoberfest, focusing on the beer tents. You’ll find out what else the festival has to offer, in part two here.
Contents:
- What is Oktoberfest?
Essential Tips for first-timers - When to go?
- Navigating the beer tents
- What to eat and drink?
- Useful beer tent vocabulary
- Oktoberfest safety
What is Oktoberfest?
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Oktoberfest (known simply as Wiesn to the locals) is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting over 6.5 million visitors who drink around 7 million litres of beer over two weeks starting in late September and usually ending on the first weekend of October.
It origins date back to a horse race that took place in October 1810 to honor the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The locals had so much fun that it became an annual tradition, slowly developing into the beer festival we enjoy today.
The festival grounds, known as the Theresienwiese and named after Princess Therese, are divided into three main areas: the beer tents, the fun fair, and the Old Wiesn (historical Oktoberfest). Food stalls are dotted throughout, offering traditional Bavarian treats.
When to go?
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Oktoberfest runs for just over two weeks, but not all days have the same atmosphere. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, visiting during weekdays is a good idea, especially in early in the day. Tuesday is designated as Family Day until 7 p.m., offering special bargains for children and families, making it an ideal time for those visiting with little ones. Additionally, beer tents are generally cheaper until 3 p.m. and often have lunchtime special offers on food.
If you’re after a lively atmosphere, be sure to check out the second weekend, also known as the “Italian Weekend.” This is when thousands of Italians traditionally flock to Munich, bringing a lot of energy and excitement to the festival. However, it’s also the busiest weekend, so be prepared for larger crowds.
To help plan your visit, the official Oktoberfest website offers a handy Oktoberfest Barometer that shows the busiest and quietest times during the festival.
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Which tent to choose?
Oktoberfest boasts 14 large beer tents, each with its own unique atmosphere. If you’re a first-timer or an international guest, the Hofbräu-Festzelt is likely to be your go-to, known for its lively, party-like vibe and bustling energy. For those looking for a more authentic local experience, the Augustiner-Festhalle is a favorite among Munich residents, offering a cozy atmosphere with beer served from traditional wooden kegs.
One of our personal favorites is Fischer Vroni, where you can enjoy delicious grilled fish (Steckerlfisch) in a rather unique tent where the band plays from a ship built right in the middle. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, Ochsenbraterei is the place to be, famous for its roast ox dishes and a surprisingly excellent vegan menu, all washed down with Spaten beer.
And of course, we need to make a special mention of the Schottenhamel tent, where every year, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg, marking the start of the festivities with the traditional cry of “O’zapft is!”.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended if you want to guarantee a seat, especially for groups in the more popular tents or during peak times like evenings and weekends. Tables are usually reserved for groups of 10 or more people, and reservations typically require a minimum spend on food and drinks to be paid upfront. Reservations can usually be made online in the Spring for the following Oktoberfest.
That said, you don’t necessarily need a reservation to enjoy Oktoberfest. All tents (except for Weinzelt and Käfer) have non-reserved tables available. Here are a few tips to help you find a free seat:
Arrive Early: Getting to the tents early – ideally by lunchtime – greatly increases your chances of securing a spot.
Be Friendly and Ask: It’s common for people to share tables at Oktoberfest. If you see an open seat, don’t hesitate to ask if it’s free – most people will be happy to make room.
Avoid Peak Times: If possible, avoid the busiest times, such as Friday and Saturday evenings, when finding a seat can be particularly challenging.
Note that if the tents need to prevent overcrowding, they’ll close the main entrances at first. Usually, it’s better to check the side entrances in the beer gardens.
What to eat and drink?
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Each tent serves beer from one of Munich’s six major breweries: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. In fact, only beer from these six breweries can be served! The beer is brewed specifically for the festival, with a slightly higher alcohol content (around 6%), and is known as Märzen – a darker, stronger lager that starts brewing in March and ages over the summer.
All beer at Oktoberfest must comply with the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) of 1516, ensuring it’s made with just water, malt, hops, and yeast—one reason why Munich beer tastes so delicious! It’s served in hefty one-liter mugs called “Maß.” For a lighter option, you can try a Radler, a refreshing mix of beer and lemonade, or opt for the alcohol-free beer that many tents now offer.
While beer is the star, the food offerings at Oktoberfest are just as important. Bavarian cuisine includes hearty dishes like roast chicken (Hendl), pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe), and giant pretzels (Brezen). And don’t forget to check out the Lebkuchen (gingerbread) hearts – decorated cookies often inscribed with messages that make a great souvenir or gift.
Useful Beer Tent Vocabulary
To really impress the locals and make the most of your time in the beer tents, here are five essential phrases to know:
“I moag die Wiesn.” – I like Oktoberfest (the Wiesn).
If you want to fit in, don’t call it Oktoberfest—locals know it as “die Wiesn.” A phrase like this will endear you to the Bavarian crowd.
“A Maß, bitte.” – A liter of beer, please.
This is the proper way to order your beer, referring to the one-liter glass as a “Maß.”
“Ist dieser Platz frei?” – Is this seat free?
Perfect for finding a spot at crowded tables.
“Bitte, Danke, Entschuldigung” – Please, Thank you, Excuse me.
Knowing these simple etiquette words will go a long way in the beer tents.
“Prost!” – Cheers!
Raise your glass and shout this with fellow Oktoberfest-goers every time the band strikes up a lively tune. Which brings to…the Prosit Song:
This song has been played regularly in the beer tents since 1902 to toast good times and togetherness. The band often introduces the song by shouting “Kruge hoch!” (Raise your glasses!) and then this phrase is sung three times:
“Ein Prosit, ein Prosit, der Gemütlichkeit!”
(A toast, a toast, to cheer and good times!)
After that, everyone joins in for the countdown: “Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!” – One, two, three… drink! before taking a hearty sip. Here’s a example from the Hofbräu Festzelt so you can get the idea.
Oktoberfest Safety
Oktoberfest is a fun and lively event, but with large crowds and plenty of alcohol, it’s important to stay mindful of safety.
Like all crowded areas, keep a close eye on your belongings – it’s a good idea to carry essentials like your money, mobile phone, keys, and hotel address on your person to avoid losing them, or if the tent is closed for overcrowding and you can’t get back in. And remember, only small bags are allowed into the festival grounds. If you’re carrying something larger, you can usually leave it at a luggage storage near the main entrance.
The beer at Oktoberfest is stronger than usual, and served in litres, so pace yourself and remember to eat and drink plenty of water throughout the day. While the beer tents charge for water, free drinking water is provided by ten fountains dotted about the Theresienwiese, for example neat the entrance and the toilet facilities.
Most importantly, disrespectful behavior, can get you kicked out of the tent, this includes standing on the tables (on the benches is allowed) and drinking your Maß of beer in one go.
For women and girls, this website provides some great safety tips. In particular, there is a designated Safe Space below the Bavaria Statue near the police station, providing support if needed.
Finally, it’s usually best to go with a group. Make sure that you have a designated meeting point if you get separated and that you plan a safe way to get home. Munich’s public transportation system operates extended hours during Oktoberfest, making it a reliable option.
Staying active during Oktoberfest
Staying active during Oktoberfest is easy, with Munich offering plenty of opportunities for running or walking, especially in the beautiful Englischer Garten or along the Isar River. If you’d like to combine fitness with sightseeing, consider joining one of our guided running tours to explore the city while keeping up with your routine.
Conclusion
Whether you’re raising a Maß in the beer tents or running through Munich’s scenic parks, we hope you have an unforgettable time at Oktoberfest. Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and Prost to a great adventure!