Munich | Oktoberfest

HISTORY

On October 12, 1810, the then-Crown Prince of Bavaria—later King Ludwig I—married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

The festivities lasted for days, and a horse race was held to honor the newlyweds at the very site where the famous Oktoberfest takes place today.

The venue where the horse race was held was named Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow) in honor of the bride; today, the site is more commonly known as "Wiesn."

In the years that followed, to celebrate the royal couple's wedding anniversary, new horse races were organized. Over time, stalls featuring local agricultural products and various forms of entertainment—such as carousels and swings—began to be added, alongside the serving of beer.

The first large beer tents were introduced in 1896; prior to that, the beer-serving establishments had been merely small stalls.

Throughout its 200-year history, Oktoberfest has been cancelled only 24 times—due to wars, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies.

Today, Oktoberfest stands as the largest public festival in the world! More than six million visitors from across the globe gather here. It is incredible, vibrant, full of life, and—naturally—brimming with beer! Accompanied by traditional music, the atmosphere is truly contagious!

A full-scale amusement park, along with countless stalls offering traditional foods and handicrafts, ensures a festive experience for every visitor.

THE BAVARIAN PURITY LAW

In 1516, Wilhelm IV, Duke of Bavaria, wrote and signed the Reinheitsgebot in Ingolstadt.

The Reinheitsgebot is the world's oldest food regulation still in force, and it translates to "Purity Law."

In the Middle Ages, brewing was a highly lucrative business. However, there were unscrupulous brewers who added fruits or dubious herbs to their beer—all to take advantage of the situation.

With the adoption of this law, establishments that served poor-quality beer or engaged in dishonest practices were fined, and their beer was destroyed.

This law stipulates that the only ingredients permitted in the brewing process are malt, hops, and water. Brewer's yeast was not yet understood at the time and was only later added to the text of the law.

Thanks to this law—which regulated the production and distribution of the product—Bavarian beers quickly became renowned for their superior quality!

Long live Bavaria!

THE AUGUSTINERBRÄU BEER BARREL

Munich’s oldest brewery is Augustinerbräu, and its beer is still brewed in immense 200-liter barrels known as "Hirschen."

One of these barrels is transported to the brewery’s tent at Oktoberfest, where the beer is served directly to the public.

It is a family tradition spanning decades.

The beer is delicious and stands as the festival’s greatest attraction, widely considered to be the very best beer at Oktoberfest.

Be prepared to face long lines at the entrance to the tent!

OKTOBERFEST FOR FAMILIES

Don't think that Oktoberfest was created solely for adults thirsty for plenty of beer.

Traditionally, Tuesdays are the day reserved for families with children.

Children can have fun on the amusement park rides at half price. Inside the tents, the program for families is special, featuring plenty of entertainment and treats.

Every Tuesday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

BEER PRICES

In 2025, prices ranged from €14.50 to €15.80 for a "Mass"—that is, a one-liter stein of beer—and have been rising every year.

But take note! The steins are the property of the breweries, and taking one away is considered theft. If you would like one as a souvenir, there are various places where you can purchase a stein or other mementos.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Despite being called Oktoberfest (October Festival), the celebration concludes on the first Sunday of October. If the first Sunday falls on the 1st or 2nd of the month, the festival extends until October 3rd (German Unity Day); thus, the minimum duration is 16 days, and the maximum is 18 days.

Every year, at 12:00 PM on the first Saturday, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of Oktoberfest beer, thereby officially kicking off the festivities.

Immediately following, 12 cannon shots are fired into the air. This serves as the signal for the brewery tents to begin serving beer.

On the first Sunday, a magnificent parade featuring decorated floats and people dressed in traditional attire beckons the public to join the festivities.

In the city center, at 10:00 AM, a group of soldiers—dressed in full period costume, exactly as King Ludwig I’s soldiers once dressed—parades to the Oktoberfest grounds, paying tribute to the former kings of Bavaria. A truly unmissable spectacle!

TICKETS

Admission to the Oktoberfest grounds is free.

However, tables in the main tents are typically reserved well in advance—often by companies hosting staff gatherings—especially for the evening hours; consequently, entry may be limited.

You can attempt to reserve seats on this website by clicking on each specific tent.

My advice: arrive early and enjoy the festivities!

LOST AND FOUND

At the festival grounds, there is a lost and found department known as the Fundbüro. Approximately 4,500 items are lost at Oktoberfest each year.

It is located in the Servicezentrum (Service Center) on the Theresienwiese, situated between the Schottenhamel tents and the Bavaria monument.

FOOD

There is certainly no shortage of food at the festival.

Countless stalls are scattered throughout the Oktoberfest grounds and inside the brewery tents.

Some examples include:

Brezn: a traditional Bavarian pretzel—the perfect match for a cold beer. Inside the breweries, they are sold by "Brotfrauen" (Bread Ladies)—women dressed in traditional attire carrying huge baskets filled with fresh, warm pretzels;

Wiesnhendl: the famous roasted farm-raised chicken. More than 500,000 chickens are consumed at the festival every year;

Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick): coated in butter that makes it wonderfully crispy, and served with a pretzel;

Ochs vom Spiess (ox on a spit): need I say more? Simply delicious;

Eisbein mit Sauerkraut (pork knuckle with sauerkraut): a classic dish that is highly sought after;

Bratwurst mit Sakrueraut: sausage with sauerkraut;

Gebratene Ente: roasted duck;

Wiener Schnitzel: breaded veal or pork cutlet, Viennese style;

Leberkäse: the literal translation would be "liver cheese," although it is actually a cooked meat loaf;

Käseknödel: boiled bread dumplings filled with cheese;

Zwiebelkuchen: the delicious onion tart.

Also, get ready for some sweet treats:

Geröstete Mandeln: roasted almonds;

Lebkuchenherzen (heart-shaped gingerbread cookies): a highly popular souvenir to take home;

Apfelkuchen (apple cake): always served with vanilla cream or ice cream;

Candied fruits or fruits dipped in hot chocolate.

From Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Oktoberfest offers delicious lunches at prices that are sure to whet anyone's appetite. However, this offer is valid on weekdays only! On weekends, regular prices apply.

TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

Want to look your best at the party? Then let's talk traditional costumes!

For the ladies, there is the Dirndl—lace-trimmed dresses accompanied by a charming apron.

The Dirndl was created in the 19th century for young peasant women as workwear. The word "Dirn" means "young girl" in Bavarian, and these sexy dresses—featuring a generous neckline—certainly turned the young men's heads.

Later, among the bourgeois middle class, the Dirndl became a major fashion trend, and it was worn by respectable ladies of good families.

Dirndls range in price from €120.00 to €250.00 for the dress alone. The blouse, apron, and other accessories can add up to over €250.00!

For the men, there are Lederhosen (leather breeches)—also originally workwear for peasants. A complete outfit—including the leather breeches, shirt, shoes, and hat—ranges from €200.00 to €2,000.00.

In Munich, you will find various shops where you can purchase traditional attire, such as Kerstins or Indra.