Oktoberfest is probably Europe’s most famous and all time favorite festival. As most of us know, it is an iconic beer festival that draws everyone to one destination – MUNICH.

The Munich Oktoberfest

The Munich Oktoberfest

The festival starts with a big bang on the last week of September – usually 20thand is open to public for almost 18 days, non-stop from morning until late in the evening. The first ever Oktoberfest originated in Munich on the 12th of October 1810, to mark the wedding of Prince Ludwig with Princess Therese. All the citizens were invited to be part of the festivities put together on the fields in the heart of the city. Hence the festival is also called Wiesn (meaning grass) in Germany. People are dressed in the traditional Bavarian attire – lederhosen for men and Dirndls for the ladies.

Guide to the Munich Oktoberfest

If this is your very first time at the world famous Munich Oktoberfest, then fret not, because below is thesurvival guide that will help you enjoy the festivities with vigor.

  1. Firstly, as a traveler, make sure you get your bookings to the festival on time. You can also book your tables at your favorite tent. If you are planning on catching a glimpse of the opening ceremony then Schottenhamel tent is the place to be. Reach before 8 am to catch a glimpse of the Mayor opening the first keg amidst lot of fanfare and loud cheering.
  2. It is wise to reach the tents by 12 am on weekdays, and on weekends arrive by 10 am.
  3. All the major beer manufacturers set up tents at this festival. Make sure to book your favorite tent for the day. They do not cost much but coupons for food and beer are sold very early in the day. So be the first one to get there.
  4. The portions of beer are in glass of 1 liter. Keep cash on you because that is what the beer tenders accept here.
  5. Make sure you tip the Frauleins – girls who serve beer. If you happen to be rude or do not tip them then you will not find them visiting your table again. A euro per beer is the norm.
  6. Be wise and do not go dressed on your best clothes. The chances of ruining them are more as spillage happens more often than not.
  7. If visiting with family, then it is worth noting that Tuesdays are family days. On this day, special foods, rides and liquor are served at all tents at discounted prices.
  8. Using public transport may be a good idea to avoid parking difficulties. They are also faster and convenient.

There are different tents designated for people with different interests. Here is a ready reckoner:

  • Hippodrom & Käfers Wies’n-Schänke – popular tents for youngsters and singles
  • Augustinerzelt, Braurosl and Ochsenbraterei – tents that entertain people the traditional way.
  • Armbrustschützen – tent specific for Paulaner beer lovers.
  • Hofbräu Festhalle – is popular among American and Austrian tourists as it serves veritable Bavarian food and liquor.
  • Schützen-Festzelt – here you can savor traditional Bavarian style pork with your favorite beer.
  • Weinzelt – that serves wine of all varieties.
  • Fischer-Vroni – is a place to savor fish delicacies.
  •  A finally, do try and memorize the official Oktober fest song – “Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit… to join the crowd in raising the toast every hour.

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