Testing out beer all day, hanging out with mates and eating all pretzels your heart desires – it’s a tough life for traveller Stephanie Hower, who comes to us this week direct from Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest has been a part of Bavarian culture for over 200 years, but today, the ‘Wiesn’ as it’s locally known, truly brings the world together, with over 7 million people entering the gates in Munich each year.
If you’re planning to attend, here are a few tips fresh from this year’s recent opening weekend to help you make the most of your Oktoberfest experience:
1. BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION OR TOUR EARLY
Image: Clay Banks/Unsplash
It’s the busiest time of the year in Munich, so avoid punishing your wallet or settling for a hotel out of town by planning in advance. Many tour operators also offer exciting packages for Oktoberfest, but these also tend to fill quickly. Best to get your place locked in ASAP.
2. LOOK THE PART
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Dress in a traditional Dirndl or Lederhosen. The majority of people attending will do the same, so embrace the Bavarian spirit!
Last minute shopper? There are plenty of pop-up and permanent stores around Munich which sell these, with countless colours, styles and price ranges to choose from. Alternatively, try your luck at a second-hand shop (and find a bargain!).
3. PREPARE TO QUEUE
Brace yourself for the crowds, especially if you’re going on a weekend. It’s not really necessary to arrive hours before gates open, but you may find yourself waiting some time for a table in a beer tent or amongst long lines for food and rides. The best advice is to go with the flow on the day.
Head to the beer gardens if you can’t get a spot on a table inside a tent – the atmosphere is just as exciting and even better when the sun’s out!
4. DOWNLOAD THE OKTOBERFEST APP
Yes! There is now an app you can use to find your exact location within the grounds, search where you want to go, where to eat and what to do at the festival. It even gives you a live capacity update of each beer tent!
5. TRY THE LOCAL BREW
Image: Quentin Dr/Unsplash
Even if you’re not usually a beer drinker, be sure to try the Bier at your chosen tent. This year, prices vary between €10.70-€11.50 per Mass/Stein, with Radler (shandy) or non-alcoholic options also usually available. It’s a beer festival after all!
6. LEARN THE WORDS TO ‘EIN PROSIT’
This is the German song played regularly throughout the day and translates in English to “A Toast”. You’ll be singing it a lot in the beer tents, so get yourself familiar with the lyrics beforehand!
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- READ: What a typical day at Oktoberfest looks like…