10 Reasons to Visit Oktoberfest in Munich

The authentic Oktoberfest, located in Munich, Germany, is the world’s largest folk festival. A Bavarian tradition since 1810, nearly six million people visit this annual fair. Other cities around the world celebrate Oktoberfest, but nothing is like the original in Munich. Despite its name, this 16-day festival actually starts at the end of September, so make sure to mark your calendars properly!

The first Oktoberfest was held to commemorate the wedding of Bavarian Prince Ludwig to Therese. This large wedding celebration turned into an annual event, which has now developed into the largest festival in the world. Today, the festival grounds are named Theresienwiese, in honor of Prince Ludwig’s bride.

Oktoberfest hosts 14 giant beer tents that can hold thousands of beer drinkers at a time. Outside the tents are beer gardens that hold even more people, carnival rides, and attractions to keep visitors busy between drinking and eating. Traditional Oktoberfest beers from Munich’s six breweries (Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten) are toasted amongst happy festivalgoers.

My husband and I met at Oktoberfest and traveling to Oktoberfest is a journey I’ve made six times and can’t wait to visit again. Here are ten reasons why you should add Oktoberfest in Munich to your bucket list:

1. The Big Beers

Prost! If you’re a beer lover, Oktoberfest is a must. Oktoberfest is famous for its liters of beers. The beer at Oktoberfest is a beautiful deep golden color, with a crisp and clean finish. Even if you’re not a beer lover, any traveler can appreciate the amount of fun Oktoberfest can bring.

Munich’s breweries brew a special blend made specifically for consumption at the festival each year. These unique beers are spectacular and easy to drink. Beers at Oktoberfest are typically 6% ABV, a whole percentage higher than the standard drink of Munich beer halls the rest of the year.

2. The Tradition

Oktoberfest has been celebrated for over two centuries. It’s an important part of Bavarian culture. Each year, Bavarians and tourists alike come together to indulge in the traditional delicacies, wear dirndl and lederhosen, drink strong beers, and sing folk music. Do you have your Bavarian lederhosen or dirndl yet? I posted my Oktoberfest outfit on Instagram! Follow me!

3. The Food

Yes, it’s true – Oktoberfest is about beer. But, it’s also about the food. I crave Oktoberfest food! Traditional dishes inside the tents at Oktoberfest are hendl (roast chicken – my favorite!), kässpätzle (cheesy noodles), steckerlfisch (grilled fish), knödel (potato dumplings), and weisswurst (white sausages). Outside of the tents, brezn (pretzels), käsekrainer (cheese sausages), and other street-style food is sold. I love to get a käsekrainer on my way into (and out) of the tents. It’s good to have some food to help soak up all that beer!

4. The People

Oktoberfest is a Bavarian tradition, but people worldwide come to Munich to celebrate too. At Oktoberfest, I’ve partied with a rowdy group of Danish lads, sweet Swiss folks, loud Germans, and Colombians – I still keep in contact with many of these folks. It’s a riot.

5. The Vibe and Pure Joy

There is absolutely no way to describe the vibe at Oktoberfest. The live music is upbeat and loud, the tasty beer is flowing, there’s an aroma of traditional Bavarian food, and everyone is smiling and happy (minus the few that have had a bit too much to drink). You’ve simply got to experience and see it – I’m positive you’ll have a smile on your face too.

You’ll never leave Oktoberfest without a smile on your face.

6. The Festzelte

Oktoberfest’s tents, or the Festzelte, are nearly indescribable. They’re colorfully decorated, spacious, festive, and filled with people who are singing and celebrating together. Seeing the eclectic mix of people joined together and happy is beautiful. If you don’t have table reservations, make sure to arrive at the tents early – a seat is required to obtain beers. No seat? No beer.

7. The Music

There’s something to be said about seeing 10,000 people in an Oktoberfest beer tent coming together in unison and singing songs. At my first Oktoberfest in 2013, I had no idea what the German music was saying, but I was definitely trying to sing along to the tune. It’s contagious.

8. The Carnival

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest fair – of course there are rides! The Ferris wheel is the main attraction, but plenty of other carnival-type rides are sprawled throughout the festival grounds. Don’t forget to purchase your ride tickets in advance!

9. The Wine Tent

Don’t like beer? At Oktoberfest, there is truly something for everyone. Head to the wine tent for an entirely different drink offering and atmosphere.

10. The City and Surrounding Areas

Munich itself is absolutely stunning and there are many things to do (other than Oktoberfest). Some of the most popular things to do are visiting the Munich Residenz, wandering around Marienplatz, strolling around Olymipiapark, or visiting one of the many museums.

If you’re trying to keep up the beer theme, make sure to check out the original Hofbräuhaus in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

Random Oktoberfest Facts

• In 2019, 750 passports, 580 wallets, and 460 mobile phones were turned into lost and found.
• You’re not allowed to take your beer stein home with you. Security will stop you and confiscate the stein.
• “Ein Prosit” is the most celebrated Oktoberfest song. If you’re going to learn any German song, this is probably the most important.
• The absolute best souvenir at Oktoberfest is the large stone stein. Each year, a different artsy Oktoberfest design is made, making your purchase a collector’s item.

Where to Stay in Munich

• Our Top Pick: 25 Hours the Royal Bavarian
  • This quirky and design-forward hotel features comfy beds and is located within walking distance of Oktoberfest’s main entrance.
    • What We Loved: The hotel’s unique design and edginess make it a fun and memorable stay. The service is excellent.
    • What You Should Know: Rooms are on the smaller side, with prices skyrocketing during seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest. We’d recommend booking in advance!
• Luxury Stays in Munich:
  • Rocco Forte The Charles and the Mandarin Oriental are the city’s most luxurious accommodations for travelers who are looking to pamper themselves after a day at Oktoberfest.
• Budget-Friendly City Picks:
  • Both the Cocoon Stachus and Cocoon Hauptbahnhof are situated in Munich City Center – just make sure you input the correct address into Google Maps when you’re navigating home after a few beers.
• Points Earners:
  • To stay in centrally-located accommodations, Hyatt loyalists will want to opt for the Andaz Hotel while Marriot Bonvoy members should book the Le Meridien.

What else is there to do around Munich?

The Lower Alps Region
The Bavarian Alps region is a land of mountain splendor and beautiful blue lakes. Whether you’re an outdoorsy person or not, this area of Germany is guaranteed to capture your heart. After spending a few days in the bustling city of Munich, escaping to this peaceful countryside enables travelers to recover from the long days and late nights at Oktoberfest.

Schloss Hohenschwangau
Adorable Hohenschwangau Castle is the beautiful Gothic Revival childhood home of former King Ludwig II and was built in the 19th century. Often overlooked for nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, I recommend not missing it while visiting Bavaria.

Schloss Neuschwanstein
Opened to the public in 1886, Bavaria’s Ludwig II never got to reside in this fairytale castle because of his untimely death. It is located near Füssen and was paid for with Ludwig’s fortune, rather than public funding. This gorgeous castle is rumored to have served as the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Eagles’s Nest
Hitler’s former Eagles Nest still sits atop a Bavarian Mountain peak near Berchtesgaden. Today, it’s transformed into a restaurant with insane views of the surrounding mountains.

Where to Stay in the Lower Alps Region?

• Our Top Picks:
  • Hotel Helmerhof: This cute hotel boasts sweeping views of the Bavarian countryside and the staff is so welcoming, you feel like family.
  • Ameron Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort and Spa: Situated right next to Schloss Hohenschwangau, this swan-themed hotel features large rooms and is within walking distance of many of the area’s main attractions.