Munich Oktoberfest

Resources & Information:

• Official Site:  Munich Oktoberfest
• What is it?:  An annual event since 1810, it's a German folk festival featuring large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer, amusement rides, games, and traditional foods
• Dates: September - October 
• Location:  Munich, Germany
• Beers:  Only beer conforming to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law) and brewed within the city of Munich can be served at Oktoberfest (there are 6 local breweries that qualify).
• Beer Tents:  They're FREE and you don't need a reservation to get into any of the 14 beer tents, but you should plan on getting there early.  Once they're full, you won't be able to enter, and they can fill as early as 11am on weekends.
• Food:  Traditional foods include Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstl (sausages) along with Brezen (pretzel), Knödel (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkohl/Blaukraut (red cabbage).  

Accommodations & Getting Around:

• Planning -- You should start planning your trip at least 4-5 months in advance (April / May timeframe) - everything will be booked by end of July.  The second week will be a little less crowded than the first week, and weekdays are much better than weekends.
• All Options -- Look at all options including budget hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation home rentals, and family & friends.  We suggest trying AirBnB.
• Getting Around -- Since traffic and parking will be a nightmare, try to take public transportation - the Suburban Train (S-Bahn) or Underground (U-Bahn) are best, or walk if you're lucky enough to be close by.

General Tips:

• Which Tents? -- Each tent has its own unique characteristics, but the good news is that they all provide the same overall experience, so choose whichever ones you can get into.
• What to Bring -- Cash (plan about 50 Euros per person for beer, food & transportation), Money belt, Good walking shoes, Traditional garb (lederhosen for guys & dirndls for ladies).  Do NOT bring valuables, purses, or silly Oktoberfest hats.
• Bathrooms -- There are plenty of rest rooms but expect to wait about 5 - 10 minutes for men and 15 - 20 minutes for women at peak times.
• Pace yourself -- Try not to get too drunk, don't dance on the tables, and always be polite  
• Language -- Most tents will have English menus, but a few key German words will come in handy - Danke (Thank you), Bitte (Please) & Prost! (Cheers!)

• Have Fun! -- Dance with the locals, Eat & drink the local cuisine, & Embrace the culture!