Oktoberfest is legendary.
The annual German holiday has many facsimiles around the world — but there’s nothing like sitting in a Munich beer tent during one of the largest festivals on the planet.
You’re going to eat, drink, and be merry in Munich, no doubt about it.
But before you prost, be prepared: these are the key things to know about Oktoberfest.
Image Credit: Getty Images, kzenon.
What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest dates back to 1810 when it celebrated the marriage of Prince Ludwig I with a five-day festival ending in a horse race. The race was repeated annually, with booths serving food and drink added as the years went on. Eventually, the horse racing was ditched as the booths became tents and the carnival rides made their way into the grounds.
When is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is an annual two-week festival beginning in mid-to-late-September and typically ending on the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest 2024 in Munich takes place from noon on Saturday, September 21, and ends on Sunday, October 6.
Why is Oktoberfest in September?
Although the first Oktoberfest happened in October, the festival was later pushed back to begin in September purely for weather reasons. Attend one and you’ll agree that longer hours of daylight and warmer weather make for a more enjoyable outdoor experience.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Harald Nachtmann. Image location: Munich, Germany
Where is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest was born in Bavaria and Munich continues to be the epicenter of the event. Of course, Oktoberfest is celebrated around Germany so you’ll find other celebrations (though nowhere near the same size and scale) in other cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Hamburg.
Oktoberfest in Munich is still celebrated in the once-empty area called "Theresienwiese", or “Therese’s Meadow", which is in the present-day Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district. Theresienwiese is located outside of the Ruhmeshalle; you could walk there from Old Town, but you’ll save time by taking the U3 or U6 to Goetheplatz.
How to get to Oktoberfest in Munich by train
Getting to Oktoberfest in Munich from other European cities requires no designated driver. You can take the train from virtually any European city, and yes, that even includes London, England. Think we’ve had a beer stein too many with a cross continent train ride? Think again.
🇨🇭 Zurich HB to Munich Hbf: from 3h 31m
🇩🇪 Berlin Südkreuz to Munich Hbf: from 3h 42m
🇫🇷 Paris Gare de l’Est to Munich Hbf: from 6h 3m
🇬🇧 London St. Pancras to Munich Hbf: from 9h 15m
🇳🇱 Amsterdam-Centraal to Munich Hbf: from 7h 28m
Which train station is nearest to Oktoberfest in Munich?
The two train stations nearest to Oktoberfest in Munich are München Hbf and Heimeranplatz, which are each a five-minute cab ride from Theresienwiese. The closest U-bahn stations to Theresienwiese are Theresienwiese, which serves the U4 and U5 lines, and Goetheplatz, which serves the U3 and U6 lines. München Hbf connects to the U4 and U5 lines so the most direct way to get to Oktoberfest via rail would be taking the train to Munich HBF then the U4 to Goetheplatz.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
How to get from Munich airport to the city center?
The S-Bahn train lines run between Munich airport and Munich HBF in the city center in 10-minute intervals, getting you to the heart of Oktoberfest in less than an hour. The S1 and S8 lines stop at Terminal 1 and 2 in Flughafen München, continuing on to multiple stops in and around Munich. Both the S1 and S8 lines run to the Ostbahnof station as well.
Do you need a ticket for Oktoberfest in Munich?
No, you do not need a ticket for Oktoberfest in Munich. You’re welcome to walk right into the festivities for free without any admission ticket. You can also stroll into a tent and sit down at a table. The lone exception is the Oide Wiesn area which requires admission. The beer, the food, and the rides? Those you need to pay for.
How to book table reservations in the tent
Entry into the festival tents is free and a certain percentage of tables are available first come, first served. Reservations in the tents are free, too, but it’s not a bad idea to reserve a whole table if you’re rolling up to the fest with a large group. You will need to purchase food and beverage vouchers in advance. There are more than 30 tents, plus outdoor bier gardens, so don’t stress too much.
How to get into a tent without a reservation
Getting into a tent without a reservation at Oktoberfest isn’t the difficult part; finding a seat, though, is. Although many tents keep tables open without reservation required, tents can close at any time due to overcrowding. You can enter any open tent and sit down at an unreserved table if it’s available.
Image Credit: Getty Images, golero.
How much is a stein of beer at Oktoberfest in Munich?
The official price for a stein of beer at Oktoberfest in Munich ranges between €13.60 and €15.30, depending on which tent you drink at. A stein of beer is a liter and 2024’s prices aren’t much more expensive than 2023’s range of €12.60 and €14.90. Compared to some pubs in Munich, which range between €7.70 and €12.80, a stein of beer at Oktoberfest is more expensive. You’ll need cash for many of the tents so consider bringing €50 to €100 in cash for food, drinks, and rides. Don’t worry, ATMs are also available if you’ve got a mighty thirst.
See also: Guide to the best German beers
What is the drinking age at Oktoberfest in Munich?
The drinking age for Oktoberfest in Munich follows Germany’s drinking laws: you must be at least 18 for spirits and at least 16 to drink beer or wine. With a parent’s permission and presence, a 14 and 15 year old can drink “kinderbier” in Germany, but not at Oktoberfest; only 16 and older can drink at Oktoberfest, but they must be ready to show proof of age.
With teenages roaming the festival area, an appropriate follow-up question is to ask if children are allowed in the beer tents at Oktoberfest. Oktoberfest is a cultural celebration for the whole family, all ages included. After 8pm, children under the age of 6 are not allowed in the tents. Also, after 6pm, you cannot have a stroller on the grounds.
Is it better to go at the beginning or end of Oktoberfest?
Choosing when to go to Oktoberfest depends on what all you want to see, do, and experience. The beginning of Oktoberfest has parades, and like any multi-day event you’ve ever been to, the start is quite a celebration. If you’re coming for the crowds, either of the weekends will see the tables packed. If you visit during the end of Oktoberfest, don’t miss the traditional gun salute finale on the final day.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Michelangelo Gratton. Image Location: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
What happens during Oktoberfest in Munich?
Oktoberfest in Munich is more than just a humongous beer garden. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during Munich’s annual festival:
- Tents are pitched: Around 40 tents, large and small, pop up around the grounds. Large tents like the cozy Marstall Festzelt, the meat-packed Ochsenbraterei, and groovy Kufflers Weinzelt draw in the largest crowds. Smaller tents are best for foodies: you’ll find Bavarian cake at Wiesn Guglhupf and coffee in Café Theres’. Some tents are best for foodies: you’ll find Bavarian cake at Wiesn Guglhupf and coffee in Café Theres’.
- Breweries bring out their best: At Oktoberfest, only six of Munich’s breweries are represented. They are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner und Spaten.
- Attractions amaze: Munich Oktoberfest features attractions like rides, games, and novelty booths. The giant Willenborg’s Ferris wheel and the Wellenflug carousel are among the most popular. Oktoberfest also has the world’s largest transportable roller coaster, the tallest mobile drop tower in the world, and the planet’s tallest mobile giant swing ride.
- Events to engage: Throughout Oktoberfest, multiple events line the calendar. The first day hosts a kick-off parade, while the costume and hunters’ parade takes place days later. The first day also has the official opening and tapping ceremony. This year’s Oktoberfest will also have a church service in the Marstall festival tent, the landlords’ concert on the second Sunday, and a traditional gun salute on the final day.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany
The perfect Oktoberfest Munich trip itinerary
You’ll be one of two visitors to Munich in Oktoberfest: a person who spends most of their trip in the tents or a person who adds a spot at the table to a longer list of Bavarian activities. You can spend as many days as available at Oktoberfest, but we think three days is perfect.
One day should be for a special event. Come at the beginning of Oktoberfest to watch the parade, attend church service midway through, or listen to the live landlords’ concert on the second Sunday.
A second day should be dedicated to the daily experience of Oktoberfest. Show up and jump right into the festivities. Eat, drink, be merry, and spend a few tokens on the rides.
The third day should be laid-back and casual. Maybe it’s one last beer before you got to the airport; maybe it’s visiting early on a weekday so you can skip the long queues and ride all of the rides you missed on the weekend.
Hotels within walking distance of Oktoberfest
The last thing you need with wobbly legs and a bladder full of beer is to have a long cab or U-bahn ride back to your hotel. The closest hotels within walking distance of Oktoberfest get you into your room before you dribble in your dirndl.
- Hotel Augustin is located in Bavariapark, so the only way you can stay closer to Oktoberfest is to pass out in a tent.
- Hotel ARS Vivendi München is behind the festival grounds, making it a true “sleeper” pick, since many visitors will look for more central hotels.
- Hotel Pension Haydn is a straight shot into Theresienwiese; some of the rooms have shared bathrooms, just so you know.
- Sofitel Munich Bayerpost is a 2km walk from Oktoberfest, so while a bit farther, it’s near Munich Hbf and is a swanky five-star hotel that’s worth the extra footsteps.
Top things to do near Oktoberfest Munich
Oktoberfest is an excellent reason to visit Munich, but it’s not the only attraction they’ve got on tap. There are other things to see around Munich and Bavaria, whether you’re visiting for Oktoberfest or just exploring Germany’s largest state.
- Tour the Beer and Oktoberfest Museum: Well isn’t that convenient, a whole museum dedicated to Oktoberfest right at the site of Oktoberfest, open year-round.
- Sip a beer in a 16th-century beer hall: Hofbräuhaus is the famous seat-yourself beer hall where you’ll rub elbows with an international crowd.
- See BMWs of the past and future: The BMW Welt and BMW Museum are a short subway ride from the city center. Maybe a new car won’t fit in your carry-on, but there are other stylish souvenirs you can take home.
- Watch surfers carve an endless river wave: In the English Garden, brave waveriders surf the man-made Eisbach Wave no matter the temperature.
- Visit the castle that inspired Walt Disney: Gaze at Neuschwanstein Castle and you’ll see why Disney couldn’t resist borrowing its design for the House of Mouse’s fictitious castles.
- Explore Bavaria’s medieval towns and alpine trails: From the stone bridges of Franconia to the Via Alpina hiking trail that cuts through 8 countries, there’s so much to see and do outside of Munich.
Where to go after Oktoberfest?
Dream bigger than the beer tents of Oktoberfest during your visit. Take a day trip from Munich to another Bavarian hot spot like Füssen, home to the Disney-esque Neuschwanstein Castle, to Ingolstadt where Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is set, or across the Austrian border to Salzburg for a Sound of Music tour.
Or keep your buzz going with a trip to Bamberg for smoked beer.
Download the Trainline app and use it as your DD for celebrating Oktoberfest. You can buy and store your tickets for Germany right on the app, giving you one less thing to carry in your lederhosen.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Nikada. Image Location: Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany