THE ESSENTIALS
What is Oktoberfest?
Quite simply, its the biggest beer festival in the world. It originated more than 200 years ago in early 19th century. It began as a private festival and soon became open for public. Annually, it millions of visitors from around the world attend the festival.
When is Oktoberfest?
The festival generally starts on the third weekend in September and finishes by the first weekend in October. It generally runs for 16 days.
Where is Oktoberfest?
At Theresienwiese in Munich.
How much does Oktoberfest cost?
All beer jugs cost €10 each while food and snacks vary in price from €2-15. Remember, the German beers generally contain 6-8% alcohol and thus are stronger than your average beer. The rotisserie chicken at the tents is overpriced but is a good buy if you don't want to risk getting back into the tent. The food outside in the stalls is much cheaper.
How many days should I visit Oktoberfest?
For as long or as little as you like. Generally, the locals visit Oktoberfest grounds for a day while the tourists tend to stay much longer, letting their enthusiasm get the better of them. Stay as long as your mind and liver can handle Oktoberfest. If you are looking at getting the experience of Oktoberfest, few hours to a day is more than enough. If however, you would like to completely immerse yourself in this age old Bavarian festival you would be looking at spending couple or so days.
When and where should I book my accomodation?
ASAP. Oktoberfest gets millions of visitors through its gates and people start looking and booking accomodation as soon as the festival is finished, Get in early to live in accomodation close to the ground
How do you get to the ground?
Theresienwiese is easily accessible by car, foot or by public transport and the easiest way to get there is by getting off at the München Hauptbahnhof, the central train station. Look at the map below for further info.
What time should I get to the grounds?
On the opening day, the grounds get enormously full so for the ones who are interested in sitting inside the tents, make sure to arrive early at 7 am and line up in queue waiting patiently for the tents to open at 9 am. For all others and on other days, arrive leisurely at 9 am to find yourself a table inside one of the many large or small tents.
Is it safe?
The festival is very well managed and fun. Simply put, don't go looking for trouble else trouble will find you.
What time do the grounds open and close daily?
Opening day the beer stalls open at 12 pm and the following days either at 9 or 10 am. They close at approximately 10:30 pm.
WHAT I DID...
Having arrived from Berlin via Air Berlin at 11 pm, I got to my backpacker accomodation in Laim and slumped asleep in the bed by 1 am. In the train, one of the locals informed me to get up early in the morning to have a chance to get inside the tent. When I got there at around & am, I unwittingly and unknowingly went to the biggest and most important tent., Schottenhamel. and stood in the single biggest line I have ever stood in. At 9 am, the tents were opened, but nothing much changed in the massive as it took two-three hours for the line to dissipate.
Once I got in, I realized that the tent capable of taking in 10,000 people was already full. - many of the people had reserved tables online in advance or had just stood since 4 am. - so we decided outside the tents. Since it was 10 am, we were served some cola with ginger beer and some crystal clear lemonade. However, when the clock struck 12 and the mayor opened the first kegg to declare the Oktoberfest open, out came the jugs of beers!!!! :)
To add to the fun and laughter there was plenty of food to sober the drunks and amusement rides to tip their drunkenness over the edge, literally. There were some people who let the excitement get the better of themselves and couldn't control their beer just like the poor person below.
As evening night rolled in, it was time for me to head back home. As I walked through the massive area that is Theresienwiese, I saw a curious gathering of people. There were young adults busy texting on their phones, elderly walking together probably down the memory lane, little kids starting their experience of Oktoberfest a little too early in life and officers calmly walking around ensuring peace but not necessarily quite. Oktoberfest had indeed been the brewing site for everything and everyone.
