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Last updated: 29 May, 2023

The world’s biggest collective drink-up started in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration cum horse race. Müncheners soon invited the world to join in – and roughly seven million visitors do so annually. They get through 7.5 million litres of beer, half a million chickens and 118 oxen, mostly in enormous beer tents with oompah bands.

Guests who’ve had their fill of the suds lurch to the amusement rides, old-fashioned games of skill and stands selling traditional sweets.

While you’re there

A parade of ornate, horse-drawn beer wagons takes place the first Saturday (11am), from Sonnenstrasse to the fairgrounds. Compete with the crowds or buy grandstand seats from Munich tourist office.

Among the most memorable events is a concert with all the Oktoberfest bands, held at the Bavaria statue (11am) on the second Saturday. Musicians don their best traditional costumes.

Price: Free
Minimum age: 18
Age suitable: 18+
Frequency: annually
When: End September
Duration: 2 weeks

Getting there & doing it

Oktoberfest is held at the sprawling Theresienwiese fairgrounds, 1km west of the old centre. The simplest way to get there is by U-Bahn. The city lays on extra trams and buses (look for signs ‘Zur Festwiese’). Don’t even think about driving – parking is scarce, traffic a nightmare.

Access to the festival and beer tents is non-ticketed and free, but aassive as the beer tents are, the epic crowds sometimes make it tough to get a spot. You can, however, reserve a table in the beer tents (starting December the previous year, for groups of at least 10 people). Contact details for each tent can be found on the website.

Oktoberfest fare is tasty but very dear, so better to eat before you come. A litre of famous beer costs around EUR10, a serving of pork leg around EUR20.

When to do it

The festival takes place over 2 weeks in mid-September to early October.

The crowds are lightest on mornings and afternoons during the week. Avoid Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, when access to the beer tents is restricted due to overcrowding.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Small-Group Munich City and Oktoberfest Tour Including Reserved Oktoberfest Tent Table

Munich

Small-Group Munich City and Oktoberfest Tour Including Reserved Oktoberfest Tent Table
Join this 7-hour tour and learn about the history of Munich and the Oktoberfest before enjoying a wonderful afternoon with a guaranteed seat in one of the major beer tents at the Munich Oktoberfest.

Price: €175

Min age: 16

Rating 4.88 / 5 [144 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Oktoberfest daytime tour and table reservation at a major tent

Munich

Oktoberfest daytime tour and table reservation at a major tent
With over 11 years experience bringing people into the Oktoberfest our team is the best! Our goal is to give you an introduction to the worlds greatest and largest beer festival so that after your tour you will be ready to experience the Oktoberfest on your own. An early start ensures a leisurely stroll through the festival along with a hassle free lunch reservation with choice of entree. While you enjoy your beverages and food our tour guide's will teach you the etiquette, history, and techniques to find tables, get drinks, and meet people so that you have a wonderful Oktoberfest!

Price: €299

Min age: 19

Rating 4.59 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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