Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest, held annually in Munich, Germany. During this 16-day festival, which runs from late September to the first weekend in October, more than 6 million people from around the world flock into this wonderful Bavarian city to enjoy themselves while celebrating great beer. Oktoberfest (or Wiesn, as it’s often called by the locals) takes place in Theresienwiese, a 4,500,000-square-foot open space.
Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, but the celebration has also spread worldwide and is now in over 181 other cities across the world, including around my home city of Columbus, Ohio. These Oktoberfest celebrations are modeled after the original Munich event.
Most of Oktoberfest takes place within a total of 14 tents, which look like buildings with massive tents sitting on them. These tents are enormous and at capacity hold around 10,000 people. Five of the famous Munich beer houses — Pauliner, Hofbrau, Augustiner, Spatan and Hacker — have their own tents.
Doesn’t Oktoberfest Sound Fun?
Here are a few tips to get you ready for the world’s largest fair:
Cheap Flights — It’s possible to find a cheap flight to Oktoberfest if you know where to look. Many airlines offer flight deals. It’s a matter of knowing how to find an insanely cheap flight and booking your ticket when you find the best deal.
Accommodation — Book where you’re staying months ahead of time to make sure you have a spot to sleep. Munich is jam-packed during this festival (much like Yi Ping Lantern Festival). A lot of websites offer hotel coupons and promos, you can find these on the best hotel booking sites that enable you to find hotels at even lower prices.
Lederhosen — The traditional dress of the festival. You’re not really partying until you are wearing them. To save some money, I suggest you buy your lederhosen online before heading to Germany.
Arrive Early — If you’re flying from far away, the last thing you want to do is arrive jet-lagged and unable to fully experience the festival. Arrive one or two days early to sleep off the long flight.
Take a Break — When creating your itinerary, make sure to schedule a day to go out and explore some of the sites of Munich. It’s a fantastic city.
Prepare yourself to Eat — The food at Oktoberfest is quite good. The roast chicken was one of my favorites, and you have to try the traditional grilled pork knuckle, which was another highlight. It’s kind of expensive, but if you have a few people to share with, it’s quite tasty.
Festival Is Unforgettable
Oktoberfest is a fantastic celebration of fun, life, and above all beer! Everyone should experience it once, and it is a festival you won’t forget anytime soon. I loved my time at Oktoberfest, and I highly suggest visiting if you haven’t.
Many people think that they can’t afford a visit to Oktoberfest, yet with a little planning and a few tips, you won’t have to empty your wallet to visit this traditional German festival. These Oktoberfest travel tips will help prepare you for your experience!
Octoberfest is an interesting tradition which should be kept even though it gets more commercial and expensive.
Just like many traditional festival in the world, this Octoberfest should not being diminished and must be kept for centuries later. But i’m sure to visit the venue of the festival we should prepare it long before it held. and maybe you should tell us about the hotel and where we can spend night there or should we make reservation some months before the fest if we travel from far country?
Hey there! Thanks for sharing! Oktoberfest would have to go close to the greatest European festival??
I was lucky enough to give it a crack back in 2011. A basic summary from a 21 year old’s experience I’ve put together here: (ahhh I can’t wait to go back..).
Cheers, Liam.