10 facts you need to know before visiting Oktoberfest
1. Oktoberfest starts in September
The name of the Oktoberfest can be a bit misleading here. Nowadays the Oktoberfest actually starts on the third Saturday of September and lasts until the first days of October.
The first ever Oktoberfest actually had its opening day on October 17th, 1810. However, in Munich, the weather is usually very cold and rainy, and sometimes even snowy. For this reason it was decided to hold the festival earlier in the year. September often has warmer and sunnier weather, making it a much better time for the world's largest beer festival.
2. Locals call it "Wiesn"
The area in Munich where the Oktoberfest takes place is called Theresienwiese (Therese's meadow). Referring to "Wiesn" describes the location of the festival grounds,and this is the word that locals often use when talking about the Oktoberfest.
Here you can find the descriptions of different ways of how to get to Oktoberfest Munich.
3. Most Oktoberfest visitors wear Dirndl or Lederhosen
Oktoberfest is a place where many people love to wear traditional Bavarian clothing, called "Tracht". Generally, about 60% of Oktoberfest visitors dress up in the Bavarian Tracht, but inside some beer tents, it feels like almost 100% are wearing it.
Dirndl is traditionally worn by women and girls.
Lederhosen are traditionally worn by men and boys.
Nowadays, of course, everyone can wear whichever style they prefer.
No worries if you don't want to invest in these outfits as they can be expensive, wearing Tracht is not mandatory - but definitely more fun. Please avoid showing up in a cheap Halloween costume as it will easily identify you as a tourist. A nice alternative to a whole new outfit is wearing an accessory like a Bavarian hat or a traditional jacket.
4. You need cash
Card Payments are not accepted at Oktoberfest, but there are ATMs available, so you can withdraw cash in case you did not bring enough with you. However, the ATMs located at the festival grounds charge an extra fee, and there are often long waiting lines.
5. No big bags or backpacks allowed
There are security checks at the entrances of Oktoberfest which inspect bags. Bags should not be bigger than 20 x 15 x 10 centimeters (about 8 x 6 x 4 inch). Also, it is not allowed to bring any kind of glass onto the festival grounds.
It is completely fine if you want to bring water in a non-glass bottle.
6. It's more than just the beer tents at Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest offers a wide range of rides like Ferris wheels and rollercoasters, historical traditional rides, and games to win prizes, that will sure please visitors of all ages. During the day you can usually also find families and children enjoying everything Oktoberfest has to offer outside the beer tents.
The festival is bursting with color, great food, and transforms into a magical wonderland at night with twinkling lights.
It's a must-visit destination that has something for everyone!
One special part of Oktoberfest is dedicated to its traditional past and is especially nostalgic. Here you can find out more about the most traditional part of the Oktoberfest - the "Oide Wiesn".
7. Always tip your waiter
It is very important to tip the nice people who bring beer & food to the tables. They are doing a very hard job and basically living from the tips.
In Germany it is common to give around 10% of the bill, which makes the tip for a beer at Oktoberfest at least 1 Euro. It is good to plan ahead and make sure to bring some coins.
Tipping the waiters at Oktoberfest is important, but it's also a nice gesture to leave a small tip for toilet attendants. Though not mandatory, they play a crucial role in keeping the festival clean. A tip of around 50 cents to 1 euro is usually appreciated.
8. Experience the delicious flavors of traditional Bavarian food
Traditional Bavarian food is hearty and delicious, featuring influences from both Germany and Austria.
There's an endless variety of delicious treats to sample at Oktoberfest, from classic German fare like bratwurst and pretzels, to sweet treats like candied almonds and gingerbread hearts.
The most popular dishes at Oktoberfest are the 1/2 roast chicken ("Hendl") and the giant pretzel ("Wiesnbreze").
Other common dishes include pork nuckle, Käsespätzle (Bavarian Mac and Cheese), Knödel (dumplings), Schweinebraten (roasted pork), all kind of delicious sausages and of course, beer!
9. The standard Oktoberfest beer size is 1 liter
According to long-standing traditions and customs of the Oktoberfest, the beer is served in 1-liter glasses called "Maßkrug".
The beer selection focuses on the local's favorite "Helles", a pale golden lager. For those who prefer something sweeter and less strong, there's the option of ordering a "Radler", which is half beer and half lemonade.
The specially for Oktoberfest brewed beers are stronger than normal ones,with around 6% alcohol. There is no need to rush to finish the beer as we recommend you to take it easy and just enjoy it. From experience we tend to feel the effect of the Oktoberfest beers pretty fast even when consumed at a slower pace.
10. When it's too crowded you can only enter a tent with a table reservation
Oktoberfest table reservations are a great way to secure a spot in the Oktoberfest beer tents and avoid crowds. When it is crowded, the tents close down and only with a table reservation it is possible to enter. Reservations can be made almost a year in advance per table, with a minimum of 10 people.
You don't need to worry if you didn't reserve a table in advance. That's what we are for. To guarantee you a stress-free experience.
Book a Beer & Pretzel Oktoberfest Tour that includes a table reservation here.
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