In autumn, Munich’s party scene is dominated by “Schlagermusik”, swaying and dancing on beer benches – at least on and around the Theresienwiese. After all, that’s where the Oktoberfest takes place every year.
Fast Fact
That’s right, it’s called the Munich O-K-T-O-B-E-R-F-E-S-T. However, the Wiesn already starts in mid/end September and goes until the beginning of October.
General information
This year, the Wiesn began on 21 September and ended on 6 October. Generally, there are no tickets – admission to the Wiesn site and the festival tents is free. However, you need to know: You can often only get into the tents at the weekends and in the evenings with a reservation; unfortunately, entry is not possible for everyone else: “Closed due to overcrowding”.
At the Oktoberfest, you have a choice of 14 large marquees: Marstall, Armbrustschützen-Festhalle, Hofbräu-Festzelt, Schottenhamel, Winzerer Fähndl, Schützen-Festzelt, Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänke, Weinzelt, Löwenbräu-Festhalle, Bräurosl, Augustiner-Festhalle, Hacker-Festzelt, Spätenbräu-Festhalle, Käfer’s Wies’n-Schänk and Fischer-Vroni. However, there are many other smaller tents scattered around the grounds!
In the festival tents you don’t order beer, but a Maß, which is pronounced with a short “a” and a sharp “s”. This is one litre of beer.
A little Dirndl guide
Whether classically elegant or feminine and romantic – Dirndls come in numerous different colours and different lengths. The only thing you indeed need is a Dirndl blouse. However, there are also different models to choose from!
But now we come to the bow – because tying the bow has an important meaning:
Bow on the right: The person is married or in a steady partnership.
Bow on the left: The person is single.
Bow at the back: The person is widowed, waits tables or is a child.
Men are best served with leather trousers and a checked shirt. You should also pull the socks over your calves.
Strolling through the Wiesn
If you still have time after your visit to the festival tent, you should take a stroll around the Wies’n site. In addition to the large festival tents, there is a lot to see. There are showmen and fairground rides, gingerbread hearts, candy floss and roasted almonds, but also smaller tents, parades, can tossing and much more.
Our experience
The Oktoberfest in Munich is not only dominated by numerous Maß and parties, but also impresses with its rides, stalls and delicious food! It is a huge public festival that can easily overwhelm certain people. The grounds are huge, yet you rarely escape the crowds. There is a lot of partying and drinking in the tents, especially in the evening. The atmosphere is always excellent!
