A Guide to the Best Beer Festivals in Germany | DFDS Blog

As the fourth-biggest consumer of beer, it’s clearly a huge part of German culture. German beer festivals, or Volksfest, are some of the biggest events in the country. It’s a great opportunity for a trip to Germany, and there are events to suit everyone, from groups of friends to families to beer connoisseurs.

Check out our guide to some of the best beer festivals below.

Oktoberfest, Munich

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest, and will take place from 16^th September – 3^rd October this year. Around 9 million people attend the event, which has been an important part of Bavarian culture since the Middle Ages. 7.7 million litres of beers were served at the festival in 2013 alone! However, beer is not the only thing on offer. In addition to amusement rides, stalls and games, Oktoberfest has a wide variety of traditional German foods. There are two days specifically designed for families, when all carnival rides, game booths and concession stands offer reduced prices.

Gäubodenvolksfest, Straubing

The Gäubondenvolksfest in Straubing is one of the biggest Volkfest in Bavaria, and was founded back in 1812. Children will be right at home with over 120 stalls and funfair attractions available, and for adults there are 6 beer tents. One of the highlights of Gäubodenvolksfest is the parade of folk dancers and brass bands, with nearly 2,000 participants wearing traditional costumes, accompanied by brewery carriages and horses. The festival will take place from 11^th – 21^st August this year.

Bergkirchweih, Erlangen

The Erlangen Volksfest, known as Bergkirchweih, takes place from 1^st – 12^th June, and has been going since 1755. Chestnut trees decorated with paper lanterns overlook around 100 stalls, with beer poured into traditional stone mugs and plenty of culinary treats both from Germany and elsewhere. Parents will also appreciate the family day on 8^th June with lots of discounts for children. If you attend the opening ceremony on the first day, maybe you’ll manage to get one of the free beers from the first barrel.

Augsburger Plärrer, Augsburg

The Plärrer takes place in Augsburg, Bavaria’s third largest city. It’s Oktoberfest on a smaller scale, with less international flavour but more authentically German. The festival actually takes place twice a year; once in spring (16^th April – 1^st May this year) and once in autumn (dates to be announced). About 80 food stands, amusements and rides fill the grounds, including shooting alleys, dodgem cars, a ferris wheel, a ghost train and many more. Two big beer tents and two smaller ones sit in the centre, with plenty of atmospheres for the young and old alike.

Nürnberger Volkfest, Nuremberg

The Nürnberger Volkfest also takes place twice a year due to popular demand, once in spring (15^th April – 1^st May) and again in autumn (25^th August – 10^th September). In addition to drinking authentic Bavarian beer, punters can also taste the famous Nuremberg sausages and enjoy all sorts of rides and roundabouts (though it’s probably best to do this before the beer and sausages). You can also experience firework displays, parades, music shows and more.