Oktoberfest 2019 is here!

Germany is home to the largest beer festival in the world. The famous Oktoberfest takes place from 21^st September to 6^th October 2019. Traditionally the Mayor of Munich opens this festival by tapping the first barrel of beer in a beer tent with the words: “O’zapft is”. If you love tasting beer and celebrating, then Oktoberfest is definitely ‘a must go’ for you.

Call it Wiesn!

Locals call Oktoberfest simply “the Wiesn”, which translates to “the meadow”. The Wiesn takes place on the Theresienwiese which is located south-west of the city centre of Munich. The easiest way to get there is by public transport. The nearest U-Bahn stations are Theresienwiese and Goetheplatz or the S-Bahn station Hackerbrücke from where you can walk to Oktoberfest.

History of Oktoberfest

Even though Oktoberfest does not start in October most of the days of “the Wiesn” take place in September. The reason for the first Oktoberfest in 1810 was the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festival began with a horse race on October 12^th 1810 and ended on October 17^th. As it turned out that the festival was popular it was repeated in the following years, then extended forward into September. It is assumed that the weather played a major part in moving the dates as September often provides a mild climate in Munich.

What to do at Oktoberfest?

Enjoy the full Oktoberfest experience and join these activities:

The best time to visit the event

About 6 million people attend the Wiesn each year. Oktoberfest is extremely busy during the weekend and in the evenings, so if you want to get a table inside and you don’t have a reservation then get there a little earlier.

Explore different beer tents

There are 17 large and 21 small tents you can visit. Every tent has a special and different atmosphere, with free entry, so it’s worth checking them all out!

Delicious traditional food

There is more than beer at Oktoberfest! Eating at Oktoberfest is something you shouldn’t miss out. Try out the traditional food like roasted chicken and a salt studded Pretzel, two of the most popular meals at Oktoberfest.

Go on a ride at Oktoberfest

The area of Oktoberfest is packed with fun rides like the famous Olympic Rings roller coaster that takes you on five loops or the popular swing carousel the Wellenflug (Wafe Flight) from where you can enjoy a fantastic view across the event from up high.

Dance on a bench as much as you want

Oktoberfest band will play fun traditional music and the later it gets, classic hit songs will make their way into the playlist while dancing on benches all day and all night becomes the norm.

Clothing: What to wear at Oktoberfest

Dressing up in Oktoberfest clothing is one of the funniest and important parts of the entire experience. To walk around in traditional Bavarian clothes (Trachten) is part of what makes Oktoberfest an unforgettable and fun experience. The traditional clothes are not just costumes, the traditional clothes worn are traditional Bavarian attire with a variety of styles and prices.

A Dirndl: At Oktoberfest ladies wear dirndls which are made up of a blouse, bodice and apron which you can usually purchase in a set. If you choose to wear a dirndl be aware that there is a special meaning behind, as traditionally the bow is code as to whether a woman is single or not. Wearing a knot in the left means the woman is single, wearing it right means she is taken.

Lederhosen: The traditional outfit for men is much simpler than the women’s outfit with fewer items. Men wear Lederhosen (leather pants) and either a chequered or white shirt which is combined with traditional cotton socks.

Best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Germany other than Munich:

It’s not only in Munich that Oktoberfest is celebrated in a traditional way. Numerous small and large Oktoberfest events in Germany provide an atmospheric time during September and October. Here are some examples…

Dortmund Oktoberfest

Fantastic atmosphere and great entertainment: From 27^th September to 5^th October, the Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Dortmund in the Wischlingen district park. Every Friday and Saturday as well as on 2nd October, prominent guests such as DJ Ötzi ensure an entertaining Oktoberfest time in the large marquee.

Düsseldorf Oktoberfest

Why not celebrate Oktoberfest along the banks of the Rhine River. From 21^st September until 6^th October you can find a typical Bavarian program with live music, draught Oktoberfest beer and grill specialities all around the Frankenheim Bistro and zum Schlüssel Restaurant.

Oktoberfest in Frankfurt

Frankfurt also celebrates the annual festival in the city. From 11^th September to 6^th October the grounds in front of the Commerzbank-Arena will be transformed into the Wiesn. All fans of Oktoberfest will be welcomed with a large marquee and a great program with authentic Oktoberfest bands.