Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an integral part of Munich’s cultural traditions and captivates millions of enthusiastic Bavaria fans every year.

Let our staff provide you with the best insider tips so that your visit to the Wiesn takes you into a world of tradition and endless fun. Whether you’re taking in the view of the Theresienwiese from the Ferris wheel or enjoying a Steckerlfisch, the white-and-blue delights of Oktoberfest are sure to enchant you—especially when you find yourself in dirndls and lederhosen, immersed in the magic of this Bavarian folk festival.

There are certainly many folk festivals in the white-and-blue tradition, but only one festival showcases the Bavarians’ zest for life quite like the Oktoberfest in Munich. Dressed in dirndls and lederhosen, Bavarians flock to the Wiesn. With Bavarian beer and delicious specialties, visitors to the Wiesn can fully immerse themselves in Munich’s joy. So that you, too, can take part in this wonderful tradition, we’ve put together the best tips for you. Any guest of H-Hotels.com in Munich who has visited the Oktoberfest should always have a smile on their face whenever the word “Wiesn” is mentioned.

If you’ve chosen September and October as the ideal time to visit Munich, you’ll have the chance to experience one of the most beautiful and traditional events in the world. Many visitors only see the inside of the beer tents—but the Wiesn has so much more to offer. That’s why our staff at our Munich properties have put together the best tips for Oktoberfest. This way, you can immerse yourself in a Bavarian celebration that’s simply one of a kind.

What do Bavarians wear at Oktoberfest?

If you’re planning a trip to Oktoberfest, you should set aside two or three days to prepare for the festival. For women, the dirndl is the required attire, and men are always perfectly dressed in traditional leather pants. This way, your trip to Munich can start with plenty of shopping fun, and travelers also have a high-quality souvenir in the form of these traditional garments, which are now an integral part of fashion.

What’s the best way to prepare for a visit to Oktoberfest?

Many visitors to Oktoberfest aren’t properly prepared for a long day at the festival. Bavarians, on the other hand, are seasoned festival-goers and know exactly that they need to fuel up with a hearty meal before heading to the Wiesn. Since Munich locals do this in their own unique way, the day is kicked off with pretzels and white sausage. But the night before can also be crucial—you should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep so your visit to the Wiesn doesn’t have to end early due to exhaustion.

When is the best time to go to Oktoberfest?

A native of Munich knows exactly when to go to the Wiesn so he can secure a spot in the festival tent without any hassle. On weekdays, you can usually still get a spot in the festival tent even in the evening. But if you want to visit the Wiesn on the weekend, you’ll have to be prepared to get up early if you don’t want to run into the biggest crowds in the tents.

Is it always worth making a reservation at the Wiesn?

If you want to be absolutely sure of a seat in the festival tent—especially if you’re traveling with a large group—you should always make sure to reserve your seats.

Why are seats in the festival tent so important?

Of course, there are visitors in the festival tent who can simply enjoy the music while standing in the aisles. But if you want to enjoy a cold beer as well, you’ll need a seat. Waitstaff are only allowed to serve a Maß to guests who have a seat. Plus, you can enjoy Bavarian delicacies and watch the traditional folk dance performances.

Should you eat something at the Wiesn?

The festival tents serve popular Bavarian specialties. If you’ve filled up on white sausages before visiting the Wiesn, you should also grab a bite to eat while you’re in the beer tent so that your Oktoberfest fun doesn’t end after just a few Maß.

When does the Oktoberfest close for the night?

Sometimes it’s a good idea to reserve a spot in the right tent. Normally, all festival tents close at 11 p.m., and then the lights go out at the Wiesn. However, there are two exceptions: in the Weinzelt and the Käferzelt, Bavaria fans can keep partying until 1 a.m . This has the advantage of letting you avoid the big crowds at 11 p.m., and at 1 a.m., it’s also easier to find a taxi back to your hotel even on the Wiesn.

Where can you find the best beer?

Anyone planning to go to Oktoberfest won’t want to miss out on the pleasure of drinking authentic Bavarian beer. One of the most popular beers at Oktoberfest is Augustiner, which is delivered in true style in traditional wooden barrels. Consequently, connoisseurs believe this beer tastes better than when it’s piped to the Theresienwiese—as is usually the case at the Wiesn. This classic Bavarian beer is served in the Augustiner Festhalle.

Where can you get the best view of the Wiesn?

Looking down on the Wiesn from above can be a special treat. The tower of St. Jakob Church offers a great vantage point. At the Wiesn itself, you can take in the bustling activity from above during a ride on the Ferris wheel. Modern rides can also give you a brief overview of the Theresienwiese, but you might not be able to fully enjoy the view amid the brief excitement of the ride.

What is the Oide Wiesn?

The true Oktoberfest connoisseur heads to the Oide Wiesn at the far end of the Theresienwiese. This is where the traditional Oktoberfest can be found, and it features rides with a long history. It’s a very special experience that visitors who want to experience the Wiesn as a fantastic Munich folk festival with a long history will appreciate. An additional admission fee is required for this area of the Wiesn. But we think it’s worth it. The advantage of the Oide Wiesn is that the festival tents here aren’t overcrowded, so you can get a seat even without a reservation.

Many rides have a long tradition.

A visit to the Wiesn isn’t just about getting a seat in the beer tent; anyone who wants to have a great day here will find themselves waiting in line for a wide variety of rides. If you meet visitors who come to the festival every year, you’ll hear that rides like the Teufelsrad or the Toboggan are simply part of the classic attractions at the Wiesn.

Are there any thrill rides?

Even though Oktoberfest is a traditional folk festival, daring visitors can still find rides that will make their palms sweat. Whether it’s the Power Tower, Frisbee, Skater, or Sky Fall: young Munich residents look forward to enjoying the adrenaline rush with high speeds and butterflies in their stomachs.

Can you find other traditional folk festival attractions at the Wiesn?

Anyone walking across the Theresienwiese will be delighted by the many food stands, but even a flea circus can be a lot of fun. Maze, high-strike game, the ship swing, or the haunted house—at the Wiesn, you’ll find everything a visitor could want for an enjoyable day at a lively folk festival.

Where can you meet Bavarian Oktoberfest-goers at the Wiesn?

If you’re looking for a festival tent where you can meet Munich’s Oktoberfest-goers, the Schützenfestzelt is always the best choice. The atmosphere here is great, and you’ll experience Oktoberfest at its most traditional.

In which festival tent does Oktoberfest open?

You may have seen the mayor of Munich on TV many times before at the opening of Oktoberfest. If you want to see him in person and hear the famous“Ozapft is”up close, then you should reserve a seat at the Schottenhamel Festhalle.

What are the best dishes served in the tent?

In addition to Oktoberfest beer, culinary specialties are of course also on offer. Naturally, Leberkäse, sauerkraut, and pork knuckle are must-haves, but a delicious roast chicken is also a favorite among visitors. Ox on a skewer can be a special treat, and anyone who stops by Fischer-Vroni can look forward to the popular Steckerlfisch.

Off to a party after Oktoberfest?

The “After Wiesn” is very popular among young people in Munich, and if you don’t want to head back to your comfortable hotel right after Oktoberfest ends, it might be worth making your way to the old Kongresshalle. The advantage of these parties is that guests don’t have to change clothes—you can show up in your dirndl or lederhosen.