What is Munich’s Oktoberfest?
Beer hall, Oktoberfest
Munich’s Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival, attracting over six million visitors every year. The festival takes place in late September and early October and lasts for 16 days. It was first held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Today, the festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture and tradition, featuring live music, carnival rides, and of course, plenty of beer.
Why visit Munich’s Oktoberfest?
Munich’s Oktoberfest is an experience like no other. The festival is a celebration of Bavarian culture and tradition, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in that culture than by attending the festival. From the traditional costumes to the beer tents to the carnival rides, there’s something for everyone at Oktoberfest. It’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends from all over the world. And let’s not forget about the beer – Oktoberfest is a beer lover’s paradise, with over 30 different types of beer to choose from.
The best time to visit Munich’s Oktoberfest
The best time to visit Munich’s Oktoberfest is during the week, preferably from Monday to Thursday. This is when the festival is less crowded, and you’ll have a better chance of getting a table in one of the out door beer tents. If you want to experience one of the many beer halls, it’s best to book a table far in advance, you will have a reservation for a set time. The festival officially starts on the third Saturday in September and ends on the first Sunday in October. If you want to experience the opening ceremony, make sure to arrive on the first day of the festival.
Day 1: Arriving in Munich and exploring the city
Rathaus Munich
Your first day in Munich should be spent exploring the city. Start by visiting Marienplatz, the city’s central square, and home to the famous Glockenspiel. The Glockenspiel is a 100-year-old clock that puts on a show three times a day. From there, head to the Viktualienmarkt, a large outdoor market where you can sample local Bavarian specialties like sausages and pretzels. If you’re interested in history, visit the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through the English Garden, one of the world’s largest urban parks. The park is home to the famous Chinese Tower beer garden, where you can enjoy a cold beer and a pretzel while taking in the beautiful surroundings. In the evening, head to the Hofbräuhaus, one of Munich’s oldest and most famous beer halls. This historic beer hall has been serving beer since 1589 and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Bavarian culture.
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Get in touch today!Day 2: Attending Oktoberfest and experiencing the festivities
On your second day in Munich, it’s time to attend Oktoberfest! Start your day by heading to the festival grounds early in the morning to secure a table in one of the beer tents. The tents open at 10 am, but it’s not uncommon for people to start lining up hours before. Once you have a table, it’s time to start drinking! Each tent has its own unique atmosphere, so make sure to visit a few different ones to get the full Oktoberfest experience
In addition to the beer tents, Oktoberfest is also home to a large carnival with dozens of rides and attractions. Take a break from drinking and enjoy some of the rides, like the Ferris wheel or the roller coaster.
In the evening, head to the festival’s main stage to enjoy some live music and entertainment. Each night, there’s a different program featuring traditional Bavarian music and dance. It’s the perfect way to end a day of drinking and celebrating.
Day 3: Visiting nearby attractions and saying goodbye to Munich
Neuschwanstein Castle
On your final day in Munich, take some time to explore some of the city’s nearby attractions. One popular option is to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. The castle is located about two hours from Munich, while you can navigate there yourself it’s better to experience it with a local tour guide. I highly recommend you take the back hike to the top, and then navigate over to the bridge which has an amazing view of the castle. From there you can head down to arrive in time for your scheduled tour.
If you’re interested in history, visit Dachau Concentration Camp, the first concentration camp established by the Nazi regime. The camp is located about 30 minutes from Munich and is now a museum and memorial.
In the afternoon, head back to Munich and take a final stroll through the city’s streets. Stop by a local beer garden for one last beer and a pretzel before saying goodbye to Munich and heading home.
Where to stay during Munich’s Oktoberfest
If you’re planning on attending Munich’s Oktoberfest, it’s important to book your accommodation well in advance. The hotels in the city fill up quickly during the festival, let us find the right hotel for your budget and needs.
Conclusion
Munich’s Oktoberfest is an experience like no other. From the traditional costumes to the beer tents to the carnival rides, there’s something for everyone at Oktoberfest. With our three-day itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of this iconic festival without missing a beat. So grab your lederhosen and get ready to toast to good times with friends old and new. Prost!
