Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Oktoberfest
With more than six million visitors, over five million litres of beer, 200,000
pairs of pork sausages, and 100 spit-roasted oxen - Munich's Oktoberfest is
the largest folk fair in the world. At the foot of the Bavaria statue, a huge field,
the Theresienwiese (Wiesn for short), is transformed into a fairground with
beer tents operated by traditional breweries, rides, and a variety of vendors
selling gingerbread hearts, roast chicken, and fresh pretzels. For 16 days,
visitors and locals, some in traditional costume, indulge in Bavarian revelry.
Top 10 Features
1 Grand Entry
2
O'zapft is!
3 Beer Tents
4 Oxen Roast
5
Steckerlfisch
6 Beim Schichtl
7 Flea Circus
8 Rides
9 Memorial
0 Statue of Bavaria
Souvenir or love token -
Wiesn hearts
For those who prefer
alcohol-free
beverages, the Wiesn
features coffee kiosks.
Discounts are avail-
able on certain dates
for some attractions.
!
Grand Entry
Since 1887, the Wiesn
opening is signalled by the
Saturday morning Grand
Entry of the Oktoberfest
landlords. Draught horses
decked in festive harnesses
pull flower-decorated brewery
wagons
(below)
through the
city. They are accompanied
by brass bands and brewery
owners, families, and work-
ers in traditional costume.
• Theresienwiese
•
S-Bahn: Hackerbrücke
(S1-S8), U4/U5:
Theresienwiese
• Map D5
•
16 days mid-Sep-early
Oct
•
Hours: 10am-11:30pm
Mon-Fri, 9am-11:30pm
Sat, Sun & hols (some
beer tents even longer).
Last orders are at
10:30pm daily.
•
Free
• For large groups,
reserve tables well in
advance of the fair's start
•
www.oktoberfest.de
@
O'zapft is!
The Grand Entry is fol-
lowed by the opening ceremo-
ny in the oldest Wiesn beer
tent, Schottenhamel. At noon,
Munich's mayor taps the first
beer barrel and says “O'zapft
is!” - the barrel is tapped.
£
Beer Tents
Beer is king in the
large tents, where patrons
link arms and sway to the
music of brass bands,
and challenge each other
to drink yet another
Maß
or litre
(above)
. The motto
is: “Everyone has a right
to his or her own beer
heaven.” For a less beery
ambience, visit one of
the smaller tents, such
as Fischer Vroni
22
In addition to beer, wine is available at tents such as the Weinzelt
or Käfer's Wiesn-Schänke.
