Planning a first Oktoberfest trip to Munich

Mostly September, so book early

Despite the name, Oktoberfest starts in September. It traditionally opens on a Saturday in mid to late September and runs for about two and a half weeks, ending on the first Sunday in October or on 3 October if that falls later. Check the official dates for your year before booking anything.

Munich hotels fill up and prices rise sharply during the festival. Book accommodation many months ahead. Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa. Appointment slots get scarce in summer, so start that process early too.

Only Munich beer is served

Only beer from Munich's six big breweries is served in the main tents: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. Each brews a special Oktoberfest beer, a golden festival lager usually around 6% ABV. It is stronger than a regular helles and goes down easily, which is a trap for first-timers.

In the tents, beer comes in the Mass, a one litre glass. There is usually no smaller option. One litre of 6% beer holds more alcohol than three 330 ml bottles of a standard 5% lager. Plan your day around that fact.

How the tents work

Entry to the festival grounds and the tents is free. The challenge is getting a seat, because you are generally only served at a table. Each large tent takes reservations for tables, often booked well in advance by groups. Reservations are usually made directly with the tent and often include vouchers for beer and food.

Without a reservation, arrive early, especially on a weekday morning. Each tent keeps some areas unreserved. Weekends and evenings are much busier. Tents can close their doors when full. Have a backup tent in mind and be patient.

Weekday or weekend

The day you choose changes the experience more than anything else. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the calmest time to visit. Seats in unreserved areas are easier to find, families are out and the atmosphere is relaxed. Many tents also run a quieter lunchtime trade.

Weekends, evenings and the opening weekend are the busiest. Tents fill by late morning and doors close when they reach capacity. The famous parades on the first weekend, including the opening procession of the brewery horse teams and tent owners, draw big crowds to the streets as well as the grounds.

If you have only one day, choose a weekday, arrive when the tents open and plan to stay put once you have a seat. Leaving a full tent often means queueing to get back in. If you have several days, visit once on a weekday to enjoy it and once on a weekend evening to see the festival at full volume.

A day at the Wiesn

Locals call the festival the Wiesn. Beyond the tents there are fairground rides, food stalls and a lot of people. Typical festival food includes roast chicken, pretzels, sausages and roasted almonds. Vegetarian options exist but take a little looking; pretzels, cheese dishes and potato dishes are the safe bets.

Traditional dress, the dirndl and lederhosen, is popular but optional. Many visitors wear it. Nobody will turn you away without it. Large bags are restricted at the entrances, so travel light and check the official rules.

Pace yourself and stay safe

The festival has a lot of drunk people. Do not add to the problem. Eat a proper meal before and during. Drink water. One or two litres over a long afternoon is plenty for most people. Stay with your group and agree a meeting point outside the tent in case you get separated.

Use the U-Bahn or walk. The Theresienwiese station is right by the grounds. Never drive. First-aid stations are on site for anyone who needs help. Our guide to Munich beer halls and beer gardens covers how to enjoy the city's beer outside festival time.

Combine it with the rest of Bavaria

A first Oktoberfest trip is a good reason to see more of Bavaria. A few days in Munich's beer gardens and halls give a calmer view of Bavarian beer. A day trip by train to Bamberg for smoked beer is easy. Belgium is a short flight away if you want to compare two great beer cultures; see our guide to a first beer trip to Belgium.

Taste the six breweries

Oktoberfest is a rare chance to taste the six Munich festival lagers fresh. If you visit more than one tent, compare them. Notice the malt first, then how clean each one finishes. They differ more than you might expect.

Picking up those differences in a loud tent with a litre in hand is hard. A trained palate helps. So does tasting the first few sips carefully before the conversation takes over.

Your first step: check this year's official dates and start your Schengen visa application and hotel booking now.

Common questions

When is Oktoberfest?

It traditionally opens on a Saturday in mid to late September and ends on the first Sunday in October, or on 3 October if that is later. Check the official dates for your year.

Is entry to Oktoberfest free?

Yes, entry to the grounds and tents is free. You pay for beer, food and rides. Table reservations are made separately with each tent.

How strong is Oktoberfest beer?

The festival lagers are usually around 6% ABV and served in one litre glasses, so pace yourself and drink water.