O'zapft is!
With this traditional Bavarian saying, the first barrel at Oktoberfest 2024 was tapped and the festival was officially declared open. Over the next two weeks, an estimated 6 million revellers will congregate in Munich's Theresienwiese field to sing, dance and drink over 11 million pints of beer. With so many international visitors descending on such a compact area, Oktoberfest (locally known as Wiesn) can feel chaotic. Luckily, we’ve assembled some expert tips from locals and long-time visitors to provide some guidance. Discover insider advice and ensure an Oktoberfest to remember (or not, depending on the severity of the hangover).
The History of Oktoberfest
In 1810, the first Oktoberfest was held in a field outside Munich to celebrate the wedding of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese – the location was named the Theresenwiesen, in honor of the bride. Since then, Bavarians have flocked to this same spot every September to continue the tradition. As the popularity and fame of Oktoberfest has grown over time, the time-honored rituals of the celebration have mostly remained intact and all beers are provided by local breweries.
Oktoberfest is more than just a drinking session in a big tent – it's a living history exhibition, where Bavarian hospitality and folk traditions are kept alive through group practice. For those looking to dig further into the culture and glean some historical context behind the revelry, the Munich Beer and Oktoberfest Museum is open year-round.
When is Oktoberfest?
One of the biggest misconceptions about Oktoberfest is when it takes place – despite the name, the bulk of the event is in September. It kicks off on the penultimate Saturday of September and concludes at the end of the first Sunday in October. Oktoberfest 2024 will take place between the 21st of September and the 6th of October.
Local tips for enjoying Oktoberfest
Where to Stay
Booking accommodation as soon as possible is essential. With over three times more visitors than than residents during the festival season, beds in Munich fill up quickly. Home swapping platforms like HomeExchange or Kindred can be cost-effective ways to find accommodation in Munich, as many locals look to avoid the festival crowds.
What to Wear
As a rule of thumb, wear whatever you’re comfortable in and are prepared to have beer spilled on. Lederhosen or dirndls are not an entry requirement, though with around 90% of guests wearing some form of traditional Bavarian attire, they’re a great way to get into the spirit of things. Of course, not everyone will be comfortable in costume or willing to pay for one. While there is no official dress code, local football jerseys are best avoided as they may prevent entry into certain bars or restaurants within the city.
Insider tip: The red or blue gingham shirts that are such a familiar part of Oktoberfest imagery are usually shunned by locals and considered an instant indicator of a tourist. Münchners are more likely to be seen in a plain white shirt or collarless Trachtenhemd.
Drink Water
Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, Oktoberfest is a raucous occasion, and it’s essential to stay hydrated (and no, lagers do not hydrate). Water can cost a head-spinning €10 per tankard when purchased inside a tent. Bring a reusable bottle and make use of the free water taps stationed around the complex instead.
Visit Different Tents
The central Theresienwiese complex encompasses over thirty different beer tents of varying sizes, drink selections and atmospheres. Rather than settling into the biggest or nearest marquee, take some time to explore the different venues and compare the merits of each.
Reserve a Table
If you know which tent you’re headed for, it can be prudent to reserve a table beforehand. While this removes some of the spontaneity from the event, it ensures entry to even the most popular tents at peak times and avoids the worst of the queuing. Keep track of the relative crowding of every tent with the Oktoberfest Barometer – using this online tool in combination with a Munich eSIM is an easy way to find less crowded venues and skip queues.
Getting Online at Oktoberfest
With beers averaging around €15 per litre (or Maß), prices have steadily risen year on year. Managing costs around other aspects of your trip will ensure more time to focus on the celebrations, and less time budgeting. One of the easiest ways to keep costs down during Oktoberfest is with a travel eSIM. This can be downloaded to your phone before you travel and allows you to use mobile internet in Munich at local rates, avoiding international roaming charges and spiralling phone bills. Not only do eSIMs save money on holiday, they also provide the convenience of being able to use the internet to translate, navigate and communicate abroad, without roaming fees.
Make sure your phone supports eSIMs – most smartphones sold after 2018 will, but you can check this list of eSIM-compatible devices to be sure. If it does, simply download a prepaid eSIM plan for Germany and get online the second you arrive.
Germany eSIM data plans
Five Must-Try Bavarian Specialties
There's plenty more to Oktoberfest than beer. Bavaria is a fascinating state, with a stridently independent culture. The region's history of independence and catholic influences demarcate it from the wider German nation. Many stereotypical representations of Germany, such as pretzels and lederhosen, are Bavarian inventions, popularised internationally by American soldiers stationed in Southern Germany in the 20th century. Discover Bavarian cuisine during your stay by sampling the snacks and dishes sold inside the Theresienwiese tents.
Here are 5 must-try local delicacies to try during Oktoberfest:
- 1
Obatzter
Obatzter, or Obazda, is a classic beer hall side dish. An amalgamation of strong cheeses and herbs, Obatzter is best enjoyed as an accompaniment to a couple of pretzels
- 2
Brezeln
Food costs can mount up quickly during Oktoberfest, and it might not be feasible to order a full main course at every mealtime. Fortunately, Bavarian pretzels, or Brezeln, are a traditional, filling and readily available low-cost alternative. Do as the Germans do and brush the large kernels of salt off the pretzel before consuming.
- 3
Spätzle
Bavarian main courses rely heavily on roasted and boiled meats. There’s still plenty for vegetarians to enjoy, however. The southern German classic Käsespätzle is a calorific dish of hand-rolled egg noodles, fried onions and melted cheese.
- 4
Rettich
The perfect palate cleanser, Rettich is sliced raw white daikon. This snack provides a refreshingly light contrast to the rich Bavarian cuisine. Sprinkle liberally with salt and share among the table.
- 5
Non-alcoholic beer
Of course, not everyone drinks alcohol – even the most archaic breweries such as Löwebraü, Augustiner and Paulaner have recognised the increasing demand for non-alcoholic beers. This welcome progression means that most venues will offer a range of soft drinks and alcohol-free steins from some of Germany’s oldest breweries. This year, the city will host the festival’s first-ever non-alcoholic beer garden. Die Null (German for “The Zero”) is a new space located just outside the festival grounds and only serves 0% beers and soft drinks. Another local favorite is Spezi, a mix of Fanta and Coke.
Alternatives to Munich Oktoberfest
Bavaria is home to some of Germany's most picturesque villages and medieval towns, as well as alpine resorts and lakeside communities. While Oktoberfest itself is exclusive to the city of Munich, almost every southern German village and town will concurrently host their own Volksfest, or harvest festival, at some point between August and October. The Rosenheim Herbstfest offers a more family-friendly alternative to the Munich counterpart, while the medieval town of Erding is home to one of the more picturesque fairs in the country. Smaller folk festivals like the Regensburg harvest festival or the Allgaü Viehscheid offer a less commercial insight into the historic Bavarian culture.
Travelling beyond Germany
The Alps, Austria, Switzerland, and Berlin are all less than an afternoon’s train ride from central Munich. Oktoberfest is an ideal starting point for a wider journey through central Europe. Wherever you choose to travel, eSIMs from BetterRoaming provide low-cost internet through 45 European countries. And for longer trips, a Europe-wide eSIM provides seamless internet access across the continent for one single prepaid rate.
