Unleashing 16 Days of Bavarian Traditions, Beer, and Festivities in Munich
Every year in September, for 16 days, Munich is dominated by Oktoberfest. Contrary to expectations, the festival does not start in October. Due to milder weather, the beginning of the festival was moved to September in 1872 but was never renamed to "Septemberfest".
It is the largest folk festival in the world, attracting around 6 million people each year to the Munich Theresienwiese to celebrate, enjoy numerous rides, and savor delicious food and excellent beer.
Location: Theresienwiese, Bavariaring, 80336 München, Deutschland
Beer Tent Opening Hours
First Saturday: Tents open at 9 AM. Alcohol-free drinks (except beer) are available from 10 AM. At midday, “Ozapft is!” is called, marking the official opening of the Wiesn with the tapping of the barrel.
Monday to Friday: Tents open at 10 AM. The last beer and song are at 10:30 PM, and lights out is at 11:30 PM.
Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: Beer is served from 9 AM.
Exceptions: Käfer Wiesn-Schänke and Kuffler’s Weinzelt (wine tent) are open until 1 AM, with the last call at 12:30 AM. Small tents serving chicken grills, snacks, and café items are open until 11 PM.
Making a Table Reservation
Real table reservations include drinks and meals, and you will receive Biermarken (beer coupons), indicating a reliable company.
Maximum 10 people per table. If you book for 4 people, you will share with 6 others. Groups of 11 might negotiate with the waitress, but more are not allowed for security reasons. Booking a seat per person is recommended.
Reservations are for half a day: either from lunch to 4:30 PM or from 5 PM to the end. This ensures no one sits longer than 6 hours at a table.
Arrive on time. Tables are held for a maximum of 15 minutes after your time slot. Use your Biermarken only when another table is free if you are late.
Always have someone at your table to "defend" it, as an empty table can be taken.
Introduce yourself to other guests at the table; they are there to party and have fun too.
Be nice to your waitress. She can carry 10 Maß (1-liter mugs) easily (the world record is 18). She is crucial for food and drinks and helps defend your seat when needed. TIP HER IN ADVANCE! We recommend €10.00 per person.
Budgeting for Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest beer is not cheap but very strong. In 2023, a Maß (1 liter) cost around €12-15.
A table reservation is a minimum of €149.00 per person.
A ½ Grill chicken costs between €20-35.
Hotels are more expensive during Oktoberfest as it is Munich's busiest travel season.
Considering all the above, Oktoberfest is not a cheap event, and advanced booking is always recommended.
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