Tips for Visiting Germany During Oktoberfest

Here’s what you should know before visiting Germany during Oktoberfest and taking part in this famous Bavarian beer festival!

Oktoberfest takes place at the end of September and the beginning of October every year and thousands of people come from all over the world to take part in this German beer celebration in Munich. It’s free to enter the festival, you just pay for the beer and food you consume (bring cash, credit cards are not usually accepted.)

It’s a chance to taste some truly superb local beers, dine on hearty German food, listen to traditional music and party the night away. Germany is very serious about beer. They have the Bavarian Purity Laws that date back to 1516 and dictate that beer can only be brewed with water, hops and barley. So, you know you are getting a high-quality beer with only the best ingredients and nothing else.

If you are heading to Oktoberfest for the first time this year, here are some things that you should know before your trip:

• Book your hotel ahead as early as possible, as it is a popular event and all accommodations in the city will be at a premium.
• The beer may be stronger than you are used to, so make sure that you drink in moderation and don’t forget to eat.
• To get there, take the train to Munich Hauptbahnhof station and take a 10-minute walk to the festival grounds. There are lockers at the train station if you want to store your valuables somewhere safe.
• It’s a lot more fun if you get in the spirit and wear traditional clothes. Women wear a Dirndl and men wear Lederhosen and you can order yours online before your trip.
• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, however. You’ll be on your feet for hours and you’ll be walking around a lot between the many different areas of the festival.
• It’s not all about the beer – it’s also about the food! Try the many different foods on offer, such as käsespätzle (made with cheese, potatoes, and onions), bratwurst with mustard, soft pretzels, and roasted chicken.
• Germans will “cheer” by saying “Prost!” It is bad etiquette not to look someone in the eye when you are clinking glasses with them.

Last but not least, it’s important to know that the locals call the festival “Wiesn” and not Oktoberfest. This means “meadow”, as the celebrations take place on a huge meadow known as the Theresienwiese.

Have fun and enjoy the Oktoberfest celebrations!