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Oktoberfest
Munich, Germany 20 September–5 October
The world’s biggest beer festival has surprisingly regal origins. Oktoberfest began when Bavarian crown prince Ludwig staged a party on the outskirts of Munich to celebrate his marriage to Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, in 1810. It went down so well that it became an annual event, evolving into today’s huge beer-appreciation gala: a kind of Bavarian Notting Hill Carnival. It takes place in about 14 giant tents, many run by big regional brewing companies and each with its own personality, from the small but trendy celeb-magnet of Hippodrom, to the raucous backpacker favourite of Hofbräu. With beer often at cut price, visitors pour in to sample Bavaria’s finest and are then regaled by rock groups, brass bands and disco tunes – whatever gets the party going. Not that the friendly locals and goggle-eyed old-timers need much assistance – things are usually in full swing by mid-afternoon. The early close of 22h30 means you can always get enough sleep to embrace the next day with equal vigour – although German beer’s reputation for being hangover-free is a bit of a myth.
Highlights
There may be a gazillion types of beer here, but we get at least as excited about the strange and wonderful food on offer: try brathendl (roast chicken), bratwurst and sauerkraut, steckerlfisch (fish on a stick), potato soup and the roast ox.
In The Know
Head Count
More than six million every year.
Meeting Point
The steps leading up to the Bavarian statue make a good spot to meet up and watch the crowds.
Best View
You can survey the mayhem from the top of the giant ferris wheel.
Packing Tips
Get into the mood with some lederhosen or a bodice-busting dirndl dress. For those with more retiring sartorial tastes, take heart in the fact that most visitors come dressed quite casually. Remember to pack good walking shoes, though, as there are miles of roads inside the Oktoberfest compound and no means of transportation.
Escape
Leave the booze behind for an afternoon and head to the Alte Pinakothek in Konigsplatz, one of Germany’s finest art museums, with works by Titian, Da Vinci, Raphael, Rubens and Rembrandt (www.pinakothek.de).
Dos and don'ts
• Take cash. Many of the tents don’t accept credit cards.
• Make reservations and/or buy vouchers before you attend. Places in the big tents get booked up fast, and it can be difficult to get in without a reservation, especially on weekends.
• Get a seat – you can’t buy a beer without somewhere to sit.
• Don’t try to turn your beer mug into a souvenir: the police do spot checks and there’s a hefty fine for pilfering.
Need To Know
Children
Every Tuesday is family day, with discounts, less of a beer focus, and kid-friendly activities such as riding on merry-go-rounds and face painting, and there’s also a Familien-Platzl where families and youngsters can relax. All tents must be child-free by 20h.
Parking
Driving isn't exactly a good match with a beer festival, and there are no parking facilities in the area. Taxis and buses are a much better plan.
Disability Access
There are facilities in all the big halls.
Food & Drink
There are a variety of tents offering German delicacies – try the grilled chicken, pork sausages and pork knuckles on offer, as well as breze, a delicious local pretzel-style bread. The Schützenfest tent (+49 (0)89 2318 1224) has traditional suckling pig served with beer sauce and coleslaw; the Käfers Wiesnschänke tent is the place for roast duck (+49 (0)89 41683 56). The wine tent, Weinzelt (+49 (0)89 2907 0517), also offers a diverse menu, with Thai delicacies and fresh oysters. For traditional Bavarian fare, book a table at the Vinzenz Murr Wiesn Stüberl (+49 (0)89 780430).
Sleep
The Hotel Cortiina in the old town is a pared-down haven, while the AnnaHotel is a slick, minimal place that will provide welcome respite from the hectic festival site. Go to www.mrandmrsmith.com for details and to book rooms, or ring 0845 034 0701.
VIP
Not applicable at this event.
More Details
www.oktoberfest.de
