From 19 September to 4 October 2026, Munich will host Oktoberfest, the world-famous beer festival. Every year, over 6 million visitors come to experience its unique atmosphere. Here’s how to make the most of your trip.
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
The origins of Oktoberfest
So how did Germany's most popular festival begin? Created in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of King Louis I, it has evolved into a gigantic funfair where people sit under tents to enjoy a little frothy goodness!
There are around twenty tents set up by various breweries on Theresienwiese, or “Therese’s green”, named after the King’s wife.
The ins and outs of Oktoberfest
On the first day, all the breweries march through the town to the festival site. Word of warning: even if you’re in the tents, you won’t be allowed a drop of beer before the floats arrive... While waiting, everyone plays cards, making for an amusing sight to see!
When the floats arrive, everyone takes their places in the tents and starts stamping their feet, adding to the atmosphere! Then comes a big "pop" to mark the opening of the first barrel and the start of the party. The fortnight of festivities is finally underway!
Waitresses bustle all over the place: no need to order, everyone’s waiting for the same thing!
The tents are beautifully decorated and equipped with parquet flooring, and some even have an upper floor! In each tent, a live band provides the entertainment: good old rock classics make for a lively atmosphere, interspersed with some typical German drinking songs.
You can chat to your tablemates and sing your heart out: the good-natured atmosphere offers fun for everyone... or almost everyone: agoraphobics and teetotallers are best to abstain!
The festival is very busy, especially at weekends, and it can often feel crowded. From Thursday evening onwards, the locals come to have a drink after work. Saturdays are the busiest day with many foreign tourists, while Sundays are more popular with families.
Instructions for a successful Oktoberfest
To fully immerse yourself in the Oktoberfest atmosphere, many visitors choose to wear traditional Bavarian outfits such as dirndls and lederhosen. It’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the event and capture memorable moments with friends.
If you plan to visit one of the large beer tents, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends. Reservations are made directly with the tent operators and usually include a minimum food and drink consumption.
Without a reservation, it is still possible to enter the tents, but you may need to arrive early, particularly on busy days.
Our tips for a perfect day
Arrive in the morning so you have time to try out the many attractions (ghost trains, ship swing, shooting games, etc.) and enjoy some candyfloss.
You can then sit down and spend the evening under the tent until around half past midnight, when it closes. If you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, Friday evenings are best.
To get to Oktoberfest, take the underground or tram: there will be staff waiting at the exits to point you in the right direction. The event is perfectly organised, so it’s difficult to get lost.