The Munich Oktoberfest in Bavaria, Germany is the biggest and probably the most famous beer festival in the world, with around 6 million people attending every year. The word "Oktoberfest" has also become synonymous with other beer festivals in cities worldwide, held at this time of year, which are modeled on this special event. Let's take a look at the real McCoy, and understand where it all began.
Should you be fortunate enough to be visiting Germany in late September or early October then you will have the opportunity to experience one of the world's largest and greatest festivals - the Munich Oktoberfest. For any beer connoisseur this has to be on your list of 101 things to do before you die!
Before you read on let me give a couple of interesting facts
- The Oktoberfest starts in September and not in October, as its name suggests
- The Oktoberfest is also about wine and good food, not only beer
- The Oktoberfest is about having fun with all the family
When Does It Take Place?
This fall the Oktoberfest opens its doors on Saturday September 22nd and lasts until Sunday October 7th, 2007. A full two weeks of fun, food and flowing beer! The festival is opened with a twelve gun salute and grand ceremony at noon, where the Lord Mayor of Munich "taps" the first keg of beer. After that it is a free for all and the festivities begin!
Festival Times Are:
- 10am-10.30pm on weekdays.
- 9am-10.30pm on weekends and holidays.
What To Do
The Oktoberfest is not only about drinking, it is a family affair. Until the hours of 6pm everyday, experience a "Quiet Oktoberfest" where the beer tents play only low level piped music and the general atmosphere is geared towards older people and families. There is something for everybody at the festival. Music, songs, entertainment, souvenir shopping and funfair style rides. Children are allowed to enter the beer tents in the company of their parents, but must leave the tents at 8pm if they are under 6 years of age. There are also special family days - every Tuesday from 12pm to 6pm with discounted rides and entrance fees.
As you would expect, given an event of this scale there are the inevitable problems with drunkenness and general over exuberance, especially with the younger crowd. The Germans jokingly refer to them as “Bierleichen”, (beer corpses) and the quiet time set aside until 6pm is aimed to minimize an excess of "partying" and preserve the traditional atmosphere, at least during the daylight hours.
What To Drink
In addition to the many local beers available the festival has its own special brew. A special Oktoberfest beer is served in a one liter Maß (tankard) which is darker and stronger in taste and alcohol, than the traditional brews. The Oktoberfest is not only for the beer drinker however, although of course that is what earns its name. A wide range of wine is available, along with a mouth watering selection of traditional style Bavarian dishes such as käsespätzle (cheese noodles), sausages and sauerkraut, roast chicken and ox tails.
Where To Go - The Beer Tents
The festival is based around the huge beer tents, constructed purely for the celebration. There are 14 in all, each having their own particular appeal. The tents are large enough to seat thousands in some cases but make sure you get there early. Reservations can be made for a particular tent (contact them direct), but if you are going "on spec" then be sure to get there before 2.30pm on a weekday and in the morning on a weekend. If you don't, the tents are likely to be full and you won't find a seat. No seat, no service, no drink - that's the policy!
Here's The Low-Down On Some Of The Most Popular Tents:
For singles and the young crowd The Hippodrum is a truly "hip" place. It is frequented by a stylish set with a high flirt factor! Celebrities also flock to this venue so you are likely to rub shoulders with some of the elite. Get there early, it's smaller than most tents!
For party animals, try The Schottenhamel, a key tent in the festival as it is one of the most traditional, and where all the opening festivities begin. Popular with the young as a party hang out!
A family friendly tent with a great atmosphere is The Augustiner-Fethalle. Families feel very comfortable in this venue and on "kids days" (Tuesdays) they offer very low prices. This is considered by many elderly locals to be a favorite tent it sells Augustiner, a popular local brew.
If you are into music then The Hacker-Festzelt offers a break from the traditional brass band music with an evening Rock'n Roll band to get the party swinging. Things get into gear from 5.30pm.
