5 considerations before your Oktoberfest trip
Oktoberfest is the biggest folk fest in the world and a definitive expat bucket-list destination.
Expat Club has been traveling to Munich for Oktoberfest for 3 years, and so we have learned a few things along the way.
Here are a few you have to consider when planning your trip to Oktoberfest.
There will be crowds
It doesn’t get to be the biggest folk fest in the world without huge crowds descending into town to enjoy the festivities. The Wiesn (as the locals refer to the fairgrounds) sees thousands of visitors every single day during the 16 to 18 days-long celebration.
With such crowds, it can be a bit overwhelming to try to enjoy this remarkable event. Careful planning will be critical for you to enjoy the experience fully.
Famous beer tents will sell out fast
They say Oktoberfest is busy during the week, busier during the weekend. Most festival-goers would want to go during the weekends, of course.
That means spots at the beer tents will most likely be sold out already.
There are 12 tents located across the Wiesn, some of these sit thousands of people! Getting a spot at a beer tent can be possible, but you have to be prepared for the longest queue, ever!
We have secured spots for our trip in advance to avoid this issue, in the fantastic Armbrustschützenzelt.
When you go to the festival, matters
No matter which day you go, you know the place will be busy, and the beer tents will be full. But one crucial thing to consider is what time you enter the beer tents.
The afternoons are usually more family-friendly; children are allowed at the beer tents during this time. It’s a great time to join because the crowds are very lively, the overall ambiance with live music, food, and drink is just fantastic!
The evenings are more suited for the more hardcore type of crowd. Younger guests are not allowed in the evening, and the beer tents are definitely rowdier, and let’s be honest, drunker.
We like to provide a more inclusive experience, so our beer tent spots are booked in the afternoon. This will help you enjoy the experience with your entire family.
Expect a little chaos, service-wise
Over six million visitors descend upon the Wiesn, all waiting for spots at the beer tents, rides, and the ridiculous queues at souvenir and food stalls.
So you can expect it’ll be chaotic when it comes to ordering your drinks and meals, especially in the beer tents!
You need to carefully plan your time at the event, including knowing what to drink and what to order. And you need to be quick and very patient because service will be slow, and maybe not with a smile.
When you join our Oktoberfest trip, all this is planned for you. The spots at the beer tent are secure, and you will have your drink and meal covered.
It’s not just a beer fest
Yes, having that litre-sized jug of beer (or “Maß”) is a big part of the experience.
In fact, The 6 Munich breweries who sponsor the tents, Augustiner, Paulaner, Löwenbräu, Spaten, Hacker-Pschorr, and Hofbräu serve a beer specially brewed for the occasion.
But there’s a lot more to Oktoberfest. Aside from the food stalls and souvenir shops outside of the beer tents, you will find plenty of carnival rides on the south side of the Wiesn.
There are rollercoasters, drop towers, pirate ships, merry-go-round, swing rides, and many more.
We have our spots at the beer tent in the afternoon for several hours so you can enjoy more of the fairgrounds later in the evening.
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