What is the German specialty Oktoberfest? [Detailed explanation]

Oktoberfest is a world-famous event for beer lovers and travelers. Held annually in Munich, this beer festival is the perfect opportunity to enjoy traditional German culture, music, and delicious beer.

However, Oktoberfest is not limited to Munich. In this article, we will provide you with comprehensive information on the authentic Oktoberfest in Munich as well as Oktoberfests held in neighboring countries.

What is Oktoberfest in Munich?

Oktoberfest began in 1810 to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Bavaria. Since then, it has more than 200 years of history and is held annually as the world's largest beer festival. At this festival, which attracts about 6 million people, six major breweries in Munich offer special "Oktoberfest beer", and you can enjoy music and traditional food.

The 6 breweries taking part in Oktoberfest

Munich is home to six major breweries that are prominent at Oktoberfest and produce traditional beers and are central to the beer offering at Oktoberfest.

These breweries are representative of Munich's beer culture and each has their own distinctive beer to offer at Oktoberfest, each with their own history and traditions, making them an attractive option for beer lovers.

Munich Oktoberfest venue

• Location
  Theresienwiese
  
  Address: Bavariaring, 80336 Munich, Germany
  
  It is located in the heart of MunichLarge parkIt is the main venue for the Oktoberfest. The vast space is filled with beer tents, attractions, parades, and more, making it a popular place to experience traditional German culture.
  
• Nearest station
  
  subway U4 or U5 of Theresienwiese Station,or U3 or U6 of Goetheplatz Station Within walking distance.

Characteristics of Oktoberfest beer

A summary of the characteristics of Oktoberfest beer.

• Beer serving size
  Standard serving size is1 literYou can enjoy plenty of beer in a large mug (beer tankard).
  
  
• style
  The main style is called Märzen beer, and it has a strong malty flavor.
  
  
• Alcohol content
  Generally ranging from 5.81 TP3T to 6.31 TP3T, it has a slightly higher alcohol content than regular lagers and has a rich, full-bodied flavor.

Tips for enjoying Oktoberfest in Munich

Oktoberfest is a huge event and can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors, so here are some tips to help you get the most out of the festival.

Wear traditional clothing

It's perfectly fine if you don't wear any attire, but men should wear "lederhosen" and women should wear "dirndl" to fully immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere. These costumes can be purchased at local stores, online shops, or even through rental services.

Get there early

It gets very crowded on weekends and holidays, so if you go on a weekday morning it will be less crowded and you will likely be able to get a seat in the tent.

Consider reserving a table

If you have a large group, we recommend that you reserve a table in the beer tent in advance, as it may be difficult to get a seat in the more popular tents or on weekends.

Prepare cash

Some tents don't take credit cards, so it's important to bring cash with you.

Oktoberfest in Germany outside of Munich

The German Oktoberfest is the most famous and traditional in Munich, but in fact there are beer festivals similar to Oktoberfest held in other cities in Germany. Although the scale is not as large as Munich's, there are many events with the unique charm of each city, and the culture of Oktoberfest is spreading in Germany.

Stuttgart – Cannstatter Volksfest

• Location
  Cannstatter Wasen, Stuttgart, Germany
  This Stuttgart beer festival is the second largest after Munich's Oktoberfest and is loved by locals and tourists alike. Like Oktoberfest, it features numerous beer tents and attractions.
  
  
• Event period
  Late September to early October
  The festival atmosphere is similar to that in Munich, with traditional Bavarian music and beer.

Hamburg – Hamburg Oktoberfest

• Location
  Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg, Germany
  Hamburg also holds an Oktoberfest-style beer festival every year, carrying on the traditions of Munich while also incorporating the unique culture of Northern Germany.
  
  
• Event period
  Mid-September to early October
  Although it is a small event, you can enjoy it with a local atmosphere.

Berlin – Berliner Oktoberfest

• Location
  Zentraler Festplatz am Kurt-Schumacher-Damm, Berlin, Germany
  The capital, Berlin, also holds its Oktoberfest, where you can enjoy traditional beer tents and German cuisine just like in Munich.
  
  
• Event period
  Mid-September to early October
  Although it is not as large as Munich, you can enjoy the international atmosphere that is unique to Berlin.

Bremen – Freimarkt

• Location
  Bremen, Germany
  Bremen's Freimarkt is a beer festival similar to Oktoberfest, and is a historic festival that dates back to the 13th century. In addition to beer, you can also enjoy many attractions and local cuisine.
  
  
• Event period
  Until the end of October
  This is a large-scale event that colors the city of Bremen in the autumn, attracting many people from all over Germany.

Oktoberfest in neighboring countries

Even if you can't make it to Germany, you can still participate in Oktoberfest in neighboring countries. Below are some of the most popular Oktoberfests in neighboring countries.

Switzerland – Zurich (Zurich Oktoberfest)

• Location
  Bauschänzli, Zurich, Switzerland
  Oktoberfest is held in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy traditional German beer and food, as well as a luxurious time spent with the lakeside scenery.
  
  
• Event period
  Every year from early to mid-October.
  Although it is smaller in scale than Munich, you can enjoy Oktoberfest in a homely atmosphere.

Austria – Vienna (Wiener Wiesn-Fest)

• Location
  Kaiserwiese, Prater Park, Vienna, Austria
  Held in Vienna's iconic Prater park, this beer festival is a unique mix of Austrian culture and tradition, combining local beer, music and dancing in a fun, different way to the German-style Oktoberfest.
  
  
• Event period
  From mid-September to early October.
  This is a colorful festival where participants dressed in traditional costumes gather against the backdrop of Vienna's cityscape.

Italy – Bolzano (Bolzano Bozen Beer Festival)

• Location
  Piazza Fiera, Bolzano, Italy
  Located in northern Italy, Bolzano has a strong Austrian influence and hosts a beer festival similar to Oktoberfest, offering a unique experience that combines Italian gastronomy with German beer culture.
  
  
• Event period
  Late September to early October.
  This event attracts many tourists as well as locals and is especially recommended for families.

Czech Republic – Prague (Prague Oktoberfest)

• Location
  Exhibition Grounds, Prague, Czech Republic
  This event combines Czech beer culture with the German Oktoberfest. In Prague, you can also enjoy local beer, so you can experience a different atmosphere from the German style.
  
  
• Event period
  Early October.
  The combination of Prague's historic cityscape and a beer festival makes for a very fascinating tourist experience.

Family fun at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest has many elements that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. For example, at Munich's Oktoberfest, Tuesday is designated as "Family Day", during which attractions are discounted and there are plenty of play equipment and activities for children.

Additionally, Oktoberfests in neighboring countries tend to be smaller in scale and more family-friendly.

summary

Oktoberfest is a must-visit event for all beer lovers. The Oktoberfest in Munich, as well as the Oktoberfests in neighboring countries, each have their own unique local characteristics, so a special experience awaits you everywhere. Dress up in traditional costume and enjoy German culture and beer to your heart's content!