Oktoberfest: The Ultimate Guide to Germany’s Most Iconic Festival 2026

Prost! Welcome to Oktoberfest

Every fall, millions of people don lederhosen and dirndls to experience the unforgettable magic of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. It’s more than just a beer festival — it’s a celebration of Bavarian culture, music, food, and community that dates back over 200 years. If you’re wondering what Oktoberfest is, when it starts, or how to make the most of your visit, this guide has you covered.

What Is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair), held annually in Munich, Bavaria. The festival began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration and has evolved into a 16- to 18-day extravaganza visited by over 6 million people from around the world each year.

When Is Oktoberfest in Germany?

Oktoberfest typically begins in mid-September and ends on the first Sunday of October. For example, Oktoberfest 2025 will run from September 20 to October 5.

Budget: What to Expect

Oktoberfest is unforgettable, but it can be pricey. Here’s what to plan for:

• A Maß (1-liter beer) costs around €14–€15.
• Meals in the tents often cost €20 or more.
• Hotel prices can be 3x to 4x higher during the festival. Tip: Book accommodation early and set aside a generous daily budget.

Getting to Theresienwiese

Public transport is your best friend during Oktoberfest:

• U-Bahn Lines U4 and U5: Stop at Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhöhe.
• Avoid driving — parking is almost impossible and roads are congested.

What to Bring (and What Not to)

Security is strict:

• Leave big backpacks at home. Only small handbags or waist pouches are allowed.
• Bring cash. While more tents are accepting cards, cash is still king.
• ID and a fully charged phone are also must-haves.

Oktoberfest Beer and Food

Best Oktoberfest Beer

Each beer served at the festival is brewed within Munich city limits and adheres to the Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law). Popular options include:

• Augustiner
• Hofbräu
• Paulaner
• Hacker-Pschorr

Oktoberfest Food Must-Trys

Bavarian cuisine is a big part of the experience:

• Hendl (roast chicken)
• Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle)
• Brezn (giant pretzels)
• Obatzda (cheese spread)
• Apfelstrudel

What to Wear: Oktoberfest German Outfits

Dressing up is half the fun!

Traditional German Dress for Oktoberfest

• Lederhosen: Leather shorts for men, often paired with suspenders and checkered shirts.
• Dirndl: A dress with a bodice, blouse, full skirt, and apron.

Insider tip: The apron bow has meaning —

• Left = single
• Right = taken
• Center = virgin
• Back = widow or waitress

The Beer Tents: How They Work

Beer tents are the beating heart of Oktoberfest.

Reservations vs. Free Seating

• Reservations are essential for evenings and weekends — often made a year in advance.
• No-reservation sections exist in all major tents. Arrive early: before 10 AM on weekdays or before opening on weekends for a shot at getting a table.

Notable Beer Tents

• Hofbräu-Festzelt: International party vibe, very popular with tourists.
• Augustiner-Festhalle: Traditional, loved by locals, serves beer from wooden kegs.
• Schottenhamel: Where the first keg is tapped with the cry „O’zapft is!“
• Oide Wiesn: A calmer, family-friendly area with a nostalgic atmosphere.

🎟 Reserve a tent table here

Where to Stay: Hotels in Munich Germany Near Oktoberfest

Book early! Accommodations near Theresienwiese (festival grounds) fill up fast.

• Hotel Bavaria Boutique
• Marc München
• Sofitel Munich Bayerpost

🎟 Browse Munich hotels

Oktoberfest Hours and Entry Tips

• Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10:30 PM (Weekdays), 9 AM on weekends.
• Admission: Free to enter the festival grounds; beer tents may require reservations.
• Tip: Arrive early if you want a table, especially on weekends.

A Personal Oktoberfest Memory

In 2019, I arrived solo in Munich with just a small backpack and a heart full of curiosity. Within hours of stepping into a beer tent, I was singing arm-in-arm with strangers from four continents. Oktoberfest has a magical way of turning everyone into family.

Local Secrets and Hidden Gems

• Oide Wiesn: A more traditional version of the festival with folk music and antique rides.
• Viktualienmarkt: A nearby farmers market perfect for a quieter bite.
• Museum of Beer and Oktoberfest: Discover the festival’s history.

Oktoberfest in Germany is more than beer — it’s a vibrant cultural celebration you won’t forget. Whether you go for the lederhosen, the beer, or the incredible vibe, don’t wait to start planning. Prost to an unforgettable journey to Oktoberfest Munich!

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