Beer is something to be really enjoyed and celebrated. When I have a really good beer, then I cannot wait to down it and try the next one just as good. Everyone I know says that I love to party and get out and dance 'til my feet go numb. So where can I do all this? Beerfest! Which is more commonly known as the Oktoberfest in Munich.
This gigantic festival celebrating beer is held in Munich every year commencing in September. One thing I have to warn you about though, Munich is so crowded during Oktoberfest that getting there and actually sitting at a table inside a beer hall can take longer than you expected. If you're going to go to Oktoberfest then you have to factor in that there will be huge crowds in Munich. I knew this before I went, so I got in line early on the opening day just to get ready for the Beerfest.
So what should you wear at Oktoberfest? Well the traditional Oktoberfest costume is a Dirndl dress for the girls and the Lederhosen for the guys. Both outfits are very traditional in Bavaria and you definitely will not look out of place at Oktoberfest if you rent or buy one these traditional costumes. They are sold throughout central Munich and cost somewhere between 80 and 300 Euros. If you want to look the part then make sure you look into getting a Dirndl or Lederhosen.
I stayed in a hostel that was a bit of a walk from Theresienwiese (the area where the Oktoberfest is held). Munich has a large variety of hostels where you can stay during the festival starting from around 200Euro for 4 days. Of course if you are ready to spend more on your comfort you can choose hotels, or even apartments if you're with a larger group.
Like most European cities the public transport is incredible in Munich and you can easily get into and out of the Oktoberfest grounds. The U4 and U5 Metro Lines will take you right to the Oktoberfest grounds with a train arriving around every 10 minutes at the most.
Being inside a beer hall really is a great experience. If you're going to be by yourself there is no need to stress because it is easy to meet plenty of people to spend time with as everyone is in a party mood and ready for a great time. My recommendation is just start up a conversation with some of the the people around you. Also if you get the chance to meet local Bavarians from Munich you will more than likely learn a bit about Munich or the Oktoberfest as well.
I met a German couple at the Lowenbrau beer hall who told me one of the best Oktoberfest meals is the pork knuckle, which is pronounced Schweinshaxe in German. A pork knuckle is is basically a big shank or hock of pork. Pork is very popular at Oktoberfest I might add. Now of course it would not be a beer festival if I did not mention the beer and one thing you need to keep in mind is that Oktoberfest beer is one level stronger than normal beer and beer sizes come in a 1 liter glass stein. This is also called a Mass in German. So if you want one beer, remember "Ein Mass". A Mass costs around 9euro, but a tip is generally customary, so just give your server 10Euro and they will be back to serve you before you are done. After a few drinks I found myself singing drinking songs, knocking the table with my fists, dancing on tables and having so much fun with my new friends. The atmosphere in a beer hall is incredibly loud. Everybody is dancing, screaming and laughing all night long. I left the Oktoberfest when my beer hall, the Augistiner, closed at 10.30pm. The trip home in the Metro was quite fun though because the singing and dancing continued all the way back home!
One last thing, if you want to go with a group of similar people you should hook up with one of the Oktoberfest tour groups. Use search engines for companies that specialize in that. They are offering a place to sleep, sometimes with breakfast includes, as well as transport to the festival ground. Some even fly or bus you there from London.
All in all, everyone must celebrate beer once in his or her life and Oktoberfest should be a must on everyones to do list. However, I'm still waiting to meet my Beer Queen!
This gigantic festival celebrating beer is held in Munich every year commencing in September. One thing I have to warn you about though, Munich is so crowded during Oktoberfest that getting there and actually sitting at a table inside a beer hall can take longer than you expected. If you're going to go to Oktoberfest then you have to factor in that there will be huge crowds in Munich. I knew this before I went, so I got in line early on the opening day just to get ready for the Beerfest.
So what should you wear at Oktoberfest? Well the traditional Oktoberfest costume is a Dirndl dress for the girls and the Lederhosen for the guys. Both outfits are very traditional in Bavaria and you definitely will not look out of place at Oktoberfest if you rent or buy one these traditional costumes. They are sold throughout central Munich and cost somewhere between 80 and 300 Euros. If you want to look the part then make sure you look into getting a Dirndl or Lederhosen.
I stayed in a hostel that was a bit of a walk from Theresienwiese (the area where the Oktoberfest is held). Munich has a large variety of hostels where you can stay during the festival starting from around 200Euro for 4 days. Of course if you are ready to spend more on your comfort you can choose hotels, or even apartments if you're with a larger group.
Like most European cities the public transport is incredible in Munich and you can easily get into and out of the Oktoberfest grounds. The U4 and U5 Metro Lines will take you right to the Oktoberfest grounds with a train arriving around every 10 minutes at the most.
Being inside a beer hall really is a great experience. If you're going to be by yourself there is no need to stress because it is easy to meet plenty of people to spend time with as everyone is in a party mood and ready for a great time. My recommendation is just start up a conversation with some of the the people around you. Also if you get the chance to meet local Bavarians from Munich you will more than likely learn a bit about Munich or the Oktoberfest as well.
I met a German couple at the Lowenbrau beer hall who told me one of the best Oktoberfest meals is the pork knuckle, which is pronounced Schweinshaxe in German. A pork knuckle is is basically a big shank or hock of pork. Pork is very popular at Oktoberfest I might add. Now of course it would not be a beer festival if I did not mention the beer and one thing you need to keep in mind is that Oktoberfest beer is one level stronger than normal beer and beer sizes come in a 1 liter glass stein. This is also called a Mass in German. So if you want one beer, remember "Ein Mass". A Mass costs around 9euro, but a tip is generally customary, so just give your server 10Euro and they will be back to serve you before you are done. After a few drinks I found myself singing drinking songs, knocking the table with my fists, dancing on tables and having so much fun with my new friends. The atmosphere in a beer hall is incredibly loud. Everybody is dancing, screaming and laughing all night long. I left the Oktoberfest when my beer hall, the Augistiner, closed at 10.30pm. The trip home in the Metro was quite fun though because the singing and dancing continued all the way back home!
One last thing, if you want to go with a group of similar people you should hook up with one of the Oktoberfest tour groups. Use search engines for companies that specialize in that. They are offering a place to sleep, sometimes with breakfast includes, as well as transport to the festival ground. Some even fly or bus you there from London.
All in all, everyone must celebrate beer once in his or her life and Oktoberfest should be a must on everyones to do list. However, I'm still waiting to meet my Beer Queen!
About the Author:
FOMO Travel, the events and festival travel specialists, has developed a new site that provides an extensive array of information and advice for the Oktoberfest in Munich, including travel options, travel tips, party spots and other activities.
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