I think I would really love my wedding to be the reason for celebrating beer! Feast a queen and a king by tasting as much beer as my liver can bear, eating while people are dancing until their feet go numb. OK, Challenge accepted. I'm getting married at the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany!
This Beerfest is for the celebration of the best beers in the world, Bavarian Lagers. It is held in Munich over a 16 day period every September/October. If you go to Oktoberfest one thing that will blow you away is the size of the crowds in Munich. There is millions of people EVERYWHERE! So you really need to plan ahead and get there as early as you can, because actually finding a seat at a table inside the beer halls could take ages. So that is one thing that you have to keep in mind when are Oktoberfest in Munich - Get ready for the crowds!. I actually read up about this beforehand so I got in line at 8am on the opening day so that I was ready for the festivities.
One tip for newbie's is don't attend a "royal wedding" if you're not dressed properly. If you are a girl then you have to dress in a Dirndl, a traditional wear for Bavarian girls and if you're a guy like me, then you must dress in Lederhosen, Dirndl's male version. You can rent or buy these outfits, as I did, from every costume store in Munich from between 80 and 300 Euros. I opted for the cheaper version, but make sure you get the costume, it will make the experience so much better.
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.
There are cheaper options for accommodation a bit further out in the suburbs of Munich and the city has great public transport to get you into the Oktoberfest grounds. The Metro will take you right to the heart of the festival with a train arriving around every 10 minutes at the most. The two closest lines to the Oktoberfest grounds are the U4 and U5 lines.
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 started a conversation with a German girl at the Schotenhammel tent who suggested the best Oktoberfest meal is Schweinebraten, which is basically a traditional pork steak. Pork is very popular in Germany. Oh and another tip for newbie's if you are not regular beer drinkers, keep in mind that Oktoberfest beer is one level stronger than normal beer and beer sizes are 1 liter, which the Germans call a mass. A beer costs around 10euro so be careful with alcohol and your wallet because tips are pretty mandatory. After 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 is so amazing and loud with everybody dancing, screaming and laughing. I left the Oktoberfest when the tent we were in, the Lowenbrau, closed at 10.30pm, but the party basically just moved into the Metro, which was so amusing on the way back to home.
I think if I was going to go to Oktoberfest again by myself I think I would hook up with one of the tour operators who specialise in Oktoberfest tours. They take care of it all for you, including somewhere to sleep, quite often some breakfast and other meals and if needed your transport to the festival ground. There is also heaps that offer a coach of even flights 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 Beerfest is for the celebration of the best beers in the world, Bavarian Lagers. It is held in Munich over a 16 day period every September/October. If you go to Oktoberfest one thing that will blow you away is the size of the crowds in Munich. There is millions of people EVERYWHERE! So you really need to plan ahead and get there as early as you can, because actually finding a seat at a table inside the beer halls could take ages. So that is one thing that you have to keep in mind when are Oktoberfest in Munich - Get ready for the crowds!. I actually read up about this beforehand so I got in line at 8am on the opening day so that I was ready for the festivities.
One tip for newbie's is don't attend a "royal wedding" if you're not dressed properly. If you are a girl then you have to dress in a Dirndl, a traditional wear for Bavarian girls and if you're a guy like me, then you must dress in Lederhosen, Dirndl's male version. You can rent or buy these outfits, as I did, from every costume store in Munich from between 80 and 300 Euros. I opted for the cheaper version, but make sure you get the costume, it will make the experience so much better.
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.
There are cheaper options for accommodation a bit further out in the suburbs of Munich and the city has great public transport to get you into the Oktoberfest grounds. The Metro will take you right to the heart of the festival with a train arriving around every 10 minutes at the most. The two closest lines to the Oktoberfest grounds are the U4 and U5 lines.
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 started a conversation with a German girl at the Schotenhammel tent who suggested the best Oktoberfest meal is Schweinebraten, which is basically a traditional pork steak. Pork is very popular in Germany. Oh and another tip for newbie's if you are not regular beer drinkers, keep in mind that Oktoberfest beer is one level stronger than normal beer and beer sizes are 1 liter, which the Germans call a mass. A beer costs around 10euro so be careful with alcohol and your wallet because tips are pretty mandatory. After 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 is so amazing and loud with everybody dancing, screaming and laughing. I left the Oktoberfest when the tent we were in, the Lowenbrau, closed at 10.30pm, but the party basically just moved into the Metro, which was so amusing on the way back to home.
I think if I was going to go to Oktoberfest again by myself I think I would hook up with one of the tour operators who specialise in Oktoberfest tours. They take care of it all for you, including somewhere to sleep, quite often some breakfast and other meals and if needed your transport to the festival ground. There is also heaps that offer a coach of even flights 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:
The events and festival travel specialists, FOMO Travel, 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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