Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival and traveling funfair in the world! Every year, Munich, Bavaria, Germany hosts a 16 to 18 day folk festival. An average of 6 million people participate in the festivities annually. Visitors enjoy delicious food, plenty of drinks, music and dancing, parades, and fairground rides.
Oktoberfest 2018 takes place from September 22nd to October 7th. It is held in the Theresienwiese meadow, just outside of Munich. Tents with tables and benches are spread out across the field. Some tents have multiple levels and are able to hold up to 10,000 people.
Watch the grand parade
The parade takes place the first Sunday of Oktoberfest, this year on September 23. Around 9,500 participants march around the streets of Munich dressed up in costumes. The parade showcases traditional outfits, bands, dancing routines, flag bearers, and much more. After winding through the streets of Munich, it arrives at Oktoberfest. This is one event you don’t want to miss.
Try all the food
There is much more to look forward to at Oktoberfest than the limitless beer. The food is just as popular at the festival. Oktoberfest is famous for its roasted foods, like roasted chicken, roasted pork, and roasted ham hock. The Brezen, or pretzel, is also a fan favourite. The large, soft pretzels are perfect to have along with your beer. Pretzels are one of the signature foods at the festival, as are the sausages, potato and flour dumplings, and the obatzda, or spiced cheese-butter spread. Sauerkraut can be found on almost anything at this huge German get together.
Ride the rides
Take time to enjoy the rides at Oktoberfest. Enjoy a leisurely trip around the carousel, or spin high in the air on a ride called “Top Spin”. Whatever your speed, Oktoberfest has the ride. Not only do they have these fun rides at the festival, but they have carnival games as well. Shoot airguns and pop balloons with darts.
Be sure to try out the new rides that were added for the 2018 Oktoberfest. The “Chaos Pendel”, otherwise known as the “Pendulum of Chaos”, is a swing and slingshot that sends eight passengers in many different directions. Another new ride is the “Predator”. The gondola type structure flips and tumbles on hydraulic poles.
Places to see in Munich
English Garden
You won’t want to miss out on a trip through the English Garden. It is free and open to the public. The open landscape and rolling hills are breathtaking. While you are walking through the garden, stop and admire the monuments or stay a while at one of the popular biergartens.
Marienplatz
The Marienplatz is also a must-see in Germany. This square is filled with mimes, musicians, and all sorts of other street performers. There are plenty of wonderful local restaurants to patronize. Visit the fish fountain and Mary’s Column, or wander through the many surrounding shops.
Residenz Royal Palace
Don’t forget to admire the Residenz Royal Palace while you are in Munich. On the palace grounds, you can walk through courtyards and marvel at the beautiful fountains and grottoes, among other things. Inside, the palace contains crown jewels, a collection of Egyptian art, the Herkulessaal concert hall, and the Cuvillies Theater.
Tips for your travels
Book ahead
Reservations are not required, but if you want to ensure your spot in one of the main tents, it is smart to book ahead. Be sure you reserve your spot through the official Oktoberfest landlords, so you know your reservation is legitimate. The table reservations are free, but to save a seat, it is required that you purchase a meal voucher.
Research before you go
Wandering around the festival can be fun, but it helps to know what you’re looking for. There are 14 main tents and many smaller tents, all with unique atmospheres. Research Oktoberfest’s tents so you know which ones you want to visit, and plan your trip keeping that in mind.
Dress up without spending money
It is typical for Oktoberfest goers to dress up in traditional, authentic German outfits, but this can get expensive. For men, if you don’t want to purchase lederhosen, wear a simple blue and white checkered shirt instead. These are called trachten shirts, and they fit in with the theme of Oktoberfest because blue and white are the signature Bavarian colours. For women, instead of buying a dirndl, consider doing your hair in the Bavarian-style of two side braids. Make your hairstyle even more authentic by adorning your braids with a blue bow.
Get good mobile data
It is important to have a good mobile service wherever you go. You shouldn’t have to worry about your data while you are enjoying Oktoberfest. BNESIM wants to make your vacation as stress-free as possible.
BNESIM’s Surf Europe Unlimited SIM card is perfect for Oktoberfest visitors. This ultimate international SIM card provides coverage in 31 European countries. You can choose between 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, or 12GB of high-speed internet. Even after your selected amount of data is used up, you still have unlimited internet, but at a reduced speed. BNESIM even has a special offer specifically for this festival. Buy one SIM card for your Oktoberfest adventure, get the second one for free. Use BNESIM’s Europe data SIM card to share your Oktoberfest adventures with all your friends and family!