Munich Oktoberfest Guide

Confusingly starting in September, the Munich Oktoberfest is the most famous beer festival in the world. It is also the world’s largest fair. In 2010, 6.4 million people travelled to the Bavarian city to indulge in some of the finest beers in the world throughout the 17 day festivities.

The liquor is traditionally served by women in traditional German costume, who can carry up to ten Steins (1-litre glasses) of beer at a time. There are 14 different beer tents, many of which are elaborate in design. Some represent castles and, with the long tables and benches at which drinkers sit, proceedings look very much like an alcoholic version of school dinnertime in a Harry Potter movie.

The arrangement of the tables mean that it is very easy to get chatting to your fellow ale lovers and this only gets easier the more you drink! Strangers become friends in the process as the atmosphere becomes increasingly relaxed – and increasingly raucous – as the night progresses. The loud hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses give the great halls a unique atmosphere which is mysteriously therapeutic yet invigorating at the same time and, the more you drink, the more this difference becomes pronounced.

To say that the Oktoberfest is just about beer would be an inaccuracy. The Weinzelt offers 15 different types of wine, as well as sparkling wine and champagne, for those who like more fruit in their drinks. Meanwhile, there is a wide selection of food, particularly if you are a carnivore. OK, so the food isn't quite up to the Michelin-starred standard of that served in the landmark restaurants of hotels in Rome or Florence but famous German sausage, roast chicken, steaks and Bavarian dumplings can all be sampled, whilst nothing is better than warm potato salad and ice cold beer.

Cafe Mohrenkopf has a bakery on-site and is famous for its chocolate-glazed cream-cake, as well as its coffee. Meanwhile, children are catered for in Schiebl’s Kaffeehaferl, which is ideal for families.

Indeed, the children can come to Oktoberfest and still have a good time. There are fairground attractions to keep them amused whilst performers, artists and bands keep the crowds entertained in the various tents. Traditional German and Bavarian music can also be heard as this is a massive excuse for the locals to have one last party before the summer concludes.

Oktoberfest takes place on Theresienweise in the heart of the city so it’s easy to visit. It is also readily accessible for Munich’s other tourist attractions, meaning it is a convenient and fun location for a weekend break for those taking advantage of the deals offered by Munich hotels.

- More information about the Munich Oktoberfest and some good photos can be found at the Oktoberfest.de website.