Oktoberfest, what is it? Well, to some, it’s basically the world’s best excuse to have a pint. An annual festival that floods the streets of Munich, Oktoberfest celebrates the sesh like no other place on earth and opens your eyes to how magical a humble beer can truly be.
But, to curious individuals like you and I, Oktoberfest is so much more. A glimpse into German culture, a farewell to summer before the Bavarian cold and generally a damn good time. Here’s why you don’t need to be three steins deep to enjoy Oktoberfest.
Let’s park the steins for a sec…
Yes, Oktoberfest is famed for the beer, but the festival makes a concerted effort to ensure you have fun outside of the pretty green and gold tents – if you dare venture out.
Thrills, spills and Ferris wheels
Have you seen the selection of beautiful vintage rides? Rollercoasters, sky-high swings, spinning tea cups and the Ferris wheel to top it all off. Best enjoyed before the drinking begins, these rides ensure a healthy dose of adrenaline and the Ferris wheel in particular offers stunning views of the gorgeous German city.
Image source: Contiki
Get your oom-pah on
If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground (understandable) then you better get your folk on. Inside the traditional Oktoberfest tents, you’ll find everything from folksy brass bands and traditional songs to plenty of dancing – all accompanied by fabulous dirndls and lederhosen.
And after a few steins, you’ll be feeling a little loose and ready to party.
A dose of history
Did you know, Oktoberfest began as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen in 1810? If you’re historically inclined, you may want to visit the Oide Wiesn, aka “old Oktoberfest” – a section of the fairground which hosts historical tents and exhibitions designed to preserve the festival’s earlier traditional aspects. Expect historical parades, nostalgia and even horse racing! No betting, though, drinking is the only vice allowed here.
A little culture never hurt
Munich is home to a truly fantastic cluster of museums and art galleries where you can learn about science, technology, architecture and European history. Take a break from the beer gardens, immerse yourself in German art and return home with just enough culture to be pretentious about it.
Eat your way through Oktoberfest
One of the best things to do at Oktoberfest (or anywhere you travel, really)? Try all the food. And if you’re going to be drinking, you might as well line your stomach with some of these deliciously unique Oktoberfest treats:
- Brezeln: A pretzel, but it’s from Bavaria specifically. They’re huge and as fluffy as clouds.
- Obatzda: Do you like melty camembert at brunch? Well, this German cheese spread is soft and creamy and perfect to dip your brezeln in.
- Hendl: Roast chicken, basically. But did you know more than half a million of them are served at Oktoberfest each year?
- Sausages: Can’t visit Munich without devouring a few sausages. From bratwurst, weisswurst, currywurst, wiener wurst and so many more, we recommend starting a tier list with your friends.
- Rotkohl: We can’t undermine the importance of carbs while drinking, but let’s not forget the veg. This red cabbage dish can be one of your one a day.
- Dampfnudel: And for dessert, perhaps sweet steamed dumplings with a luscious vanilla sauce? Yes, please.
- Lebkuchenherzen: Oktoberfest is practically synonymous with these gingerbread heart-shaped cookies dressed in pastel frosting and words of love.
When you’re stuffed, wash all these bites down with the festival’s best beers.
For the sporty types
Yes, you read that right. Sports! Surprising, perhaps, at a primarily alcoholic festival, but the locals have to burn those beer calories somehow. Oktoberfest hosts many traditional Bavarian games that you can watch or participate in.
Stone lifting
Does what it says on the tin: Steinheben is an event in which competitors take turns lifting heavy stones to see who can manage the most weight.
Fingerhakeln
Not as obvious, this is a wrestling competition where fingers are the star. Opponents hook their middle fingers together and try to pull the other across the table. Honestly, kind of impressive and definitely harder than it looks.
A moment for the dress ledershosen
If nothing else strikes your fancy while you’re patiently waiting for 5 o’clock to start drinking (or earlier, who are we kidding?) then at least allow yourself to be enchanted by the dirndl and lederhosen. Think white puffy sleeves, gingham shirts, rustic floral patterns, golden buttons and delicate lacing. It’s a charming blast from the past, equal parts whimsical and effortlessly cool – and renting or buying your own is the perfect way to embrace and honour the local culture.
There’s actually a secret meaning to how you tie your apron. Read this Oktoberfest guide to discover it.
Image source: Contiki
Point is, you can definitely do Oktoberfest without drinking, or, if you can handle your hops, you can drink and enjoy all the culture and fun activities this German festival has to offer.
Ready to experience Oktoberfest for yourself? Let’s help you make a trip of it.
