The energy of Munich is absolutely transformed by the rich Bavarian tradition of Oktoberfest; with businesswomen commuting to work decked out in intricate dirndls, storefront windows showcasing lederhosen on every street, and thousands of heart-shaped Lebkuchen cookies that seem to hang from the sky. The world’s largest annual folk festival, Oktoberfest attracts over 8 million people from around the world. Inside these animated fairgrounds, eyes will sparkle at the colorful amusement rides, lively fair games, and delicious streusel stalls. And you can’t ignore the reason why the tickets are booked in the first place: the beer! From the outside, the sheer size of the beer halls will blow you away. Through the doors, the stimuli and wonder is on overdrive. Live folk music happily blares from an elevated gazebo in the middle of a massive dome-shaped room.  Surrounding the center are 10,000 happy drinkers – noisily dancing, singing, and cheering the day away. You can’t help but join in on the fun!

Rule #1: Know WHY Oktoberfest Is

The story goes a little something like this. In 1810, Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria was newly married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. After much romantic contemplation on what royal gift to give his new leading lady, he presented her with a field in Munich. Seeing that she wasn’t too impressed with “Theresa’s Fields”,  he quickly added that they would throw a lavish party for all the people to celebrate their nuptials. This royal event was complete with horse racing and festivities for all of Munich’s citizens to enjoy. It was such a hit that they declared it an annual event; each year adding on more and more amusements and beer stalls. Thanks Ludwig.

Oh and Theresa’s fields in German is pronounced Theresienwiese OR Weisn for short…which is exactly what locals of Bavaria call Oktoberfest.

RULE #2: Book your lair WELL in advance

Around April, we began our search and realized we waited a bit too long. The popularity of the event sends hotel prices skyrocketing and pushes “no vacancies” to an all-time high. If you are cool with renting an apartment, you will save money this way, but the inventory is sparse if you don’t book far in advance. The thing is, many residents who typically list their apartments on Airbnb or Homeaway take down their listings during this time in fear of risking tourist debauchery during Oktoberfest into their homes.  We were able to find this attic-like bachelor pad on Airbnb far out of city central for a ridiculously awesome price, but it was definitely slim-pickins because of our lateness!

RULE #3: Strap on your dirndl and lederhosen, people!

You don’t even need to be near the fairgrounds to feel the Oktoberfest energy throughout the city. You are guaranteed to witness a festival-goer anywhere you roam. Even riding the subway at 9am, you’ll spot citizens on their morning commute decked out in their Bavarian gear for a post-work visit. If you are German, the dress is really not optional, it’s mandatory. So…when in Munich, you better do as the Munchens do.

If you are not much of a planner, you can EASILY buy your costume in central Munich…EVERY corner has Alpine outfits for sale. If buying on the fly, expect to pay about $70 for a dirndl and $70 for lederhosen.

If you prefer to buy before you go, good for you…you will probably save $$!

RULE #4: ABIDE BY THE TRADITIONAL WAYS OF THE DIRNDL

Ladies, for the love of your tourist dignity, do NOT order your dirndl from a Halloween outfitter whose main goal is to push just how short they can make the skirt. Not only will you disrespect the tradition, you will stick out like a deep southerner in New York City and it won’t feel good. Plus, like a local Bavarian Madchen told me, it’s all about the cleavage, so push those girls up!

One last fashion tip for the Ladies is to correctly tie your dirndl apron! I learned that there are messages implied by the apron the hard way because I tied mine in the back…which means I am a widower! The more popular ways are the left side (which means you are single and ready to mingle) and the right side (which means you are off the market).

Oh and boys, I won’t leave you out! In order to save money, feel free to wear a button down or flannel underneath your lederhosen!

RULE #5: Take the U-Bahn…it’s SO easy

Unless you are Moneybags Muller, Taxis will be a ridiculous option for transportation. Take the U-Bahn. It’s clean and super simple to master. If you’re not the best navigator after a few beers, be sure to write down or note in your phone the route back to your hotel/apartment via U-Bahn. All the stops may or may not start sounding the same and liquid confidence might make you feel like some veteran train conductor. I wouldn’t want you to go the opposite direction for five stops only to realize you made a mistake half an hour later.  Just an example from a friend. 

U-Bahn Stops for Oktoberfest:

• U3 or U6 to Goetheplatz or Poccistraße
• U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhöhe

RULE #6: Going on a WEEKEND? You better have SEAT RESERVATIONS!

Before I knew we had seat reservations through a friend on a Saturday, I was initially naive enough to think we could just “grab a seat!” in one of the tents. Well, I was wrong. If you show up to a popular tent on one of these days, you will be circling the jam-packed seats for hours on end with no luck. And you can’t just stand in the walkways, security will tell you to move along in about 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. With that said, research your options for tickets EARLY, like December/January early. The tickets work more like seat reservations for an allotted time, i.e. 1pm – 4pm seating. The largest allotment of tickets require a minimum of 10 people to a table, so if you are headed there with a group less than that, you need to jump on it so you can snag one of the lesser minimums.

Now, don’t forget! This warning is meant for weekends, including Fridays. The weekdays are a bit of a different animal. Still incredibly crowded and super fun, if you circle the seating area for a little bit before 3pm at any tent, you can probably secure an area. That is, if you are a smaller group. I can only speak for that size!

RULE #7: CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE BY CHOOSING YOUR TENT

Each beer tent has a unique story to tell, so it’s best to find a suitable match for your Oktoberfest adventure. There are 14 different tents to choose from. Here are the names for your researching pleasure, and I’ve added notes to the ones I personally know about.

• Augustiner-Festhall
• Winzerer Fahndl
• Pschorr-Braurosl
• Kafer’s Weis’n-Schanke
• Ochsenbraterei – all about the oxen specialties here
• Schottenhamel
• Hofbrau Festzelt – biggest tourist attraction, but seriously fun.
• Hacker-Festhalle – the stars and clouds on the tents ceiling are pretty awesome! Makes this fun tent feel a little whimsical!
• Weinzelt – Wine
• Schutzen-Festzelt
• Marstall – newest tent
• Fischer Vroni – pigs knuckles and the like served here
• Armbrustschutzen-Festhalle – Crossbow competition location.
• Lowenbrau-Festhalle

RULE #8: There’s more to the festival than BEIR

I was in awe at the massive variety of sights and sounds at Oktoberfest. There are wine tents, coffee tents, games, competitions…and we cannot forget the rides! If you are a thrill-seeker or lover of nostalgia, get ready to ride on or reminisce with some pretty epic amusement rides! Just do yourself a favor and ride them before you indulge in a stein of beer.

RULE #9: Don’t pay a visit to obnoxious land or “throw up hill”

I can’t tell you how many foreigners I saw indulging passed their point of no return. Case in point: I witnessed a group of really obnoxious dudes screaming the American National Anthem followed by an “America is the best!” chant. How is that even necessary at a German festival? I also learned about “throw up hill” which is literally a hillside littered with drunken tourists who couldn’t physically handle their liquor.

By all means, get tipsy! Lets be honest, that’s why tourists flock here, for the drunken shennanery. But do yourself a favor and drink slow. The steins of beer will hit you out of NOWHERE. I know from experience – apparently 3 is passed my limit, hah!

RULE #10: DO eat the SpaetzlE and 1/2 Chicken

You just can’t drink like the Germans and not eat like them too. Soak up your beer with some DELICIOUS (and overpriced) German fare. I recommend the cheese Spaetzle and 1/2 Chicken!

RULE #11: Cheers STRANGERS like there’s no tomorrow

With drinks flowing, fun music, and seating at community tables; a beer hall is made for socializing. Don’t just stay in a bubble with your freunds! Use the endless Cheers or “Prost!” opportunities to clink glasses with your neighbors and strike up a conversation.

RULE #12: BEYOND THE FAIRGROUNDS, THERE’S MUCH MORE TO EXPLORE

If you have some down-time, be sure to put in the effort to explore the rich history and culture of Munich. Wander around the English Garden park or take a free walking tour with Sandemans of Europe. It’s a fascinating city with a lot to offer.