Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest in the world - beer and Fall festival. Drawing about 8 MILLION visitors every year over the three week period at the end of September, and this year we returned to our favorite German city to experience it.
We made it a point to leave early on Monday morning so we avoided all the crowds found in the evenings and afternoons. So, still dark out, rain coming down, we made our way to Munich for all the fun.
Oktoberfest is definitely something you should try to do if you find yourself in Germany while it's going on.
There is so much to see and do. The grounds are HUGE!!! I've never really seen anything like it before. Sure Stuttgart's Spring Festival was large, but Oktoberfest, was massive.
Everything is decorated to the nines. Not a single place was left untouched on the grounds
In most places the rain coming down, would stop people from attending. Not here. Cold - we are talking 55 degrees - and rain and the people still were coming in large groups from the metro station.
Look at this weather though. You would not guess it was just after ten in the morning.
Every stall and beer tent was over the top with festive wear. The amount of time it must take to decorate for this three week event is crazy. People must work around the clock to get this all together.
We got there at opening for the day, which for us (and anyone going without an actual plan) was a good call. It allowed us the time to walk around and see everything and still get a seat in one of the tents, which later in the day is no small feat. We saw all the reserved signs placed out for 2 PM till closing.
Inside one of the tents. We didn't get to see inside many others, but I can only imagine the decor they had as well.
There's the Hubby being adorable.
I cannot get over how large the beer mugs are here in Germany. The women are so talented, we saw one carrying almost ten mugs in one trip with no tray. TEN!!! How crazy is that!?
And of course my favorite thing:
The Ferris Wheel!!!
At every German festival, you can find these stands filled with gingerbread.
We had a fantastic time and you can bet we will be back next year and we may even come on a weekend to get the whole experience.
If you are planning your own trip to Oktoberfest, I created a short list of tips to help it run smoothly.
Oktoberfest is definitely something you should try to do if you find yourself in Germany while it's going on.
There is so much to see and do. The grounds are HUGE!!! I've never really seen anything like it before. Sure Stuttgart's Spring Festival was large, but Oktoberfest, was massive.
Everything is decorated to the nines. Not a single place was left untouched on the grounds
In most places the rain coming down, would stop people from attending. Not here. Cold - we are talking 55 degrees - and rain and the people still were coming in large groups from the metro station.
Look at this weather though. You would not guess it was just after ten in the morning.
Every stall and beer tent was over the top with festive wear. The amount of time it must take to decorate for this three week event is crazy. People must work around the clock to get this all together.
We got there at opening for the day, which for us (and anyone going without an actual plan) was a good call. It allowed us the time to walk around and see everything and still get a seat in one of the tents, which later in the day is no small feat. We saw all the reserved signs placed out for 2 PM till closing.
Inside one of the tents. We didn't get to see inside many others, but I can only imagine the decor they had as well.
There's the Hubby being adorable.
I cannot get over how large the beer mugs are here in Germany. The women are so talented, we saw one carrying almost ten mugs in one trip with no tray. TEN!!! How crazy is that!?
And of course my favorite thing:
The Ferris Wheel!!!
At every German festival, you can find these stands filled with gingerbread.
We had a fantastic time and you can bet we will be back next year and we may even come on a weekend to get the whole experience.
If you are planning your own trip to Oktoberfest, I created a short list of tips to help it run smoothly.
- If you are driving, a great place to park is at Fröttmaning Park and Ride
- The U6, which will take you there directly (no changes needed) is located on the ground level of this garage.
- We paid only 1€ for three hours of parking, so it is a great choice
- The metro in Munich is very user friendly. You will purchase your tickets at a kiosk (many language options) and then validate it on your way down the stairs to the stop.
- For 12€ per adult you get a ticket that is good from the time it is validated till 6 AM the following day for all metro lines
- A great option for seeing Munich as well as Oktoberfest
- At 13 stops you have arrived at Oktoberfest
- If you go Monday-Thursday in the morning (opening is 10 AM). You will have no problem snagging a table in any tent.
- Factor about 30 to 40€ per person for beer and food within the tents
- Be sure to bring extra money along for the rides, food stalls, and shopping (Oktoberfest like Disney World has tons of merchandise and official designed items for the year)
Have a great day everyone!!!
