12 Things You Should Know Before Going to Oktoberfest To Avoid Rookie Mistakes
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There are many things you should know before going to Oktoberfest. For example, did you know approximately six million people attend Oktoberfest in Munich annually? If not, it’s essential to be ready to tackle the crowds. Oktoberfest has been celebrated since 1810, when it was held in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
It’s the world’s largest volksfest, with volksfest being a German beer or wine festival. During the festival, Germans and travelers celebrate by dressing in traditional Bavarian costumes, participating in games, listening to live music, and drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Here are 12 things you need to know to prepare you for Oktoberfest.
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You Don’t Need More Than Two Days
While it can be tempting to attend the Oktoberfest for four or five days and make the most of the occasion, you don’t need that long. You only need one or two days to experience the festival. You’ll find that most of the locals only join in on the fun for one or two days before heading home.
Many tourists stay longer, but there is only so much beer you can drink, making this one of the most important things you should know before going to Oktoberfest. Trust us, you’ll regret not heading our warning on your fourth or fifth day of drinking beer, listening to live music and dancing. Limit yourself to one or two days, have a great time, and then explore Germany instead.
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Locals Call It the Wiesn
One of the main things you should know before going to Oktoberfest is what the word Wiesn means. You’ll often hear and see the word Wiesn during your time in Munich. If you didn’t know what the word meant before you attended the festival, it’s fair to say this could confuse you.
When explained, things become much clearer. Wiesn, for those who don’t know, is what the locals in Germany call Oktoberfest. Locals use Wiesn to say ‘Theresienwiese,’ the name of the Oktoberfest’s main festival grounds. As such, you won’t often hear the word Oktoberfest in Munich. You could impress your friends with this knowledge when discussing the festival.
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Take Plenty of Cash to Oktoberfest
According to the official Oktoberfest website, the average beer at Oktoberfest in 2024 costs between €13.60 ($15.17) and €15.30 ($17.06). As a result, one of the most important things you should know before going to Oktoberfest is that you’ll need plenty of cash, especially if you’re planning a long day of drinking.
Admittedly, you can pay with a card at many stalls and beer tents, but you can never count on it. ATMs are also dotted around Oktoberfest so that you can take money out. However, most ATMs have ridiculous charges. Therefore, we recommend taking plenty of cash out before you arrive in Germany. That way, you’ll be well prepared and won’t have to pay any charges.
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Dressing in Traditional Clothing Isn’t Mandatory, but You Might Want To
During Oktoberfest, most people wear traditional Bavarian clothing called dirndls and Lederhosen. Since the 1990s, these two types of clothing have become so highly regarded that many people consider it an obligation to wear them at the festival. However, you should know before going to Oktoberfest that there’s no dress code.
Within reason, you can wear whatever you want to the festival. Everyone will be having such fun that they won’t notice what you’re wearing. Having said that, you might want to wear the traditional costume to truly embrace Oktoberfest and create longer-lasting memories. You’ll love looking back at your Oktoberfest photos in 20 years and seeing you dressed in Bavarian attire.
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Not Every Beer Tent Is the Same
If you’re a serious beer drinker, one of the things you should know before going to Oktoberfest is that not every beer tent is the same. There are almost 40 beer tents at the Oktoberfest in Munich, some large and others small. While you might think you can walk into any tent and grab the beer you desire, you’d be wrong.
In truth, every brewery at Oktoberfest serves at several beer tents, so you might have to do some planning before your visit if there’s a specific beer you want to try. Furthermore, not all tents are equal regarding decor and events. With that in mind, we recommend seeing as many tents as possible.
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You Don’t Need Tickets, but Arrive Early
One of the best things about Oktoberfest is that you don’t need a ticket to attend. You can enter the Oktoberfest grounds because there is no such thing as a cover fee or entrance ticket. However, you must arrive early if you want to get a table and beat the large crowds.
There are many things you should know before going to Oktoberfest, but this is one of the most important. Entry might be free, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a table. Therefore, you should book a table in advance, which you do have to pay for, or arrive early and find yourself the perfect spot before the hordes of locals and tourists arrive.
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You Should Leave a Tip
In Germany, it is customary to tip for good service in restaurants, bars, and cafes. Here, 5 to 10 percent of your total bill is more than acceptable and appreciated by servers. Your server will be your superhero if you plan to be at Oktoberfest for the day, so reward them for their hard work.
Working at Oktoberfest isn’t easy, so a decent tip at the end of the day is the least they deserve. While it’s unlikely your server will get annoyed if you don’t tip, it’s generally just the right thing to do. While 5 to 10 percent is the general tipping figure in Germany, it isn’t mandatory, so tip as much or as little as you see fit.
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There’s More to Oktoberfest Than Drinking Beer
If there’s one thing you should know before going to Oktoberfest, there is more to the festival than just drinking beer. While it can be tempting to find a table in one of the tents and sit drinking beer all day, there is so much more to see and do.
In fact, Oktoberfest can become a family affair. Besides the large beer tents, there are various exciting things to explore and try. Therefore, leave the tent once you’ve had a few beers and see what’s on offer. You’ll likely discover German food stalls, entertaining carnival rides, fair games, live concerts, and more. What’s not to like?
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Don’t Expect Diverse Drinking Menus
Oktoberfest might not all be about drinking copious amounts of beer, but it’s what most people do, so you should embrace it during your visit. If you’re not a beer fan, you can still have plenty of fun at Oktoberfest, but you’ll need a relaxed attitude about what you can drink.
Don’t expect to walk into a tent and be blown away by the wide range of drink choices. You won’t find a diverse menu that includes cocktails and wines. You’ll mostly find long beer menus. Sometimes, you might have to settle for a soft drink or a non-alcoholic beer. If you come with an easygoing frame of mind, you’ll be well-equipped to have fun.
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You Will Socialize With Strangers
The Oktoberfest is a great place to be if you’re a social butterfly. You’ll interact with new people, dance with people you’ve never met, create new friendships, and drink the night away with people you only met a few hours prior. The social side of Oktoberfest is one of the best things about the festival.
However, if you don’t like socializing with new people or being around large crowds, how social the festival can be is one of the first things you should know before going to Oktoberfest. Unfortunately, at times, you won’t be able to avoid large crowds or having to give up your spare chair for a stranger. This is just part of the event.
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Large Bags and Specific Items are Prohibited
One of the most important things you should know before going to Oktoberfest is that many large bags and certain items are prohibited. Therefore, you should leave belongings you don’t need to drink beer and party at home. Generally, the best way to avoid any issues is to bring no bag or rucksack to Wiesn.
However, if you have to take a bag with you, make sure it’s less than 3 liters in volume or no bigger than 8 in x 6 in x 4 in (20 cm x 15 cm x 10 cm). Meanwhile, ensure your bag doesn’t contain any prohibited items, such as gas spray cans and beverages. It might be worth noting that the Oktoberfest festival grounds have luggage storage you can use.
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You Might Get Wiesn Flu
We’re not trying to put you off attending the festival, but one of the important things you should know before going to Oktoberfest is that you might get ill. Believe it or not, there is a dreaded flu that can sweep through the Oktoberfest, and it’s notoriously called the Wiesn Flu.
Honestly, it’s hardly surprising that people can get sick during Oktoberfest. Thousands of people come into contact with each other, sometimes sharing food, beer, and a kiss. Not to mention, Oktoberfest isn’t too far from flu season. As such, spreading germs is inevitable, hence the well-documented cases of Wiesn Flu. With this in mind, take care of yourself, drink plenty of water, take some vitamins, and try to avoid anyone who looks suspiciously pale.
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