After a long break, the world's largest folk festival is back. On September 17th it was finally time in Munich again "O'zapft is". We reveal tips, Wiesn news and beer prices and give valuable tips about the Oktoberfest - for example how best to reserve a table.
Text Mila Krull
In September 2020 and 2021, there was an eerie silence on the Theresienwiese in Munich: the Oktoberfest was canceled for two years in a row due to corona. A difficult time for all Oktoberfest employees who were unable to do their jobs. No marquees, no beer gardens, no celebrations. Hotels and beer gardens in the center also remained unusually empty.
Oktoberfest return: How long does the Oktoberfest last?
With the expiry of many corona measures, however, the Oktoberfest 2022 is celebrating the biggest comeback in its history. From theSeptember 17th to October 3rdthe Bavarian state capital once again welcomes millions of visitors to the festival grounds.
Of course, the folk festival begins again this year with the traditional proclamation by Mayor Dieter Reiter at the tapping of the barrel to mark the start of the Wiesn. On September 17, at exactly 12 p.m. in the Schottenhammel Festival Hall, it was finally time again: “O'zapft is!“
By the way: For more than 70 years, the mayor of Munich has been tapping the first keg of beer and thus opening the festival. This was initiated by Mayor Thomas Wimmer in 1950. It is said that he drove to the fairground in the car of the Schottenhamel host family and the host had it tapped spontaneously. According to another version, Wimmer's tapping was planned, as it was a sign of closeness to the people and a new beginning.
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Oktoberfest 2022: important tips before visiting
© Munich Tourism/Werner Böhm
So that you on the 34-acre site, between the17 marqueesand don't lose track of things around the Theresienwiese, we've put together some useful information and tips about the Oktoberfest.
Accommodation in Munich for the Oktoberfest
It's not just the Oktoberfest prices that are steep, hotel rooms, guesthouses and other accommodations are also overpriced and hard to come by during the Oktoberfest. Early booking is therefore worthwhile, and you can also find cheaper private offers via classified ads and corresponding portals.
Tipp:Since the festival site closes at midnight at the latest, visitors can alsoarea around Munichto stay There are various S-Bahn connections to the suburbs.
Opening hours of the Oktoberfest 2022
The Oktoberfest opens its doors daily from September 17th to October 3rd. As a rule, the large operations run from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends. The bar and the music end in the big tents at 10:30 p.m. From then on, all guests will be immediately asked to leave the festival area. On some days the rides only close at midnight.
Tipp:If you want to save money, the best time to visit the Wiesn is at thefamily days. Every Tuesday there are discounts on fares, admission and sales prices.
Site plan: Orientation at the Oktoberfest
On the Theresienwiese, two “main streets” lead from north to south: all the large festival tents are along the Wirtsbudenstrasse, while the fairground rides and booths are set up on the Schaustellerstrasse. The "Oide Wiesn", a separate area within the Oktoberfest, is located near the Bavaria Statue. A visit costs admission, but it is all the more quiet, familiar and traditional here. Find the detailed one hereMap of the Oktoberfest 2022.
How to get to the Oktoberfest by public transport
The Theresienwiese is the beston foot or by subwayto reach. The Theresienwiese and Schwanthalerhöhe underground stations on the U4 and U5 lines are in the immediate vicinity. During the folk festival, the MVG increases the frequency, and additional staff and the famous station announcers ensure that everything runs smoothly and safely. Those arriving by S-Bahn should get off at Hackerbrücke. The tram takes you to Holzapfelstraße.
Numerous rickshaw drivers offer a practical shuttle service, commuting between the main train station and Theresienwiese, but also covering longer distances. You will find taxi ranks on Herzog-Heinrich-Strasse and Bavariastrasse.
Beer prices and table reservations
© Munich Tourism/Frank Bauer
Beer price at the Oktoberfest: How much does the 2022 beer cost?
The price of beer at the Wiesn increases every year, including in 2022. As the city of Munich reports, the beer this year costs between12.60 euros and 13.80 euros. Compared to the last Wiesn in 2019, this means a price increase of almost 16 percent: Before Corona, a liter of beer at the Oktoberfest was still available for an average of 11.55 euros.
But even those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages to freshly tapped drinks have to dig deep into their pockets: Spezi and other lemonades cost 10.35 euros to 10.85 euros per liter.
How much does chicken cost at Oktoberfest 2022?
The price for half a chicken was recently around 13 euros. Despite rising gas and delivery prices, chicken will not be much more expensive this year. In the Paulaner marquee, for example, half a meal costs 14 euros, in the Schottenhammel it's 14.50 euros. It is advisable to bring enough cash with you when visiting the Wiesn. This is the quickest way to pay the waitresses. Also should always be areasonable tipbe paid.
Table reservation information
Getting hold of one of the rare Wiesn tables is not an easy task. It is important that the route via the middleman often leads to a dead end and should therefore be avoided. According to the dpa, the Bavarian Consumer Center informs that the prices of second providers and event agencies are not only overpriced. According to the general terms and conditions of the organizer, table reservations are only valid if they were purchased directly. If you are unlucky, you can be turned away at the entrance. A table for 10 people in the Paulaner marquee costs a little over 500 euros (including a two-liter meal voucher and two meal vouchers).
Tipp:It is best to reserve the tickets directly in the Festhallen offices as early as possible. This is usually done online or by phone. When the contingents are getting tighter, the last reservations are usually still available for lunchtime and during the week. There is also more space in smaller tents.
The most popular and largest tents as well as Oktoberfest innovations
Tradition, tasty beer, hearty food and a unique atmosphere: Oktoberfest includes a visit to one of the gigantic marquees. Those who walk along Wirtsbudenstraße are spoiled for choice. We provide decision support and present the most popular tents as well as some innovations at the Oktoberfest.
Hacker marquee: Bavarian heaven
© Munich Tourism/Tommy Loesch
It is one of the most beautiful Oktoberfest tents: it is not for nothing that the Hacker tent is nicknamed "Heaven of Bavaria". If you look up, you will find yourself under a white-blue cloud cover, Bavarian scenes decorate the side walls. There is space for more than 9,000 people on the benches and in the boxes. The audience tends to be younger and particularly party-loving to colorful music and a hacker-pschorr beer.
Augustiner Festhalle: Atmospheric tradition
© Munich Tourism/Tommy Loesch
The Augustiner beer is tapped directly from 200 liter wooden barrels. Many locals and regular guests also appreciate the atmospheric festival hall with the green roof and rustic walls because of the traditional decoration and more than 100 years of history. Of course, a Bavarian band will provide suitable music.
Käfer Wiesn-Schänke: Rustic celebrity meeting place
Small but nice: The international and Munich chic crowd meets in the Käfer-Schänke in the cabin design. However, entry into the sacred halls is not possible without an official reservation. If you still want to spot one or the other celebrity, you can try your luck from the beer garden.
Hofbräu Festzelt: International audience
© Munich Tourism/Tommy Loesch
The largest tent at the Oktoberfest has capacity for more than 10,000 people. The visitors are international, many English, Australian and Italian Oktoberfest fans head for the tent of the world-famous brand first. It's relatively quiet here around noon. Thanks to the large standing area, those who decide spontaneously are usually granted entry.
Festhalle Schottenhammel: Young party tent
© Munich Tourism/B.Roemmelt
The mood in the Schottenhammel is particularly euphoric. The festival hall primarily attracts young Wiesn visitors. On the central stage, Wiesn bands perform charts, hits and party hits, and Spaten beer is served. While you can usually still find a seat at lunchtime, in the evening nobody can stay on the benches. Here you can dance to the end on the floor and tables.
Paulaner Festzelt (Winzerer Fähndl): Traditional and Munich
© Munich Tourism/B. Roemelt
The Wiesn day starts leisurely in the Winzerer Fähndl at the foot of the Bavaria. In the afternoon in the beer garden and under the tent canopy you can usually still find places for Paulaner and juicy chicken. Towards the evening, the tent, which is popular with Munich residents, is transformed into a party oasis: people sing and sway loudly to hits and Bavarian classics.
Small festival tents at the Wiesn
If you don't feel like long queues in front of tents and toilets, you can retreat comfortably to one of the smaller halls. In addition to the café tents such as "Bodos Backstube" or the famous "Café Kaiserschmarrn", a visit to "Hochreiters Haxnbraterei" or the "Glöckle Wirt" with just 90 seats is recommended. Here you can dine, drink, celebrate and enjoy in peace.
Innovations at the Oktoberfest
Two new attractions await guests on Schaustellerstraße. At the "jungle archery’ visitors can put their skills and marksmanship to the test. The "Circus-Circus“Carousel becomes fun for the whole family. But be careful: You should still be free from giddiness!
Also new is the chicken roastery "Münchner Stubn“. The Volkssänger tent at the Oidn Wiesn will in future appear under the name "Volkssänger tent Schützenlisl“ on and also thePschorrbräu festival hall Bräuroslshines in new splendor.
Why does Oktoberfest start in September?
© Munich Tourism/Frank Bauer
The origins of the Oktoberfest go back to 1810. At that time, on the occasion ofWedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Thereseheld a horse race on the Theresienhöhe in Munich on October 12th. The festival lasted until October 17 and was held annually from then on. Because the celebrations were very popular, they were finally moved to the milder September. Since then, the pleasant weather in late summer has attracted even more visitors to the Wiesn.
FAQs
Oktoberfest 2022 in Munich: tips, beer prices and information? ›
The price of beer at Oktoberfest 2022 ranged from €12.60 to €13.80, an average of 15.77 percent more than in 2019. The beer prices 2022 of the big tents in detail: Armbrustschützen-Festzelt: 13,50 Euro (2019: 11,70 Euro)
How much is beer in Munich 2022? ›NEWSFLASH: The official Oktoberfest 2022 beer prices were announced today by the city of Munich, with a Mass (1 Litre) of beer costing between 12.80 and 13.80 EURO in the various beer tents. This represents an average price increase of 19.82% over the previous year.
How much do you tip at Oktoberfest? ›It should be not more than 10 to 15% of the beer or food price. And yes, giving a bit of extra tip will ensure that the waitress will always serve you in time and in quality. What beer is served at Oktoberfest?
Is beer expensive at Oktoberfest? ›In 2022, a litre of beer at the Oktoberfest is, depending on the tent, between 12.60€ and 13.80€. Since 1970 this beer price hasn't been set by the city of Munich anymore but individually by each vendor. The city only checks whether the prices are adequate.
Do you tip at Oktoberfest Munich? ›Tip your server.
One of the most important Oktoberfest tips involves tipping. Yes, it is likely you have to wait a little while before you receive your beer, but keep in mind that sometimes the kegs are backed up filling the glasses of over 5000 guests.
Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Only beer from Munich breweries may be served on the Wiesn, as custom dictates.
What beer to buy in Munich? ›- Beer Style. Dunkelweizen. Bavaria. Germany. ...
- Beer Style. Weizenbock. Munich. Germany. ...
- Beer. Oktoberfestbier. Munich. ...
- Beer Style. Märzen. Bavaria. ...
- Beer Style. Doppelbock. Munich. ...
- Beer Style. Rauchbier. Bamberg. ...
- Beer Style. Weissbier. Bavaria. ...
- Beer Style. Dunkel. Bavaria.
What to bring? Entry to both the Oktoberfest and the tents is free. One exception is the Oide Wies'n – the historical part of Oktoberfest that takes you back in time with old-fashioned beer, food, and rides; to enter, you have to pay a small fee (4 euro). Make sure you bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted.
What is tipping etiquette in Munich? ›Plan to tip around 10-15% in Munich restaurants. However, the exact tip amount when eating out in Munich depends on the place, occasion, and order size. It's customary to give your waiter or waitress a slightly higher tip than you would a bartender, as they are likely sharing their tip with the kitchen staff.
Do they accept credit cards at Oktoberfest? ›Want to enjoy chicken and beer but no cash in your wallet? No problem. Around 12 ATMs belonging to different banks and savings banks can be found at the entrances to the Oktoberfest grounds. In most of the large beer tents there are also ATMs, which also take MasterCard and Visa.
How do you order beer at Oktoberfest? ›
To order a beer at Oktoberfest, simply tell your waiter “ Eins Mass, Bitta” which means “one beer, please” and they will bring you the Oktoberfest brew on tap at your tent. Sometimes they offer shandy, which is called “Radler” or other options.
Is water free at Oktoberfest? ›Drink plenty of water anyway. Water isn't free in Germany, even in restaurants - and Oktoberfest drinks can have ridiculous prices.
What do you say when tipping in Germany? ›If you want to leave a tip, you say the total amount (bill + tip) when you give the money. Example: The bill is 16.30€. You say “18” and give a 20€ bill. The employee gives you 2€ back.
Can I bring a bag into Oktoberfest? ›Backpacks and large bags are generally forbidden within the festival area. Leave everything at home that you won't need while partying. It'll be much quicker to get into the Oktoberfest if you don't have a bag or backpack with you.
What is the German beer rule? ›It is the oldest regulation related to food and drink in the world. To achieve a consistent level of quality in beer brewing, the German Beer Purity Law dictate that the ingredients for beer must be water, barley malt and hops. The important role that yeast plays in brewing was only recognised in the 19th century.
What is Germany's best selling beer? ›By far the most popular type of beer in Germany is pilsner, generally known as 'Pils'. The light-golden beer with the dry hoppy aroma is very popular in the North, West and East. The name goes back to the Czech town of Pilsen.
Can you drink beer on the street in Munich? ›Drinking in Public
Unlike in many other countries, drinking alcohol and especially beer in public is not only legal but very common in Germany.
(eek het-uh geyrn ayn): “I would like a…” This is the standard phrase for ordering something in German. Simply say: Ich hätte gern ein Weißbier, bitte. (Don't forget to throw in your new favorite word “bitte” at the end of the phrase – here it means “please”.)
Can you wear normal clothes to Oktoberfest? ›If you don't plan on wearing a dirndl or lederhosen to Oktoberfest, just wear your normal clothes. Plenty of people show up to the Oktoberfest tents wearing just their everyday sweatshirt and jeans attire. What is this? This is especially perfect for Oktoberfest-goers looking to stay on a budget.
Can I bring a water bottle into Oktoberfest? ›It is permitted to bring beverages onto the festival grounds - but not into the tents/beer gardens and not in glass bottles, these may not be brought onto the festival grounds. Permitted are e.g. walking aids or medical devices, they will be checked and marked by the staff with the security check band as well.
What is the best day to go to Oktoberfest? ›
From Sundays through Thursdays, the large tents are at most closed during the reservation change in the late afternoon. Otherwise, you shouldn't experience problems accessing them. The most relaxed days to visit the beer tents are Sundays, especially in the evening.
Can you tip in Germany with US dollars? ›Whenever you tip during your trip to Germany it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.
How do you ask for the bill in Germany? ›Paying the Bill & Tipping
You have to ask for your bill by saying: “Zahlen bitte!” Depending on the service you received, you should tip the normal 15 percent or so, but don't leave your tip (Trinkgeld) on the table.
Munich Taxi Tips
A tip isn't expected, but you can round up to the nearest euro or give a 10 percent tip for exceptional service. Some taxi drivers have advertisements on their vehicles.
The beer mug which you drink your Wiesn beer, Radler or lemonade from is and remains the property of the proprietor. Security and police won't be amused if you try to take it with you.
Can you charge your phone at Oktoberfest? ›Pack A Portable Charger
Unless you pay for the upgraded “glamping” option, your tent won't have a plug to charge your phone. You can get your phone charged at by the Stoke staff at the “Guru” tent but it will really help if you also have a portable charger that you can bring and get charged with it.
Quench your thirst with mineral water
There are tents like the Schottenhamel, where a pour of water costs around nine euros. In other tents like the Augustiner Festzelt, you'll pay around ten euros. In the Schützen-Festzelt and many other tents, thirsty water-drinkers will even be charged almost 11 euros and up.
So it's no surprise that Pilsner is the most popular type of beer in Germany. Some of the other most famous German beers include Weihenstephaner, Erdinger, and Beck's. Weihenstephaner is a pale wheat beer that originated in Bavaria, and it has a crisp, refreshing taste.
What foods are traditionally eaten during Oktoberfest? ›- Pork Schnitzel.
- Spaetzle.
- German Potato Salad.
- Homemade Soft Pretzels.
- Lebkuchen.
- Lemon Spezi.
One thing is for sure at Oktoberfest everyone is drinking German lager. These are called Oktoberfestbiers in and around Germany. Within this family of German-brewed lagers there are two types: the dark, malt-forward Märzen and the lighter, hoppier Festbier.
How do you pay for beer at Oktoberfest? ›
Admission, parking and alcohol sales are all card only. Some food stands may accept cash. Parking at prevailing rates.
What is the last sip of beer called? ›The last sip of beer of your Mass is called 'Noagerl'. Normally you don't drink it - and please don't mix it with your new fresh beer. There is, however, one exception: If the waitress needs too much time to bring you a new Mass and you are very thirsty, you are allowed to drink the Noagerl.
How do you say beer in Germany? ›How to say beer in German. Beer in German is “das Bier” and the plural is “die Biere”. There are so many different beers in Germany that it's easy to get overwhelmed.
What do you wear to Oktoberfest? ›Authentic outfits for Oktoberfest in Munich are called Tracht (Tra-oct). Women wear traditional dirndl (DEERN-dul) dresses while men wear leather lederhosen (LAY-der-hozen) shorts.
Can you drink hotel water in Germany? ›So the overall water quality in Germany is high so no matter where you visit you can drink the tap water all over Germany. The German Federal Environment Agency has been monitoring the quality of water since 1957 and they have found that the water is consistently high quality.
Can you go to Oktoberfest and not drink beer? ›No, you do not have to drink beer at Oktoberfest. Beer may be the apple of Oktoberfest's eye, but drinking it is not mandatory. You still have free will instead the beer tents, people!
Is it rude not to tip in Germany? ›In Germany, tipping is a voluntary act with which one can express one's satisfaction with a service. It is customary to tip in restaurants, hotels, cabs, at cloakrooms and at the hairdresser.
How much do you tip a driver in Germany? ›Tipping cab drivers is unusual, but appreciated, especially if they help you with your luggage or provide you with useful info about getting around in that particular place. In Germany just round the fare to the next whole Euro. Feel free to tip up to an additional 5% if they are extra helpful, they will appreciate it.
Do you tip taxi in Germany? ›Taxi drivers are not typically tipped in Germany. For amazing service, you can round up to the nearest Euro. Or tip 10% of the final fare, for instance, if the driver is helpful with bags. Airport Shuttles are not typically tipped.
Can you wear jeans to Oktoberfest? ›If you don't want to wear traditional clothing, you can wear normal clothes like everyday t-shirts, jeans, shorts, and dresses. Dressing up can definitely add to your Oktoberfest experience, but at the end of the day, you can have just as much fun wearing regular clothes too!
Is there anything else to drink at Oktoberfest? ›
What to drink? Beer, of course. All the beer that is served at the Oktoberfest comes from famous Munich breweries, such as Paulaner and Augustiner. If you don't like one of Germany's favorite beverages, you can also get all kinds of other drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages, wine and cider.
How much time do you need at Oktoberfest? ›Most people like to enjoy two days at the Oktoberfest fairgrounds and beerhalls in Munich. Our weekend accommodation packages stay in Munich from Friday to Monday giving you at least two days at Oktoberfest.
What not to wear to the Octoberfest? ›When it comes to what not to wear to Oktoberfest, the first piece of advice is DON'T WEAR ANYTHING GERMAN-THEMED FROM PARTY CITY OR AMAZON! Not only will you look like a walking billboard for these stores, but you'll also stick out from the true Bavarian fashion.
What are 2 things that visitors to the Oktoberfest can do besides eating and drinking? ›- Attend the Traditional Oktoberfest Ceremonies.
- Beyond the Beer, Try all of the Foods.
- Ride the Rides & Play Carnival Games.
But if you're one of the millions who want to party at Oktoberfest, you'll need to pack a coat. Average temperatures drift between the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. In the summertime, you can opt for a light sweater for Munich's slightly chilly evenings.
How much does a pint of beer cost in Munich? ›The price of 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) in Munich is €4.01. This average is based on 5 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate.
How much is a 24 pack of beer in Germany? ›A crate with 24 0,5l bottles will cost from 8 EUR (Oettinger) to 19 EUR (Pilsener Urquell).
How much is a beer in Munich at a bar? ›| Food Type | Description | Price(USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Beer (.5l glass) | Your choices will generally be all the similar local lagers. Beer gardens and casual places are cheapest. | 4.03 - 6.45 |
| Beer (one-liter glass at Oktoberfest) | Beer in the big tents sells for similar prices as other Munich bars and beer gardens. | 12.90 |
Last year, a liter of Oktoberfest beer cost €12.80-€13.80 (plus tip) at the fest halls in Munich. Beer prices do increase slightly each year and they've yet to be announced for 2023. Yet based on past trends, we anticipate Oktoberfest beer prices in 2023 will cost €13-€14, plus tip.
Can you drink beer in public in Munich? ›Unlike in many other countries, drinking alcohol and especially beer in public is not only legal but very common in Germany.
How much does beer cost in Germany in US dollars? ›
Food and drink
500ml German beer: € 4 ( US$ 4.30). Dinner for two at an average restaurant: € 35 ( US$ 37.50) (minimum, without wine).
It is the oldest regulation related to food and drink in the world. To achieve a consistent level of quality in beer brewing, the German Beer Purity Law dictate that the ingredients for beer must be water, barley malt and hops. The important role that yeast plays in brewing was only recognised in the 19th century.
Can you drink 1 beer and drive in Germany? ›Anyone who is driving in Germany is always subject to a blood test. In Germany, the blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 mg of alcohol per mm of blood. For an average sized man, this is only two small beers.
What is the alcohol rule in Germany? ›Belgium, Denmark and Germany set 16 years as the minimum age for purchasing beverages containing less than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol and 18 years for buying spirits (more than 1.2 % of distilled alcohol).
How much money should I bring to Munich? ›How much money will you need for your trip to Munich? You should plan to spend around €150 ($166) per day on your vacation in Munich, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €27 ($30) on meals for one day and €19 ($21) on local transportation.
What is the biggest beer place in Munich? ›With a history dating back to 1589, the Hofbräuhaus Brewery has become Munich's most popular beer hall and one of the most famous in the world. According to legend, Wilhelm V, Duke of Bavaria and a member of the Wittelsbach family, found the beer in Munich so bad that he commissioned his own state brewery.