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I never studied abroad in college. After seeing all of the pictures on Facebook and hearing all of my friends’ vivid memories, I quickly realized that I had made a serious mistake. Now in post-grad life, I have a chance to rectify this with a Europe Trip of my own. While it’s not a full semester, experiencing ten full days in four unique countries is going to be an awesome time. As a beer fan, I strategically targeted late September for my journey primarily because it coincides with the most epic beer festival known to man: Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
The event is a massive two plus week beer festival first started in the 1800s that is full of beer tents, steins, half chickens and lederhosen. Going into this as a first-timer, I was a bit naive about what to expect and how to approach this massive event. I only have one full day to really experience this thing so I wanted to make sure I experienced as much as possible. Thankfully, Manfred Newrzella, general manager of the Munich Brewers Association, was able to provide a few pointers on what to expect.
Millions of People Are Going to Drink A Lot of Beer
This is the biggest beer festival in the world. People from basically every country on earth will fly to Munich to partake in this two week celebration. How many? Manfred says the city of Munich expects about 5-6 million visitors this year. With that many people, it’s safe to expect that a lot of Oktoberfest, dubbed Festbier, will be consumed. This year, Manfred expects patrons to consume about 7 million liters of delicious suds over the Oktoberfest period of September 22nd to October 7th.
Only 6 Tents Can Brew the Festbier
That said, with a beer festival that is over 200 years old, there are certain traditions to behold. One of those is about who can actually brew the famous Oktoberfest beer. Only the big six breweries in Munich, Augustiner, Hofbrau, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, Hacker Pschorr and Spaten, can brew the Festbier, and it all has to be done within the city limits according to the rigid “Reinheitsgebot” (Bavarian Purity Requirements).
Festbiers typically have a mellow malt body, a bit of spice, and an easy drinkability that makes them easy to consume during a full day of festivities. And while only these six breweries can brew the beer, Newrzella notes the fruits of their labor can be enjoyed at all 34 tents on premises.
Authentic Steins are Only Available in One Location
Many of the initial images I had of Oktoberfest came from movies and TV shows that pictured buddies clinking steins overflowing with beer as they faded into merriment. However, those steins are only available for use in a special area – and it isn’t the main festival grounds with the 34 tents and typical beer glasses.
Separate from the normal festivities is the “Oide Wiesn,” which Newrzella says translates to “Historical Oktoberfest,” where you can experience how the famous festival was celebrated in the 50s and 60s – for a minimal fee. This is also the spot where you get your festbier in a traditional clay beer stein, which really allows you to drink in the full Bavarian experience.
Traditional Garments Are a Must
Oktoberfest regularly gets a huge contingent of Americans, like myself, that attend every year. With the pageantry and spectacle of the whole festival, it is suggested that you buy lederhosen and a traditional checkered shirt – seriously. If you’re a girl, dirndl dresses are recommended.
From everything I’ve gleaned from my research on the festival so far, this is one of the easiest things you can do to guarantee a good time. Blending in is key. I was able to find a few reasonably priced options on Amazon that fit well, all for about $100. If you’re attending, I suggest you do the same.
If You Don’t Have a Table Reservation…Plan to Wait
With several million people attending and a limited amount of space, finding a seat can get difficult, especially if you weren’t able to reserve a table beforehand. Thankfully, each beer tent at the festivals offers open, first-come, first-served, seats each day that fill up early a.m. and stay full for the remainder of the day.
I’m going in a group of three sans table reservation on one of the busiest days of the festival (Saturday, Oct. 6) so I will be getting in line bright and early (think 5 a.m.) so that I have a good shot at getting a good seat once the gates open at 9. With the combination of adrenaline and jet lag, I have a feeling I won’t be too tired. Plus, this is a bucket list thing so it’s time to go all in. I’ll make sure to report back. Cheers!.
Image via Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com
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@TaylorLaabs
@taylor1laabs
if you’re drowsy, try the traditional nosebiers for a quick pick me up
Oktoberfest in Munich was my favorite experience in all of Germany when I went a few years back. Wanted to go again this year but work kind of got in the way…PGP I guess.
Augustiner brewery in Munich is so fucking dope
Augustiner>>Hofbrau Haüs. HH tends to be overrun with tourists and comes off as unauthentic.
There ain’t no spice in the Reinheitsgebot.
I’ve mentioned it before but it’s a good idea to keep a card to your hotel or the address to where you’re staying on your person. The Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, one of the oldest beer halls in Munich, is also fun to go to if you’re there.
What’s the thinking behind going on one of the last days? Not judging, generally curious about a possible 2019 trip.
The last weekend was the only time I could get off work! During the week is apparently much more chill + less waiting in line
Ah, gotcha.
I’m with a group of friends flying out of Munich right now after three days of Oktoberfest. Would suggest Lowenbrau tent and Onkel Ali’s for drunk food.
Went last year on the first day when I was solo traveling for the first time so was kind of nervous. Found a table full of a traveling group from Australia and one guy from Savannah. Had an amazing time but blacked out and woke up on the train with a dead phone…don’t recommend doing that but definitely recommend learning the “Prost” song they sing constantly.
I hope you’re getting 10 days in each of the four countries you visit. Visiting four countries over 10 days is so typical of Americans traveling (read: a stupid way to do it). Way too much travel between places and really don’t get enough time in each spot to experience it.
Username checks out. But I 100% agree, it’s way more fulfilling to spend 10 days in one country than spread yourself too thin.
I did four countries over ten days last thanksgiving (London, Munich, Paris, and Dublin) and agree it’s very fast. Essentially had one day in each place with travel in between. Was hosted in London by a friend, hostels in Munich and Dublin which was nice with walking tours to see the place quickly, but would love to go back to spend more time in one place.
And realizing now that this won’t get seen as it’s a comment on a days old article, but I’ve gone this far. Honeymooning in Greece/Mediterranean right now so I’m behind. But enjoying the slow pace of this trip.
Doesn’t sound like you had enough time to close.
Lol.
6. During my recent Eurotrip, every German girl I tried to hit on, suddenly couldn’t remember how to speak English.
I’ll be there this weekend, Saturday to Monday. Hopefully remember some of it!
The Australians have their own tent and it works also as a temporary embassy because they lose so many passports from getting trashed