Why Oktoberfest in Munich is Germany’s Most Famous Festival

Every year millions of travellers head to Munich, Germany, to experience Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival and one of Europe’s most iconic cultural celebrations.

What began as a royal wedding celebration in 1810 has grown into a global event that attracts visitors from across the world. By 2025, Oktoberfest continues to welcome around 6 to 7 million visitors each year, with roughly 15% travelling from outside Germany. Guests arrive from across Europe as well as countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia.

But what exactly makes Oktoberfest such a powerful tourist attraction?

From enormous beer tents and traditional Bavarian clothing to incredible food and music, Oktoberfest offers a unique cultural experience that keeps travellers returning year after year.

If you’re thinking about visiting, it’s worth checking current flight prices to Munich early as flights to Munich often sell out months in advance.

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The Legendary Oktoberfest Beer Tents

One of the biggest attractions at Oktoberfest is its iconic beer tents. While the word “tent” might suggest something small and temporary, these enormous festival halls can host thousands of visitors at a time.

Each tent has its own atmosphere and serves beer from one of Munich’s historic breweries.

Some of the most famous include:

Schottenhamel Tent

This historic tent hosts the official Oktoberfest keg tapping ceremony. When the Mayor of Munich taps the first barrel and declares “O’zapft is!” the festival officially begins. Schottenhamel is known for its lively atmosphere and attracts a mix of locals, students, and visitors.

Armbrustschützenzelt

Famous for its annual crossbow shooting competition, this tent can seat more than 5,800 guests and is one of the more traditional areas of the festival.

Ochsenbraterei

A favourite among food lovers, this tent is known for its spectacular whole ox roasting on a spit, serving thousands of hungry festival-goers each day.

Marstall Festzelt

One of the newer tents at Oktoberfest, Marstall offers a stylish atmosphere alongside traditional beer, fine wines, and regional Bavarian cuisine.

Beer prices at Oktoberfest have gradually increased over the years, with a Maß (one litre stein) typically costing between €13 and €15 in 2025, depending on the tent.

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Traditional Bavarian Music and Festival Atmosphere

Oktoberfest is far more than just a beer festival. Music plays a huge role in creating the lively atmosphere visitors love.

Throughout the beer tents and festival grounds, traditional Bavarian Oompah bands perform energetic songs using brass instruments like tubas, trumpets, and trombones. These performances quickly turn the tents into giant singalongs as visitors stand on benches, raise their steins, and celebrate together.

Many of the musicians perform wearing traditional Bavarian outfits, adding to the authentic cultural experience that makes Oktoberfest so memorable.

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Lederhosen, Dirndls and Bavarian Tradition

One of the most recognisable parts of Oktoberfest is the traditional clothing worn by both locals and visitors.

Women typically wear Dirndls, colourful dresses made up of a bodice, blouse, skirt and apron. Men wear Lederhosen, the famous leather shorts that have become a symbol of Bavarian culture.

Visitors often embrace the tradition too — partly to blend in with locals and partly because it’s simply part of the fun. If you arrive at Oktoberfest without a dirndl or lederhosen, you might quickly realise you’re in the minority. You can pick up your Oktobefest attire here.

Think of it as the unofficial Oktoberfest dress code — when in Munich, dressing like a Bavarian is half the experience.

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The Cultural Side of Oktoberfest

Beyond the beer tents, Oktoberfest celebrates centuries of Bavarian heritage and tradition.

One of the most fascinating parts of the festival is Oide Wiesn, meaning “Old Oktoberfest.” This area recreates the atmosphere of the festival from over a century ago and focuses on traditional culture.

Here visitors can experience:
• Folk dancing
• Historic fairground rides
• Traditional Bavarian music
• Vintage beer tents serving classic dishes

Compared with the lively main festival grounds, Oide Wiesn offers a more relaxed and family-friendly experience while showcasing the historical roots of Oktoberfest.

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Traditional Food at Oktoberfest

Food plays a huge role in the Oktoberfest experience, offering visitors a delicious introduction to Bavarian cuisine.

Some of the most popular dishes include:
• Hendl – roasted half chicken
• Schweinshaxe – crispy pork knuckle
• Bratwurst and other traditional sausages
• Giant Bavarian pretzels

These dishes are usually served with classic sides like sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato dumplings, and potato salad.

Visitors with a sweet tooth can enjoy treats like apple strudel or the famous Lebkuchenherzen, gingerbread hearts decorated with colourful icing messages that have become a symbol of the festival.

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Planning a Trip to Oktoberfest in Munich

If you’re planning a trip to Oktoberfest, organising your travel early is essential.

Because the festival attracts millions of visitors every year, flights to Munich and hotels near the festival grounds can sell out months in advance. Many travellers also choose to stay several days to explore Munich’s historic city centre, beer gardens, and nearby Bavarian attractions.

Checking accommodation availability early can help secure better prices and locations close to the festival grounds at Theresienwiese.

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Oktoberfest vs Munich Springfest

If you enjoy the atmosphere of Oktoberfest but prefer something slightly less crowded, Munich also hosts a popular Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest) each year.

Often described as the “little sister of Oktoberfest,” Springfest features many of the same traditions — beer tents, Bavarian music, and local food — but with a more relaxed and local atmosphere.

For travellers looking for a similar festival experience without the huge crowds, Springfest can be a great alternative.

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FAQ: Visiting Oktoberfest

Is Oktoberfest free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the festival grounds is free, although visitors must pay for food, drinks, and reserved seating inside beer tents.

When does Oktoberfest take place?
Oktoberfest usually runs from late September to the first weekend in October each year in Munich.

How much does beer cost at Oktoberfest?
A one-litre stein of beer typically costs between €13 and €15 depending on the beer tent.

Do you have to wear lederhosen at Oktoberfest?
No, but many visitors choose to wear traditional clothing like lederhosen or dirndls to fully enjoy the festival atmosphere.

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Final Thoughts

Oktoberfest is far more than a beer festival — it’s a celebration of Bavarian culture, history, and community that has become one of the most famous festivals in the world.

From the enormous beer tents and lively music to the traditional clothing and incredible food, Oktoberfest offers an unforgettable cultural experience for visitors from across the globe.

Whether you visit for the beer, the atmosphere, or the traditions, Oktoberfest in Munich remains Germany’s most famous festival and a true bucket-list travel experience.

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