Bavarian beer, cuisine and culture combine to make this one adventure you don't want to miss. Imagine singing along with tens of thousands accompanied by 'oom pah bands', while locals and tourists alike clad in lederhosen and dirndl dresses dance on tables. This is of course Oktoberfest.
This 16 day Oktoberfest festival in Munich is a celebration of what else, but beer. Hence why it has been nicknamed and is more commonly referred to as Beerfest.
One would presume with a name like Oktoberfest it would be held in October, but it actually commences each year in the middle of September and concludes on the first weekend of October.
During the 16 days festivities more than 6 million people from around the world consume more than 6 million litres of beer. That's 1 litre for every man, woman and child who attends.
Just over 200 years ago, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, a young guy called Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. All the residents of Munich were invited to the wedding, which was held on the fields in front of the city gates. As part of the festivities were some horse races that marked the close of the event. This was seen as a celebration for the whole of Bavaria and the following year they decided to run the horse races again. This was the beginning of what we now know today as Oktoberfest. The festival was eventually lengthened and moved to commence in September to allow for better weather conditions.
There are currently 14 large tents and 20 small tents at Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are non-permanent structures that are constructed for and only used during the festival. All the beer tents play different types of music and have entertainment to keep the crowds buzzing.
Not only are there massive beer tents, but the fesitval site has numerous amusement rides, schnapps tents and activities to amuse both young and old. Visitors may also enjoy a wide variety of traditional Bavarian delicacies including pork knuckles, bratwurst sausages, roast chicken, potato/bread dumplings and of course pretzels.
To be classified as Oktoberfest beer, only German beer conforming to the German Purity Law may be served. The beer must also be brewed within the city limits of Munich.
The price of a 1 litre stein (or Mass in German) is around 8 to 9 Euros. However, always remember that if you want your server to return it is customary to tip them, so generally allow 10 Euro's for a beer.
This 16 day Oktoberfest festival in Munich is a celebration of what else, but beer. Hence why it has been nicknamed and is more commonly referred to as Beerfest.
One would presume with a name like Oktoberfest it would be held in October, but it actually commences each year in the middle of September and concludes on the first weekend of October.
During the 16 days festivities more than 6 million people from around the world consume more than 6 million litres of beer. That's 1 litre for every man, woman and child who attends.
Just over 200 years ago, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, a young guy called Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. All the residents of Munich were invited to the wedding, which was held on the fields in front of the city gates. As part of the festivities were some horse races that marked the close of the event. This was seen as a celebration for the whole of Bavaria and the following year they decided to run the horse races again. This was the beginning of what we now know today as Oktoberfest. The festival was eventually lengthened and moved to commence in September to allow for better weather conditions.
There are currently 14 large tents and 20 small tents at Oktoberfest. The tents themselves are non-permanent structures that are constructed for and only used during the festival. All the beer tents play different types of music and have entertainment to keep the crowds buzzing.
Not only are there massive beer tents, but the fesitval site has numerous amusement rides, schnapps tents and activities to amuse both young and old. Visitors may also enjoy a wide variety of traditional Bavarian delicacies including pork knuckles, bratwurst sausages, roast chicken, potato/bread dumplings and of course pretzels.
To be classified as Oktoberfest beer, only German beer conforming to the German Purity Law may be served. The beer must also be brewed within the city limits of Munich.
The price of a 1 litre stein (or Mass in German) is around 8 to 9 Euros. However, always remember that if you want your server to return it is customary to tip them, so generally allow 10 Euro's for a beer.
About the Author:
The events and festival travel specialists, FOMO Travel, provides an extensive array of Oktoberfest information and advice on tour operators, travel options, travel tips, and other activities for this must-do event on any travellers calendar.
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