Oktoberfest in Munich | Bavaria | Germany | Beer | Food | Costume | 2009
Ranked #116 in Travel, #6,733 overall
The Ultimate Oktoberfest Web Page
Oktoberfest 2009 in Munich has one week left to go!
Having lived many years in Munich myself, I found that the Oktoberfest is an inescapable reality you can either love or hate. It celebrates Bavarian tradition like no other single event.
On the other hand it is the perfectly acceptable excuse for party animals from all over the world to convene in Bavaria's capital and drink as much beer as they can (afford) before they pass out.
But there's more to the Oktoberfest than excessive alcoholism. Everybody who has joined the madness at least once in their life and survived will have their own personal memories to pass on to the next generation.
Oans, Zwoa, Drei, G'suffa! (The battle cry of Bavarian beer drinkers)
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P.S.: If you are serious about visiting Munich during Oktoberfest you should finalize your plans as soon as possible. For tips and ideas I hope you will find inspiration in this lens!

(Oktoberfest 2009 is October 4, 2009)
Oktoberfest Lens Map
Aka Table Of Contents
Since I first started work on this lens it has grown to huge proportions. Hopefully, this map will help navigate around if you're in a hurry.If you find useful information here I'd appreciate if you'd give this page a "thumbs up":
Oktoberfest 2009 Information
Countdown to Oktoberfest 2009
Oktoberfest News
Oktoberfest Calendar of Events
Map of the Oktoberfest in Munich (Theresienwiese)
Important Oktoberfest Phone Numbers
Large Brewery Tents Websites
The next Oktoberfest dates
For The Eyes
Oktoberfest Pictures
Funniest Oktoberfest Videos
Oktoberfest Girls
Oktoberfest Webcams
Hunks In Lederhosen
Authentic Bavarian Costume
Oktoberfest Party Central
Oktoberfest Party Costumes
Yodel Tunes: Jolly Oktoberfest Music
Oktoberfest Stuff on eBay
Oktoberfest Food and Beer
Typical Oktoberfest Food
Authentic Oktoberfest Recipes
Taste Of Germany
Bavarian Sausage Express
Oktoberfest Beer
The German Purity Law
Brew Your Own Oktoberfest Beer
Oktoberfest Travel & Visitors Info
Best Time To Visit Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Dictionary
Oktoberfest Weather
Other Essential Munich Webcams
Tips to get a seat in a beer tent
Oktoberfest - Where to stay in Munich, Germany
Featured Hotels in Munich, Germany
Recommended Oktoberfest and Munich Insider Guides
More Oktoberfest Links
Oktoberfest Lens Interactive
Oktoberfest Poll: Visitors' Opinion
Oktoberfest Poll: Are you going? Been there?
Oktoberfest Message Board
Oktoberfest Game: Heartbreaker
Links To Oktoberfests Around The World
Why is Oktoberfest mostly in September?
Oktoberfest always ends on the first Sunday in October, and begins 16 days prior to that date.
Oktoberfest Pictures
They're supposed to say more than a thousand words...
These Oktoberfest pictures offer some insight of what's in store for visitors of the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

Augustiner Tent - by Tim Sheerman-Chase
Oktoberfest Video
Watch an entire Oktoberfest in just 7 minutes
The 7-Minute Oktoberfest
While the live Oktoberfest web cams are on vacation I found this interesting video for your entertainment. The complete Oktoberfest 2006, 24/7 in fast motion, in 7 minutes! Enjoy!
Oktoberfest Girls
Girls, Ladies, Women of the Oktoberfest
One of the main attractions of Oktoberfest (besides the beer, of course) are the lovely ladies in their pretty dirndls (bavarian costume dress). Oktoberfest is a feast for ALL the senses and sensations, after all!
Click here to play the Oktoberfest Game Herzerljagd and practice breaking some hearts... (Tip: Click on "Spiel Starten" to start the game)
Typical Oktoberfest Food
Authentic Bavarian and German Deli Foods
Do you ever wake up at night with this irresistible craving for Weisswurst? Now there's help, even if you're nowhere near Munich!
Whether you want to entertain in authentic style at your Oktoberfest Party, or just want to take a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane, these yummy treats are sure to please the palate.
The following represents a cross section of typical Bavarian and German specialties that are especially popular during Oktoberfest:
- Sausages: Weisswurst (White Sausage), Nuremburg Grilled Sausages, Bratwurst, Wiener
- Chicken: Roasted (Rotisserie Style), usually served as 1/2 grilled chicken (Grillhendl)
- Pork: Schweinshaxn (Crispy Roast Knuckle), Sliced Pork Roast with dumplings
- Beef: Whole oxens (bulls) roasted during Oktoberfest (in the "Ochsenbraterei")
- Fish: Whole mackerels roasted on sticks, Fischsemmel (Herring or Salmon in a bun)
- Cheese: Obatzda (see below for recipe), assorted Bavarian Cheeses (see iGourmet)
- Breads and Sweets: Brez'n (Pretzels), Dampfnudel (Sweet Dumpling), Gingerbread hearts
Bavarian Sausage Express
Oktoberfest Delicatessen Home Delivery

Thanks to the Internet, nobody needs to suffer from sausage deprivation. Many Bavarian specialties are now available for online ordering. Don't forget the sweet mustard!
For a comprehensive catalog of Bavarian and German Specialties please visit my store Memories of Munich.
Free "Taste Of Germany" Cookbook
Authentic German Recipes
The German Agricultural Marketing Board-CMA is offering the recipe book "The Taste of Germany - Contemporary German Cuisine for All Seasons" featuring:* 68 beautifully photographed full color pages
* 21 unique and modern German recipes for all meal occasions
* Information about German food and beverage, culture, festivals and celebrations (incl. Oktoberfest!)
* Retail sources for German foods and beverages in the U.S.
The recipe book can be ordered free of charge by sending a stamped, addressed envelope** to:
German Agricultural Marketing Board-CMA
Recipe Book Request
1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 210
Alexandria, VA 22314
**IMPORTANT: Your envelope must be at least 6.25 x 8.75 inches in size and MUST be stamped with $1.65 in US postage ($ 2.25 in US postage for Canadian addresses).
Authentic Oktoberfest Recipes
If you can't go there just make your own
This is also where I found this recipe to make the staple for every Oktoberfest Party:
Soft Pretzels with Honey Mustard Dip

Ingredients
1 package of active dry yeast
1/8-cup warm water (105 degrees)
1 1/3 cups warm water
1/3 cup of sugar
5 cups flour
Water, baking soda
Sea salt

Dissolve yeast in 1/8-cup warm water. Stir in 1 1/3 cups warm water, 1/3-cup brown sugar and flour. Beat until smooth. Knead dough until smooth and elastic. Heat oven to 475 degrees. In a saucepan, measure 2 tablespoons baking soda to each cup of water. Place enough to fill the saucepan. Boil soda and water.
Tear off some dough and roll a pencil shape with your hands. Pick up both ends, cross to form rabbit ears and then twist the ends and pull them back to the rest of the loop.
Place twisted pretzels in water/baking soda mixture for 15 seconds until the pretzel dough is golden or yellow in color. Then remove the pretzels from boiling water and place onto a salted cookie sheet.
Salt the top of pretzels with coarse ground sea salt. Place cookie sheet with pretzels into the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until pretzel is golden brown.
Variations
For meat lovers: Add cubed bacon while kneading the dough and bake together until pretzel is golden brown.
For cheese lovers
Do not salt the pretzels, but place a layer of German butter cheese or Bavarian Emmental on top and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cheese will turn golden brown.
As an accompaniment to your pretzels try this creamy dip.
Honey Mustard Dip
Ingredients
5 oz Crème Fraiche (or sour creme)
3 tablespoons German honey
2 tablespoons German mustard
Salt and sugar to taste
Stir Crème Fraiche, honey and mustard until creamy. Add sugar and salt to taste.

Oktoberfest Tableware
Serve your Oktoberfest Food appropriately on Oktoberfest paper plates. Match with the Bavarian cups and napkins to complete the authentic Oktoberfest Party Look!
I have requested a recipe for one of my favorite Bavarian beer garden food, O'batzda from our favorite resident Bavarian chef chefkeem.You asked for it - here it is: my recipe for "Obatzda", a Bavarian cheese specialty.
8 ozs. Camembert or Brie, ripe
4 ozs. Limburger, steenky ;-)
2 ozs. Cream Cheese
2 ozs. Butter, soft
1/2 cup Onion, small dice
2 Tsp Fresh Chives, finely chopped
1 Tsp Mustard, grainy, sweet
1 tsp Paprika
Salt & Pepper to taste
Mash all ingredients with a fork and pile it on good crusty bread. Don't forget to take your Lipitor pills!
Oktoberfest 2009 Calendar of Events
Ceremonies and Family Days
2009 celebrates the 176th Oktoberfest Anniversary !- Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 10:45 a.m.
This year's Oktoberfest Tent Host families, Breweries, Oktoberfest waitresses and music bands are marching in. Beautiful Shire and Clydesdale horses bring in the barrels on adorned carriages. Watch your step though, big horses make big "manures".
Duration: about 45 - 60 minutes
- Saturday, September 19, 2009, at 12:00 noon
Official Opening Ceremony in the Schottenhamel Tent. The Mayor of Munich will tap into the first barrel of beer and declare: O'zapft is! Let the flood begin...
(Photo: dpa)
- Sunday, September 20, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.
Traditional Costumes and Marksmen (Riflemen) Parade through the streets of Munich, led by the official mascot of Munich, the "Munchener Kindl". It's a girl in a black and yellow cape riding on a horse. Kinda like Little Red Riding Hood... Altogether about 8,000 participants are expected this year! There's an excellent video of the parade below.
Duration: about 2 hours
- Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 12.00 noon - 6.00 p.m.
Family Day with reduced prices
- Tuesday, September 29, 2009 12.00 noon - 6.00 p.m.
Family Day with reduced prices
- Sunday, October 4, 2009, 11:30 p.m.
"Aus is!" End of the Oktoberfest 2008. Time to pick up your buddies and nurse your hangovers. Then plan for Oktoberfest 2010!
Funniest Oktoberfest Videos
And other naughty and nice ones
Oktoberfest Visitors' Opinion Poll
Munich Oktoberfest Survivers, please sound off
The 175th Oktoberfest in Munich is history. Time to interview those who attended about their opinions. This is not just for this year's visitors; anybody who ever went there is welcome to voice their opinion!
Oktoberfest - Where to stay in Munich, Germany
Flights to Munich and Hotels within the vicinity of the Oktoberfest Wiesn sell out months, up to a year, in advance. If you plan on going you must make arrangements early. Chances are, hotels in the greater Munich area are booked solid by now. So - Make friends with the locals!
Yodel Tunes: Jolly Oktoberfest Music
Authentic and original must-haves for every Oktoberfest Party
Click here to listen to the silly "Octoberlied" for starters.
Here is a selection of eternal, sure-fire classics that have accompanied partying Bavarians for decades.
Some of these may even qualify for a 4-for-3 promotion. (buy 3 get one free).
For a comprehensive catalog of Bavarian and German Oktoberfest and Beer Drinking Music please visit my store Memories of Munich.
Oktoberfest Dictionary
Essential Bavarian Language Primer
The following is an excerpt from the "Wiesn-Dictionary" by Thomas Sjöberg. Click here to access the complete Oktoberfest Dictionary.The pronounciation is in a phonetic form of German which may require some practice. Please note that the German letter ß is pronounced as a sharp s, as in fuss, hiss. Have fun!
arschlings (adj.)
backwards, more specific: "in your behinds direction".
Biafuizl (n.)
beer mat, is often used by the waitress/waiter as a note pad where dashes indicates the quantity of beer ordered by the guest.
bieseln (v.)
term for "to take a leak"; unfortunately too many want to save a couple of Cents and use the option "wild bieseln"
Brezn (n.)
Bavarian pretzel. Aesthetically twined string of dough, baked to a pastry. At the Oktoberfest, the giant "Riesnbrezn" are especially beloved.
Charivari (n.)
decoration (charms) on Lederhose
Dampfnudl (n.)
a sweet dumpling, Bavarian speciality. Oft eaten with vanilla sauce or melted butter.
Diridari (n.)
money: should be brought in sufficient sums to the Oktoberfest.
Fingahackln (n.)
Bavarian sport. Two men hook their middle fingers and try to pull the opponent over the table. Popular activity at the Oktoberfest.
fuaßln (n.)
above the table people hook fingers, but when people secretly have toe-to-toe contact under the table, it usually gets more interesting.
Gamsbart (n.)
traditional Bavarian hat adornment, every proper Oktoberfest visitor should posses one.
Gaudi (n.)
merriment, fun, spree
gmiatlich (adj.)
comfy, cosy. Q.v. "griabig".
Gschbuusi (n.)
girlfriend.
Haferl (n.)
large mug, foremost for tea or coffee.
Hendl (n.)
grilled chicken; in Niederbayern the expression "Giggerl" is also used. At the Oktoberfest known as "Wiesn-Hendls".
Hundling (n.)
experienced man, often appreciative.
Kuaze (n.)
short Lederhose (leather pants), as opposed to long Lederhose, which cover the knees. A real Bavarian possesses both kinds of pants.
Lebawurscht, beleidigte (n.)
offended person, mortally offended.
Maßkruagstemma (n.)
a contest, where the contestant must hold one maß beer with straight outstretched arms. The one who can hold the beer up the longest, wins.
Mognschoaß (n.)
belch, burp, eructation. Unpopular in the beer tents, occurs more frequently with an increased consumption of beer.
Noagerl (n.)
the last remainder of a beverage in a glass.
Noagerlzuzla (n.)
person who drinks the last remainders from abandoned glasses, also used in name calling.
obandeln (v.)
to flirt, mostly with explicit intentions.
Obazda (n.)
bavarian cheese speciality with Camembert, onion, paprika, caraway, butter and sometimes also beer, can be acquired in most Oktoberfest tents.
(Check out Chefkeem's recipe in the guestbook)
schbei'm (v.)
to throw up, to vomit, sometimes also to spit.
Schmarrn (n.)
absurdity, nonsense.
Schoaß (n.)
flatulence, expulsion of intestinal gases. Not popular in the beer tents.
Spezi, Spezl (n.)
friend; also a mixed beverage with coke and orange soda. Sold in Maß jugs at Oktoberfest.
Teifi (n.)
devil, appears after a couple of Maß.
Wammerl (n.)
meat from the pigs belly, often smoked meat.
Wolpertinger (n.)
mythical creature in Bavarian fairytales. Combines attributes of various different local animals.
Zsammgsuffana (n.)
person with a bad reputation.
Authentic Bavarian Costume
Acceptable Oktoberfest wear by anyone's standards
Contrary to popular belief, not all Germans wear traditional costume all the time. In Germany, these outfits are called Trachten, and it is definitely customary to be in Bavarian Trachten costume at the Oktoberfest.
Girls of all ages wear a dress called Dirndl which is supposed to favorably highlight the waist and cleavage. A magnificent bosom is highly regarded and appreciated by attesting the owner has "ordentlich Holz vor der Huett'n", meaning something like "a veritable pile of wood in front of the cottage". It's a good thing, especially in Bavaria, were the winters can be very cold...

Boys to men are expected to wear a short or calf length Lederhosen, of course.
Combined with a white Trachten style shirt, socks, Haferl shoes and, very important, a Trachten hat with or without a Gamsbart. Depending on the weather, he will wear a matching vest or jacket called Janker.

Original Oktoberfest Lederhosen don't come cheap. In fact, be prepared for a sticker shock.
The traditional Bavarian Costume (Trachten) Lederhose is made to order from wild buck suede leather. They will last a lifetime, and are said to get even better with age. I am willing to bet that every Bavarian owns at least one heirloom quality Lederhosen.
Order Original Trachten Lederhosen from Bavaria

This adorable Bavarian resident is modeling the proper Oktoberfest attire for little boys.

While it is usually frowned or at least smiled upon if non-Bavarians wear their Trachten, during the Oktoberfest almost anything goes and even mock-ups are totally acceptable (especially if they look like this!) -----> -----> ----->
One of the leading German retailers of the finest Trachten outfits has a smokin' hot background picture for your desktop. Nice, very traditional!
Dirndl Download
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Hunks In Lederhosen
Bavarian ladies are not shy in expressing their admiration for handsomely filled Lederhosen. Guys, if you want to do some successful "obandeln" (see meaning above) you will have to strut your stuff in Bavarian leather pants!
Oktoberfest Beer
It's just regular beer - NOT!

Approximately 6.7 million "Mass" (1 Mass = 1 liter = 1.05 quart US) Oktoberfest beer were consumed during Oktoberfest 2008. The cost of a Mass was between 7.80 and 8.30 Euros.This year, the price for liquid gold breached 8 Euros, which was to be expected. Last year's price was between 7.30 and 7.90 Euro and traditionally rises like everything else.
Authentic Oktoberfest beer may only be brewed by the large Munich breweries, and only during the Oktoberfest season. It is a bit stronger in alcoholic terms which explains why drinking this brew by the liter quickly shows the famous effect. (1 liter = 1.056688209 quart US)
For more information as to why this beer is so special and how you can even make your own please read on.
The German Purity Law
This is why it tastes so great
Just like Oktoberfest, beer has a long tradition in Germany. The so-called "Reinheitsgebot", or Purity Law, dates back to 1516 and still provides the basis for today's beer brewing regulations. The law stipulates that beer may only be brewed using natural ingredients i.e. nothing but malt, hops and water. Since natural yeast also forms part of the brewing process, this was later added to the list of permitted ingredients.The law was first applied in Bavaria, and by 1906 it became law for the entire German Empire. Although the law is applicable only for beer brewed and sold in Germany, the majority of beer destined for export markets is stilled brewed according to the Purity Law.
Source: www.germanfoods.org

If you are curious to learn every detail about the Purity Law in particular and the intricacies of German beer in general, I can recommend the "German Beer Primer for Beginners" by the German Beer Institute. (They'll also teach you how to brew beer, since you're there already...)
Best Time To Visit The Oktoberfest

Data by muenchen.de
Large Brewery Tents Websites
Visit them for pictures, webcams and information
Some have bi- or multilingual pages, and some don't. But you were going there for the pictures, right?
Generally, you do not need a reservation to get into a tent. However, during peak hours, and with large groups, it can be next to impossible to get a seat, not to mention an entire table. To add insult to injury, in many tents you won't get a beer without a seat either.
There is currently no centralized reservation system! All requests must generally be made many months in advance with the individual tent hosts, which is kind of complicated if you're not on location. So make friends with some locals!
Some travel agencies do sell travel packages which may include seat reservations. Ask around. And also consider the smaller tents.
- Löwenbräu Tent

Can't miss this one. A huge animated lion sits atop the entrance, downing one beer after another and roaring into the crowd every couple of minutes.- Hofbräu Tent
- This is the biggest tent. They're the Wies'n division of the famous Hofbräuhaus, second home to every American and Australian visitor to Munich.
- Hacker-Pschorr Tent
- Their slogan is "The Bavarian's piece of heaven" and their decor is sure to fool you into thinking you have actually gone there. It's just the effect of the beer, though.
- Hippodrom
- Featuring the beer of the Spaten-Franziskaner brewery, this tent is one of the smaller ones. No more horses here, but a champagne bar makes it popular with singles and celebrities.
- Armbrustschuetzenzelt
- The crossbow archers celebrate a very long tradition that dates back to 1895. Since then, the German crossbow championship is held right here in their very own shooting range. I wonder how many beers I would need to hit the bulls eye...
- Schottenhamel
- Another tent with a long tradition. The beer has been flowing forth since 1867. This is also where the most important act, the tapping of the first beer barrel, is celebrated every year on the opening day of Oktoberfest at 12.00 noon.
- Bräurosl
- An 8th generation (!) family-owned tent hosting the Hacker-Pschorr brewery. Authentic bavarian entertainment including a yodeling lady by the name of Braurosl.
- Käfer's Wies'n-Schänke
- A place where Munich's rich and famous congregate to be seen and to feast on Käfer's famous gourmet delicatessen. If you're neither rich nor famous and have no reservations then chances are you will have to line up outside.
- Ochsenbraterei
- Officially named "Spatenbräu-Festhalle", the popularly called Ochsenbraterei is the place where oxens are roasted and then fed to the hungry masses in every possible dish imaginable. Yumm...
- Fischer-Vroni
- When you're fed up with pork knuckles, roasted oxen and chickens you might feel irresistibly attracted to this cosy tent. Several kinds of fish are roasted on a stick over hot coal. Very tasty, alas, not very cheap.
- Weinzelt
- It's hard to imagine, but there are people who don't drink beer at the Oktoberfest! Why? I don't know. If wine and champagne are your thing then this is the place to go.
- Winzerer Fähndl
- A bit smaller than the bigger tents (doh!) but with a veritable tradition. A favorite among the regular crowd, warm and cozy.
There's a host of smaller and lesser-known tents which can still accomodate visitors when other tents have already locked down. Several of them serve excellent authentic Bavarian specialties without the stifling crowds.
Featured Products from the Oktoberfest Store
Everything Oktoberfest under one roof
Map of the Oktoberfest in Munich (Theresienwiese)
Wiesn map
Important Oktoberfest Phone Numbers
- Oktoberfest Guidance: 089-2323900 or 089-50077500
- Oktoberfest Police: 089-5003220
- Oktoberfest Post Office: 089-50222356
- Festival Management: 089-23330-091, -092 or -093
- Lost Children: 089-2333096
- Lost and Found: 089-23330298
- The Red Cross: 089-50222222
- Press Office: 089 -2333-0302 or -0318
Additional info: 089 is the area code for Munich, if you're calling from within Germany. If calling from any other country the proper prefix would be +49-89.
Brew Your Own Oktoberfest Beer
If you can't get to the beer just let the beer come to you!
Surprise your Oktoberfest Party guests with your own home micro brew. With these kits anyone can do it, even those without bavarian ancestry. This is as authentic as it gets, west of Munich that is.
German Oktoberfest Home Beer Brewing Ingredient Kit
Comes with complete instructions that are easy to read and follow. The kit contains all the ingredients you will need to produce five gallons of great homebrew that you will be able to serve with pride.It's so easy to make that even a first-time brewer can make great beer with one of these kits, but the quality and convenience keep even experienced home brewers coming back for more. You will need to own basic homebrewing equipment to boil, ferment and bottle this beer.
Libbey Beer Stein 4 piece Set
High quality classic 12 ounce beer steins featuring a thumb rest on the handle to fight thumb fatigue during wild Oktoberfest parties!
Oktoberfest Party Costumes
Great Party Theme for your next Oktoberfest
More Oktoberfest Party Wear for Ladies
Other Essential Munich Webcams
Oktoberfest Weather - Rain Or Shine?
Weather forecast for Munich, Germany
Current weather conditions in Munich, Germany
Local Pollen Reports
10°C (Feels like 7°C)
Last update: 11/24/09 6:20 AM Local Time
Humidity: 76%Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 6°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1013.9mm rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 32km/h From: Airport Conditions

Today
Light Rain
High: 11°C
Low: 3°C
Sunrise: 7:34 AM
Sunset: 4:27 PM

Wednesday
Nov 25
Light Rain / Wind
High: 16°C
Low: 4°C
Sunrise: 7:35 AM
Sunset: 4:26 PM

Thursday
Nov 26
Mostly Sunny
High: 11°C
Low: 4°C
Sunrise: 7:37 AM
Sunset: 4:25 PM

Friday
Nov 27
AM Clouds / PM Sun
High: 8°C
Low: 3°C
Sunrise: 7:38 AM
Sunset: 4:24 PM
Oktoberfest Souvenirs on eBay
Forgot to buy a king-sized beer stein in Munich?
It is highly illegal to try and sneak out a "Masskrug" (beer stein, mug) from the Oktoberfest tents. Security has a keen eye so don't even try. You're always welcome to buy one, and if you forgot you might still find some on eBay.
A word of caution: Oktoberfest Tent Reservations usually fill up fast and long in advance. They're a red hot commodity and some people try to sell them on eBay. Some tent hosts do not allow the transfer of reservations and as a result, all associated tickets and coupons might not be honored, and thus are worthless. Get informed before you get scammed.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand byHighly Recommended Oktoberfest and Munich Insider Guides
Essential info for first time visitors and seasoned travelers alike
For a comprehensive catalog of Bavarian and German books and guides please visit my store Memories of Munich.
The Beer Drinker's Guide to Munich
More than 70 of Munich's best beer gardens, beer halls, pubs, and late-night hot spots are listed in detail. The colorful histories behind them are included, along with detailed maps and instructions on how to find each place. Information on Oktoberfest and other beer festivals make this guide as practical as it is entertaining. This revised edition pays for itself three times over with the enclosed beer coupons from some of Munich's most prized beer gardens. From Am Hopfengarten to Zur Schwaige, this guide's wisdom will make any trip to the Beer City a truly unforgettable travel experience.
This guide consistently gets rave reviews from readers!
Rick Steves' German Phrase Book and Dictionary
Guten Tag! From ordering bratwurst in Munich to making new friends in the Rhine Valley, it helps to speak some of the native tongue. Rick Steves, bestselling author of travel guides to Europe, offers well-tested phrases and key words to cover every situation a traveler is likely to encounter, complete with phonetic spelling; an English-German and German-English dictionary; the latest information on European currency and rail transportation, and even a tear-out cheat sheet for continued language practice as you wait in line at the Oktoberfest restrooms.
Daytrips Bavaria: 23 One Day Adventures in and around Munich, All of Bavaria, Plus Salzburg in Austria
Whether by public transportation or private car, EARL STEINBICKER, has thoroughly probed 23 one-day adventures around Munich and Bavaria. Each comes complete with a do-it-yourself tour, a detailed map, full travel directions, time & weather considerations, restaurant suggestions, background material & websites and a concise description of the sights. Additionally, the book is thoroughly illustrated with 25 maps for easy use.
Brand new in July 2007, this is the latest guide in a series of well-loved daytrip books.
Top 10 Munich (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides)
If you are planning a short trip to Munich this is a must have book. It covers excellent restaurants and wonderful places to stop and shop. The essential sights are all listed by region and are explained in enough detail for one to decide if they want to visit. If you are going for a longer period of time I would recommend a bigger guide but I would still get this one to walk around with. If you are travling around the Bavarian alps region you will need another travel guide in addition to this one as it stays focused on Munich
Munich & The Bavarian Alps (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
...I can affirm the genuine worth of this book. The maps are convenient, easy to use, and marvelously clear. Furthermore, the organization of the guide is wonderfully helpful in assisting the traveler (or resident, as the case may be) in finding cultural destinations, culinary spots, that may have otherwise been missed.
For a diverse, wonderfully cosmopolitan city, this guide provides a marvelous introduction, and though it neglects a few potential interests in outlying regions, does an admirable job of hitting all the highlights, and even including pictures of most.
Oktoberfest Poll: Going? Been there?
Please vote, it's just a simple click for you...
More than 6 million thirsty visitors are converging on Munich during Oktoberfest time. Are you one of them?
No Reservations: Tips To Get a Seat In A Beer Tent
The early bird got the worm but...


It's no secret, the reservations for tables at the Munich Oktoberfest book out months in advance. Here are some tips how you might still get a coveted seat without a reservation.
Line up early, as in 6 a.m. early, maybe even earlier during weekends.
One third of the center floor tables are freely available and cannot be reserved, by anyone. Saturdays after 5 p.m., two thirds of the center floor are available on a first come first served basis. And on Sundays and public holidays, no part of the center may be reserved - all seats on the floor are up for grabs!
Just be prepared; there is no room for personal space!
More Oktoberfest Information Links
Still searching for answers?
- Oktoberfest - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- More details about the history of the Oktoberfest, and some mind-boggling statistics.
- Oktoberfest.de
- Germany's Oktoberfest website. Most pages available in English.
- muenchen.de
- Official City portal for Munich. Pages available in English. With Oktoberfest pages, of course!
- Beer- and Oktoberfestmuseum
- The Beer and Oktoberfest Museum in Munich - if you want to learn more about beer than just how it tastes. Learn about the history of beer, since the migration of peoples, the monasteries, the all important Purity Law, and the unique quality of Munich's beer.
- Free State of Bavaria
- Official government website of the Free State of Bavaria. Not really an Oktoberfest link, but full of useful information if you're interested in that part of Germany.
- Bayerische Witze
- Bavarians are, well, a bit different than the rest of us. For German language speakers only, here's a fun collection of Bavarian jokes.
The next Oktoberfest dates
Mark your calendars

It's never too early to plan you next trip to the Oktoberfest capital.
Oktoberfest 2009: September 19 - October 4
Oktoberfest 2010: September 18 - October 3
Oktoberfest 2011: September 17 - October 3
Oktoberfest 2012: September 22 - October 7
Book a Flight To Munich, Germany
If you're wondering why the greater part of the Oktoberfest is celebrated during September, well, it has historical reasons. In a nutshell, there was a royal wedding scheduled around that time of year. The weather in September was generally better and the nights were warmer, making it more pleasant to stroll across the meadows (Wies'n) after dark.
Well, that was my express interpretation. If you would like to learn more about the history of Oktoberfest have a look what Wikipedia has to say.
The more technical explanation is that the Oktoberfest always ends on the first Sunday in October, and begins 16 days previous to that date. If October 3rd falls on a Monday, the event is extended to include that day since this is a national holiday in Germany.
Thank you for visiting my Oktoberfest Lens
If you've made it this far down on this page I hope you have found some useful information and had a good time. Please come back soon as I am constantly updating when new information becomes available. Don't forget to bookmark this page and share (see the easy-buttons on the right column!It would also be mighty nice if you'd give this page a "thumbs up" to help others find this resource:
Please come back soon as I am constantly updating when new information becomes available.
I would like to request a small favor. If you liked this lens would be thrilled if you could rate it at the top of the page. You can also Review My Site at the Isle of Squid.
This Oktoberfest page received the prestigious LOTD (Lens of the day) award on July 19, 2007! It has been in the Top 100 lenses overall for more than 200 days, which goes to show that beer and good times are always in season.Thank you, hope to see you again soon!
P.S.: If you are new to Squidoo and would like to make your own lens (page) like this, let me assure you, it's very easy. You can sign up here and get started right away. It's free to join!
Oktoberfest Message Board
Add your picture or comments and be famous
Beer lovers and drinkers of the world, unite! Here's your chance to tell everyone about what's on your mind... show some decency though, please!
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- chefkeem chefkeem Nov 17, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
- This lens DOES bring back many memories (of drinking lotsa beer) - too bad I can't remember many of them...
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- cjsysreform cjsysreform Nov 17, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
- Mmm, pretzels... beer... pretzels dipped in beer.
(Don't mind me -- I'm extremely hungry right now.)
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- Webatz Webatz Nov 15, 2009 @ 3:28 am
- a very good lense about the greates party in the world :)
great work
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- KimGiancaterino KimGiancaterino Oct 27, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
- It's October... time to re-bless your wonderful lens!
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- chefkeem chefkeem Oct 11, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
- This year's Oktoberfest is over. So was my blessing from the last time I stopped by here. A renewed SquidAngel Blessing for this most authentic of all Octoberfest lenses! Ozapft is!
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- wayfarer wayfarer Sep 30, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
- Having never been there, I can only imagine how much fun it must be to celebrate there. 5 stars!
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- Michey Michey Sep 24, 2009 @ 11:40 am
- Hi! I was 2 times in Munich but never at Oktoberfest time, I like to have that experience as well, I like Munich a lot. This is a great lens, a lot of info, authentic, useful and very well done.
Thank for shearing an authentic piece of Europe
I enjoy your lens
Michey
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- mingaman mingaman Sep 9, 2009 @ 4:57 am
- I hate Oktoberfest. I love living in Munich for 50 weeks of the year, then for two weeks I am invaded by drunken louts shoving liquid poison down their throats, being extremely aggresive, unnecessarly rowdy, and puking all over. Roll on the end of Wiesn.
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- monarch13 monarch13 Sep 1, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
- I want to go! Great lens. Rolled to "Find Magic in Salem, Mass."
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- misserika misserika Aug 10, 2009 @ 3:53 am
- Oktoberfest has been adapted by the Philippines. It's a month-long simultaneous partying around the country, bands are playing and of course, beer being served. I would love to try Oktoberfest, Germany way! Your lens is very informative. Thumbs up!
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- Alleycatshirts Alleycatshirts Aug 5, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
- Oktoberfest 2009 (02) by Alleycatshirts Many more t-shirts online at zazzle.com
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- OhMe OhMe Aug 1, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
- This is a super lens and the Octoberfest sounds wonderful. I am lensrolling to my Festivals, Fairs and Other Special Events Lens and hope you will add it to the plexo for Festival lenses. Thanks.
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- Blochin_C Blochin_C Feb 8, 2009 @ 7:07 am
- Great Lens! I linked to it from http://www.squidoo.com/germansimcard
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- Nov 18, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
- OOhhh beer!
How I wish I could visit Germany one day!
HEy, have you gone to Bogota, Colombia?
It's a nice place!
Try to see my lens.
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- Nov 8, 2008 @ 12:47 am
- This is a big event not only it is celebrated in Germany but on some countries also. Great lens!
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- RobbiePringle RobbiePringle Nov 4, 2008 @ 2:12 pm
- Oktoberfest looks awesome!
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- TrixiJahn TrixiJahn Nov 2, 2008 @ 12:13 am
- Super lens! Im very impressed and really enjoyed it! I've been there once and had a great time...
Ever been to the Christkindles Markt in Nürnberg?
Greetings from Nürnberg,
Trixi
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- papawu papawu Oct 29, 2008 @ 10:36 pm
- I have never been, but would absolutely love to go, for the girls and food alone. I'm not a drinker, you see. Fantastic lens though.
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- jimmy jimmy Oct 29, 2008 @ 12:32 am | in reply to Margaret_Schaut
- i need information not people saying oktoberfest is cool!!
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- d-artist d-artist Oct 22, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
- ahhh I loved the food and beer in Munich, something you will never forget 5*s
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- nancydodds1 nancydodds1 Oct 21, 2008 @ 11:45 pm
- Its very good lens. Every gets a good message from this lens. My 5* stars for you.
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- ggonzo ggonzo Oct 21, 2008 @ 10:55 am
- Your lens takes me back!. I love Bavaria and Munich and the Oktoberfest. It was a wonderful experince and I loved it. Now I want to go back! I love Germany and its beer.
Thanks, great lens I gave it top rating.
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- debbie 67 debbie 67 Oct 19, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
- i have been to oktoberfest 3 times and its an amazing experience. this site is accurate and brings back great memories. Im planning a surprise trip for my husband in 2009. It will be his first trip . thanks for the great site
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- Susan52 Susan52 Oct 15, 2008 @ 8:28 am
- Definitely returning the lensroll to my Chicken Dance lens. I love Oktoberfest, especially the food!
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- Buttheads Buttheads Oct 14, 2008 @ 11:10 am
- lets hope for much better weather for Oktoberfest 2009. Who'll be there to drink "a Mass" wih me?
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- Rusty-Quill Rusty-Quill Oct 11, 2008 @ 10:29 am
- Fantastic lens, you've fully distracted me from the work I should be doing - a sign of a good lens. ;)
Prost!
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- marsha32 marsha32 Oct 8, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
- You've sure done a good job putting this all together. Too much drinking for me.
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- Music-Resource Music-Resource Oct 8, 2008 @ 5:32 am
- Hi Squidster: Wow, awesome Oktoberfest HQ lens! I really appreciate the amount of work you put into your lenses. This one is great :) ~Music Resource~
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- chefkeem chefkeem Oct 2, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
- A hearty SquidAngel Blessing for this comprehensive guide to the biggest Beer Fest in the world!
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- WritingforYourWealth WritingforYourWealth Sep 25, 2008 @ 1:12 am
- I have been to Munich and the beer garden (bier garten, is it?) but alas not during Ocktoberfest. That would be a blast ;)
- Load More
Oktoberfests Around The World
While Oktoberfest in Munich remains the largest, oldest and original Oktoberfest, beer festivals do have a tradition in other parts of the world.
According to Wikipedia, the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany is the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest in the twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada (700,000+ visitors).
Other cities claiming to be the largest Oktoberfests outside of Germany include Blumenau, Brazil (600,000+ visitors, 1,000,000+ in 1988 and 1992) and Cincinnati, Ohio, United States (500,000+ visitors). Since September 2007, even Montreal boasts its own Oktoberfest.
It would be great to have a collection of all Oktoberfests in one handy list, so I'll go ahead and start it. Everyone is welcome to add a link to other Oktoberfest homepages.
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati
Oktoberfest-Zinzinnati, the official website of th more...1 point
Oktoberfest New Ulm Minnesota German Festival Octoberfest
Oktoberfest is held in New Ulm, Minnesota. The fes more...1 point
Mt. Angel Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest began with the marriage of the Cro more...0 points
La Crosse Oktoberfest
Longtime volunteer this year%u2019s Mrs. Oktoberfe more...0 points
Oktoberfest Fredericksburg Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas, celebrates its German herit more...0 points
Tulsa Oktoberfest 2007 Home
Annual four-day festival. Entertainment, driving d more...0 points
Oktoberfest
The famed Oktoberfest began with a royal Bavarian more...0 points
Oktoberfest in
Welcome to the Official Greater Helen Area Chamber more...0 points
Oktoberfest on Larimer Street :|:|: Denver, Colorado
Modeled after the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, more...0 points
Oktoberfest in Bavarian Leavenworth WA
Oktoberfest in Leavenworth is the next best thing more...0 points
Fremont Oktoberfest 2007
Annual micro-brew festival organized by the Fremon more...0 points
Oktober Fest
The 37th annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest is in fu more...0 points
Oktoberfest - An authentic German Oktoberfest celebration with ...
An authentic German Oktoberfest celebration with l more...0 points
Oktoberfest by the Bay!
Annual festival at Fort Mason, San Francisco, Cali more...0 points
Wecome to Alpine Village, Home of the Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest festival hosts provide a guide preview more...0 points
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
Includes locations, parade and fest history, touri more...0 points
Oktoberfest Kansas City
Modeled after the world-famous Oktoberfest in Muni more...0 points
Seymour Indiana Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest held in Seymour, Jackson County, I more...0 points
Ruidoso Oktoberfest - welkommen to the southwest's best ...
In Ruidoso, we are,celebrating our 26th annual Okt more...0 points
Wilkommen to Oktoberfest
For information call 800-932-8687. SCHEDULE of EVE more...0 points
Historic Germantown | Oktoberfest / Oktoberfest
There is no better way to spend a beautiful Octobe more...0 points
Harvard Square Welcome to Harvard Square
Oktoberfest 2007 was a great success! Pictures and more...0 points
Cullman Oktoberfest Official Website
A yearly festival celebrating Cullman's German her more...0 points
>> Maryland Brewer's Oktoberfest <
Annual event at Maryland State Fairgrounds. Includ more...0 points
Labor Day Oktoberfest | Octoberfest - Berea, OH - Cleveland, OH
Labor Day Oktoberfest - German Food and Beer, Art more...0 points
Stowe Oktoberfest - Home Page
Stowe Oktoberfest - September 28-29-30, 2007. This more...0 points
Oktoberfest
Today, a many cities across the U.S. and the world more...0 points
Minster Oktoberfest - 2007
The Oktoberfest, which draws over 80000 people to more...0 points
Oktoberfest Home Page
Oktoberfest is an award-winning regional festival more...0 points
Greater Walhalla Area Chamber of Commerce
German banners herald the Oktoberfest season as ev more...0 points
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest San Antonio. The 2007 Oktoberfest is O more...0 points
Welcome to Rotary Oktober Fest Web Site
Come join the fun at the 25th annual Carlsbad Rota more...0 points
Herzlich Wilkommen zum Deutschen Haus, New Orleans
Oktoberfest 2007 Every Friday & Saturday from more...0 points
Uptown Hickory Oktoberfest
Uptown Hickory's Oktoberfest is the event of the y more...0 points
Charlotte Oktoberfest 2007
For 2007 the Charlotte Oktoberfest Beer Festival w more...0 points
WHITEFACE || Summer | Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest Come join us at Whiteface for a great more...0 points
Oktoberfest NW Home
Click to Enter.0 points
Germantown Oktoberfest
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Annual more...0 points
Frankenmuth Festivals Home
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest begins Thursday September more...0 points
Oktoberfest Brisbane
2007 Oktoberfest Raffle Winners. Event Sponsors Ev more...0 points
Hunter Mountain - Creating Mountain Memories one smile at a time...
Join us in celebrating Oktoberfest, in the finest more...0 points
Oktoberfest
For the first time ever, Galveston%u2019s premier more...0 points
http://www.soulardoktoberfest.com
Saint Louis' Soulard Oktoberfest getting bigger ea more...0 points
Song Lyrics
Song lyrics database with 750,000+ song lyrics sea more...0 points
Oktoberfest 2008 News
Get the inside scoop on the largest beer festival in the world
September 19, 2008
Only one day to go until the mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, will tap into the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer vintage 2008! His very reputation will ride on the question of how many times the mayor will have to hit the tap before it can safely be declared: "O'zapft is!" In fact, an online betting institution called PartyBets is offering a special Oktoberfest bet: The odds that he'll do it with one single smack are 10.0. Two hits with the wooden hammer pay 2.0 If it takes him more than 4 hits the odds are 7.0. His personal record is 2 hits, by the way.
All proceeds will go to the Red Cross which provides a First Aid station and a service for lost children.
April 7, 2008
The price of 1 Mass (liter) Oktoberfest beer is expected to reach up to 8.30 Euros during the Oktoberfest 2008. None of the 14 large tents will charge less than 8 Euros, which corresponds to a price increase of nearly 5%.
March 7, 2008
The absolute smoking ban for all public indoor places has been modified. For this year only, an exception for the Oktoberfest beer tents was announced. It will still be allowed to smoke in the Oktoberfest beer tents due to security concerns. There is not enough space outside the tents for smokers to congregate, and the tent hosts figured it would be next to impossible to enforce compliance inside the huge tents without an army of security personnel.
Jan. 31, 2008

The official motif design for Oktoberfest 2008 was unveiled by Munich's head of the Tourism authority.
This image was chosen during a contest to represent this year's Oktoberfest. In addition to promotional posters and flyers, this colorful fun design will also be printed on the official collector's souvenir stein.
Nov. 12, 2007
A planned total ban of smoking on the Oktoberfest 2008 has prompted some Wiesn beer tent hosts to speculate that this will have an adverse effect on the price of beer. How so? Well, they say that they would need additional personnel to enforce compliance with this law. This in turn would mean higher overhead cost, which would have to be passed on to the beer drinker, of course...
The advocates of the new law thought that the price of beer would rise anyway, as it has always been the case from one year to another. Just as the beer consumption usually breaks the previous year's record as well.
The Oktoberfest Lens Table of Contents
In case you missed something
Here's a short list of all the content:
- Countdown until End of Oktoberfest 2009
- Oktoberfest Lens Map
- Why is Oktoberfest mostly in September?
- Oktoberfest Pictures
- Augustiner Tent - by Tim Sheerman-Chase
- Oktoberfest Video
- Oktoberfest Girls
- Typical Oktoberfest Food
- Bavarian Sausage Express
- Free "Taste Of Germany" Cookbook
- Authentic Oktoberfest Recipes
- Oktoberfest 2009 Calendar of Events
- Funniest Oktoberfest Videos
- Oktoberfest Visitors' Opinion Poll
- Oktoberfest - Where to stay in Munich, Germany
- Yodel Tunes: Jolly Oktoberfest Music
- Oktoberfest Dictionary
- Authentic Bavarian Costume
- Hunks In Lederhosen
- Oktoberfest Beer
- The German Purity Law
- Best Time To Visit The Oktoberfest
- Large Brewery Tents Websites
- Featured Products from the Oktoberfest Store
- Map of the Oktoberfest in Munich (Theresienwiese)
- Important Oktoberfest Phone Numbers
- Brew Your Own Oktoberfest Beer
- Oktoberfest Party Costumes
- More Oktoberfest Party Wear for Ladies
- Other Essential Munich Webcams
- Oktoberfest Weather - Rain Or Shine?
- Oktoberfest Souvenirs on eBay
- Highly Recommended Oktoberfest and Munich Insider Guides
- Oktoberfest Poll: Going? Been there?
- No Reservations: Tips To Get a Seat In A Beer Tent
- More Oktoberfest Information Links
- The next Oktoberfest dates
- Thank you for visiting my Oktoberfest Lens
- Oktoberfest Message Board
- Oktoberfests Around The World
- Oktoberfest 2008 News
- About The Lensmaster
About The Lensmaster
Lensmaster Squidster has been a member since February 16 2007, has rated 751 lenses, favorited 234, and has created 64 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Plush Dogs | Realistic and Lifelike Stuffed Dogs Save Lives". See all my lenses
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by Squidster

I love Munich, and with it comes Oktoberfest, naturally. I've witnessed many visitors traveling there only to get drunk beyond belief. It's a shame,...
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