The Ultimate Oktoberfest Web Page
Oktoberfest 2008 is here! Dust off your Lederhosen and Dirndl and head to Munich, Germany.
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.: Oktoberfest 2008 in Munich, the 175th Oktoberfest anniversary, is already in full swing. Time to plan your own Oktoberfest Party to celebrate in your little corner of the world. For tips and ideas I hope you will find inspiration in this lens!
(Disclaimer: This counter is not 100% precise since it counts down to 12.01 a.m. your time on October 5. Munich is in the GMT +1 hour, so you need to do some math(s) to figure out the exact moment.)
(End of Oktoberfest 2008 is October 5, 2008)
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 2008 Information
Countdown to Oktoberfest 2009
Oktoberfest 2008 News
Oktoberfest 2008 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 pictures offer some insight of what's in store for Oktoberfest visitors.
one day left before the octoberfest start in munich
Oktoberfest
Hacker-Pschorr-Bierzelt auf dem Oktoberfest in München, Bavaria, Germany;
Oktoberfest Parade 2007.
Typical view inside one of the 12 or 13 beer tents at the Oktoberfest in Munich....
Oktoberfest München
Auf dem Oktoberfest 2007 in München, Bavaria, Germany;
Augustiner Tent - by Tim Sheerman-Chase
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.
Oktoberfest Webcams
Oktoberfest 2008 Web Cam Collection
The webcam of Radio Energy sends a live picture from the Hofbrau Tent every 30 seconds, usually from about 4 pm to 11 pm.
The 7-Minute Oktoberfest
While the live Oktoberfest web cams were on vacation I found this interesting video for your entertainment. The complete Oktoberfest 2006, 24/7 in fast motion, in 7 minutes! Enjoy!
wies'n zeitraffer in 7 min
die wies'n im schnelldurchlauf: die komplette wies'n des jahres 2006 könnt ihr hier genießen. fürs bereitstellen der bilder der wies'n-webcam auf dem löwenbräu-turm geht ein herzlicher dank an die löwenbräu ag. realisiert wurde das video von der coma ag. checkt www.coma.de! unterlegt mit den sounds von simon kummer(nfo.collective / erding),
Runtime: 7:20
2282 views
1 Comments:
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)
Oktoberfest... la fiesta de la borrachera. Literalmente te ragalan trago y snaps...
Bedienung im
seemingly these bavarian village girls get trained to carry several beer mugs(mi...
Young lady at La Mesa Oktoberfest, 2006.
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
The best fast food EVER!
National dish of Bavarians, white sausage with a pretzel and sweet mustard
Nuremberg Pork sausages
Yumm! This is how a real Brez'n looks!
A crackling good pork knuckle with sauerkraut and mashed potato at the Lowenbrau...
Steckerlfisch - Fish on a stick, incredibly delicious but expensive.
Fischsemmeln are a very tasty treat that go well with beer.
Grillhendl - the chicken grill
Dampfnudel - a family size brioche in Vanilla sauce. This is one portion.
Pork Roast with potato dumpling
Don't forget the gingerbread heart
You could order half a chicken during Oktoberfest. It was really good, too--so ...
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.
Bavaria Munich Weisswurst
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Bavaria Old Fashion Natural Casing Wieners
Amazon Price: $40.40 (as of 10/11/2008)
Nurnberger Original Bratwurst
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
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 2008 Calendar of Events
Do some culture while you still can!
2008 celebrates the 175th Oktoberfest Anniversay !- Saturday, September 20, 2008, 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 20, 2008, 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 21, 2008, 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 23, 2008, 12.00 noon - 6.00 p.m.
Family Day with reduced prices - Tuesday, September 30, 2008 12.00 noon - 6.00 p.m.
Family Day with reduced prices - Sunday, October 5, 2008, 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 2009!
Funniest Oktoberfest Videos
And other naughty and nice ones
Oktoberfest Visitors' Opinion Poll
Munich Oktoberfest Survivers, please sound off
The 174th 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 in Germany
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
Music of Oktoberfest
Amazon Price: $5.98 (as of 10/11/2008)
Drink Drink Drink: Oktoberfest All Time Favorites
Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Der Oktoberfest Hit-Mix
Amazon Price: (as of 10/11/2008)
German Beer Drinking & Merrymaking Songs: Featuring Music From The Octoberfest In Munich
Amazon Price: $7.18 (as of 10/11/2008)
Oktoberfest Dictionary
Essential Bavarian Language Primer
Bavarian may not be an official language but it sure isn't just another German dialect either. In order to communicate with the locals it pays to know at least some basic Bavarian vocabulary.
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. 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
1600 x 1200
1280 x 960
800 x 600
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.
Lederhosen
everybody loves lederhosen!
Lederhosen leg
Munich Jungs
another Bavaria - man
trachten socks
Perfect!
Father and Son
Wrong, wrong, wrong
Locals enjoying a brew at the Historische Wurstk%uFFFDon the banks of the Danub...
for the ladies
Loving the lederhosen
Colossal Gamsbart
How Norwegians wear Lederhosen...
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 2007. The price of a Mass averaged of 7.73 Euros.This year, the price for liquid gold is expected to breach 8 Euros, and will cost up to 8.30 Euros in some tents.
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.
Important Oktoberfest Phone Numbers
Lost your wallet, drinking buddy, or pink poodle? Feel a little dizzy from watching the 8-loop rollercoaster? Help is never far on the Oktoberfest. Here are some phone numbers you might want to have handy: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.
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
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!
Amazon Price: $15.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Oktoberfest Costumes for your Oktoberfest Party
Beer Girl, Fraulein, Heidi, Gretchen, Sexy German Waitress and Co.
Ein Prosit! The sexy Beer Gal costume includes: A hunter green velvet dress with a back zipper closure, an eyelet lace crop top, a matching apron, thong panties, and a rigid lace crinoline. Halter neckline, contrast lace-up bodice, and delicate flower appliqués are details that make this design adorably alpine!
This lovely German Gretchen costume includes: A peasant-top dress with an attached apron and sequin heart bow detail. A headband, a choker necklace, (2) hair bows, and (2) matching heart bow stocking clips are also included.
Says one reviewer: "...my husband looovveess it!!" -- Hmmm...
Show the old world charm of Germany with a sexy twist. The Gretchen Plus Sized Adult Costume includes: A brown and green dress with satin ribbon trim and a white peasant style top. A pair of white thigh high stockings is also included to complete this ultra sassy ensemble. Guaranteed to be the sexiest maiden this Halloween!
This flirty fraulein outfit includes short dress with tie-up bustier style black vest* and frilly white apron. (Sorry, but never-ending keggers of beer are not included.)
Essential Accessories
You don't chug out of this mug...This mug is great for holding all your valuables. Pair it up with any Beer Girl costume and have the complete look you were searching for.
Every Beer Garden Girl's must have!Whether you're a Bavarian Maiden handing out the hops or a Beer Hall Fraulein passing out the pints, the Beer Stein Purse is the perfect accessory for your Oktoberfest attire!
Just like HeidiA blonde wig with long braids on each side. One size fits most adults.
Complete the Traditional LookMilkmaid Wig in Blonde has looped braids and long bangs. One size fits most adults.
More Oktoberfest Party Wear for Ladies
Lederhosen Costumes for the Oktoberfest Party
Hansel, Seppl, Yodeler & Schuhplattler - "Authentic" German Costumes For Men
NEW for 2008!Yodeler is his name. Lederhosen are his game.
You'll never be able to keep this polka-dancin' man's stein full! The Yodeler costume includes: A Lycra shirt with button detail, velvet elastic waist shorts with attached suspenders, striped socks, and a traditional-styled hat. Bavarian trim and buckle/rivet accents authenticate this ensemble.
Real Men Wear Lederhosen!You will look like an authentic Alpine Schuhplattler in the Lederhosen costume, which includes: A white, collared shirt with red suspenders featuring a traditional Bavarian design. Lederhosen (shorts) with embroidered Bavarian-style trim and an Alpine-styled feather hat complete this festive ensemble.
Isn't he just an adorable Hansel?Straight from the German Fairytale "Hansel and Gretel" comes this hunky Hansel Costume ;)
Dark green shorts with suspenders and hat. A perfect couples costume when paired with the Gretel Costume.
Alpine Accessories
Climb every mountain!Green felt hat with yellow trim, yellow feather accent, and red pom. One size fits most adults and kids. Complete your Oktoberfest outfit with this Bavarian style hat.
Ok, I admit, it does look a bit like Peter Pan or Robin Hood, but then again, this is a budget hat!
Other Essential Munich Webcams
Courtesy of BR-online.de
The Marienplatz is the central meeting point of Munich. Marienplatz webcam provided by muenchen.de:
Oktoberfest Weather - Rain Or Shine?
Weather forecast for Munich, Germany
Current weather conditions in Munich, Germany
Local Pollen Reports
11°C (Feels like 11°C)
Last update: 10/11/08 12:20 PM Local Time
Humidity: 88%Visibility: 4.5 km
Dew Point: 9°C
UV Index: 1 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1032.8mm steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 5km/h From: Airport Conditions
Today
Fog
High: 22°C
Low: 7°C
Sunrise: 7:28 AM
Sunset: 6:32 PM
Sunday
Oct 12
AM Fog / PM Sun
High: 22°C
Low: 7°C
Sunrise: 7:29 AM
Sunset: 6:30 PM
Monday
Oct 13
Mostly Sunny
High: 23°C
Low: 8°C
Sunrise: 7:31 AM
Sunset: 6:28 PM
Tuesday
Oct 14
Sunny
High: 22°C
Low: 11°C
Sunrise: 7:32 AM
Sunset: 6:26 PM
Oktoberfest Stuff on eBay
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 by
Highly 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!
Amazon Price: $15.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $15.95
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.
Amazon Price: $7.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $7.95
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.
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $19.95
Top 10 Munich (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
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
Amazon Price: $9.60 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $12.00
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.
Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $25.00
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
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-bog