Every September for the last 183 years, millions of people have gathered in Munich, Germany to celebrate the traditional Bavarian Folk Festival known to the world as Oktoberfest.
Looking to travel to Oktoberfest, but on the fence because you don’t drink the liquid of the Germans? Here are 9 other amazing reasons to visit Munich and Oktoberfest with FlorenceForFun.
1. It’s a Giant Carnival- and who doesn’t love those?
Scattered amongst the avid beer drinkers and amazing smells, Oktoberfest holds rides in store for those thrill seeking. Rollercoasters, a ferris wheel, spinning rides, and more wait for Oktoberfest goers wanting to feel like a kid at a carnival again.
2. Munich is an Amazing City
Regardless of Oktoberfest being in full swing, Munich is a city everyone needs to visit in Europe while they’re abroad. Gorgeous architecture mixed with an upbeat and cosmopolitan atmosphere, along with a warm city heart is reason enough to go to Munich. When traveling with FlorenceForFun, our Oktoberfest Trip includes a free bike tour of Munich so you can see this amazing town.
3. The Food is Delicious
PRETZELS! SAUSAGES! SO MUCH AMAZING PERFECT FOOD! If you are a street food junkie, Oktoberfest is the place to be. Walk around the stands and rides while eating the famous German food. Oktoberfest is a food truck lover’s paradise. Here are a few of the succulent options when dining at Oktoberfest.
- Hendl (roast chicken)
- Schweinebraten (roast pork)
- Schweinshaxe (grilled ham hock)
- Steckerlfisch(grilled fish on a stick)
- Würstl (sausages)
- Brezen (pretzels)
- Knödel (potato or bread dumplings)
- Käsespätzle (cheese noodles)
- Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes)
- Sauerkraut or Rotkohl/Blaukraut (red cabbage)
- Obatzda (a spicy cheese-butter spread)
- Weißwurst (a white sausage)
4. It’s an Amazing Cultural Experience
Over 6 million people visit Oktoberfest every year. The world’s largest folk festival experience has celebrated Germany’s culture since 1810. This is a great way to immerse yourself in an opportunity that you may never be able to have again. 85 percent of the people at Oktoberfest, and of those, almost 80 percent are locals within the Bavarian region. There are almost no other opportunities in life allowing you to experience the locals in this traditional sense.
5. You Get to Play Dress Up!
How often in your life will you be able to wear lederhosen or a dirndl on any given weekend in September? Act like a kid again and dress up in traditional german folk wear. Throw your hair up into a nice plait and really get into the spirit of Oktoberfest!
Plus investing in one of these fun costumes gives you great options for Halloween in years to come.
6. The Entire Atmosphere.
It’s pretty hard to be upset at Oktoberfest. With good people, fun vibes, amazing smells, and a collection of interesting sights, there’s no way you can be grumpy amongst all the activity going on.
7. Meet People from All Around the World
The mix of people that visit Oktoberfest will astound you. With over 6 million people participating every year, people are coming from all walks of life to drink, have fun, and party their little hearts out. Make friends for years to come, or just a great weekend drinking buddy! Either way, you’re guaranteed to meet new people with interesting stories to tell, and show you a great time (especially if they’re German!)
8. Hofbräu Hause
The Hofbräu Hause is the Royal Bavarian brewery founded by the original Dukes of Bavaria. The beer they brew here, is the beer that the Kings drank. This is where the royal parties would have been held. The Hofbräu Hause is “a giant beautiful beer hall filled with happiness” (direct quote from our Oktoberfest tour guide, Evan). Even if you’re not drinking, getting in here just to see is worth the visit.
9. German Drinking Songs.
What could be more fun than being in Germany, with tens of thousands of Germans, drinking German beer, and singing German drinking songs?? Partaking in this cultural experience is one you will never forget, and one that will leave you humming on your return home.
10. What We all REALLY Go to Oktoberfest For…THE BEER!!!
I couldn’t get away writing a post about Oktoberfest without writing about the beer! The “liquid gold” is the highlight of Oktoberfest, and even for non beer drinkers is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Here are just a few of the delicious brews you can try at Oktoberfest, each costing only €9-€10 per stein. 
- Augustiner
- Paulaner
- Spaten-Franziskaner
- LöwenbräuHacker-Pschorr
- Hofbräu
