This year, from September 21 to October 6, the world's largest folk festival will take place on the Theresienwiese in Munich: the 189th edition of the Oktoberfest.
The iconic beer festival, which attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year, will be celebrated for 16 days this year. Traditionally, the event opens with the so-called “O'zapft is!”, when Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter taps the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel Festhalle at noon on 21 September. This symbolic moment marks the official start of the festivities.
The festival site covers an immense area of 34,5 hectares, making it one of the largest festival locations in the world. Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurs are eager to secure their place at this prestigious event. For the 2024 edition, a whopping 927 companies had set their sights on participating in Oktoberfest, but in the end, only 470 of them received the coveted approval. Among these approved participants are 153 catering companies, who will be serving a wide range of Bavarian delicacies and drinks, from pretzels to the famous litre mugs of beer. In addition, there will be 123 fairground rides and shows to entertain visitors, and 194 market stalls selling a variety of goods and souvenirs. A number of service companies have also managed to secure a place on the site.
Bavarian folklore
A special part of Oktoberfest is the “Oidn Wiesn”, a special part of the festival that harks back to the original traditions of the event. This part has a rustic character and focuses more on nostalgia and Bavarian folklore. This year, 101 companies applied for a place at Oidn Wiesn, but only 41 were ultimately selected. Among these companies are 18 catering companies and 23 showmen, who will treat visitors to traditional dishes and authentic fairground attractions, reminiscent of the early years of Oktoberfest.
Over the years, Oktoberfest has grown from a local Bavarian celebration to a worldwide phenomenon that attracts both young and old. The festival’s origins date back to 1810, when it was first held to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Theresia of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Since then, the event has only grown and remains an important pillar of Bavarian culture.
While beer is undoubtedly the star of Oktoberfest, the festival also offers a variety of other attractions and activities. There are parades with traditional costumes, live music performances and a wide range of food and drink outlets where visitors can enjoy authentic Bavarian specialties. For adrenaline seekers, there are spectacular fairground attractions, ranging from giant Ferris wheels to high-speed roller coasters.
Whether you travel by car, train, plane or another means of transport, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on personal preference, cost and distance, but also on the crowds around the festival. Traveling to Munich by car is an option for many, especially for people from surrounding countries. Although it may seem practical to go by car, there are some important factors to consider.
During the Oktoberfest, normal life in Munich between 16 and 18 days almost completely stops. The Oktoberfest mainly takes place on the Theresienwiese, which is an open space in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district of Munich. It serves as the official grounds of the Munich Oktoberfest. This area is free to enter, so you can have a fun day riding the many different fairground rides on the grounds, eating traditional German food and watching the handsomely dressed men in Lederhosen and women in it Dirndl dresses.
Munich is one of the busiest cities in Europe during Oktoberfest, and traffic can be very heavy, especially near the Theresienwiese, where the festival is held. Parking can be a problem, as there is limited parking near the site. Many visitors therefore choose to park outside the city and take public transport into the city centre. It is advisable to be prepared and plan for possible traffic by leaving well in advance.
tren
The train is one of the most popular modes of transport for Oktoberfest visitors, especially those travelling from other European cities. The German railway company Deutsche Bahn offers an extensive network of direct connections to Munich, making this a comfortable and relatively fast way to travel. For example, from the Netherlands you can travel to Munich via Düsseldorf or Cologne by high-speed train ICE. This route not only offers travellers convenience, but also the chance to relax and enjoy the scenery during the journey. In addition, there are also night trains available for those who prefer to travel at night and arrive well-rested in the Bavarian capital. Once in Munich, travellers can easily transfer to local public transport, such as the U-Bahn or tram, to reach the festival site.
For international visitors coming from further afield, flying is often the most logical choice. Munich Airport, Franz Josef Strauss, is located approximately 40 kilometres outside the city centre and offers a range of domestic and international flights. From the airport, it is easy to travel to the centre of Munich by S-Bahn or one of the many shuttle services. From Munich Central Station, it is then just a short U-Bahn or tram ride to the Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest takes place. This makes flying a fast and efficient way to reach the festival for those travelling from further afield.
Munich has an excellent public transport system, and during Oktoberfest it is the most recommended way to get around the city. The U-Bahn, Munich’s underground network, offers direct connections to the festival site with lines U4 and U5, both of which stop at Theresienwiese. In addition to the underground, there are also several tram and bus lines that stop close to the site, which can be a convenient alternative for some visitors. Using public transport is relatively cheap and saves you the stress of searching for a parking space in the city’s crowded streets.
For those who prefer a bit more flexibility, taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also available in Munich. These options can be useful for groups or if you need to get back to your accommodation late at night, but they can be more expensive due to high demand during the festival. It is therefore wise to think ahead if this is the best option for you.
bicycle
A surprising but increasingly popular option for getting around Munich is the bike. Munich is a very bike-friendly city, and there are plenty of rental services available. For visitors staying close to the city center, this can be a fun and healthy way to get to the festival. It also allows you to avoid the traffic and crowded trains. Cycling offers a unique experience to explore the city while enjoying the beautiful weather and surroundings.
In summary, there are many ways to travel to Oktoberfest in Munich, each with their own advantages. Whether you go by car, train, plane or bike, it is important to prepare yourself well and choose the option that suits you best, so that you can fully enjoy this unique event.
