7 Things to Try in Munich During Oktoberfest

If there’s ever a reason visit the south of Germany it’s to experience the Munich beer festival universally known as Oktoberfest. Attracting the largest gathering of people at any one celebration, the festival takes its rightful place at the top of many a beer-enthusiast’s bucket list.

Beginning in late September and running for just over 2 weeks, there are countless rides, beers, parties and fun times to be had – but what else does Munich have to offer the modern-day traveller?

Set Your Sights on Nymphenburg Palace

You can’t visit the city without taking in some of the history and many tourists find that the grounds of Nymphenburg Palace offer some of the most stunning panoramas during this time as the foliage is particularly exquisite.

Nymphenburg Palace (Author: Richard Bartz / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

Experience the Oktoberfest Opening Day Parade

In a spectacle not to be missed, a procession of men dressed in the traditional lederhosen, dirndl-clad women, parade floats laden with beer kegs and traditional Bavarian bands make their way through the streets of Munich to the fields of the Theresienwiese. If you’re only going to be in town for a few days, plan for this to be one of them.

Opening Parade

Head Over to the Hofbräuhaus

If you don’t quite feel up to braving the lines you can always take a short trip to one of Munich’s oldest beer halls. Built in 1589, Hofbräuhaus is located close to the centre of town and will offer all of the amenities you’ll find at Oktoberfest, complete with live bands and a diverse menu of traditional Bavarian food and drink.

The original Hofbrauhaus in the old town

Take a spin on the Krinoline Merry Go Round

Popular with families the Krinoline Merry Go Round is a vintage 19th century carousel that encapsulates everything about the fun-filled atmosphere of Oktoberfest. While you’re here, why not take in some of the other iconic carnival rides?

Everyone loves the Krinoline

Explore the Marienplatz

Known as the ‘heart of Munich’ the Marienplatz is a 12th century wonder and a hub for sight-seeing tourists bustling with cafés and shopping strips. As one of the best places to get a feel for the city it is the perfect starting point for your adventures in Germany.

The Marienplatz (Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Wander through the Englischer Garten

While Central Park in New York might enjoy the bigger reputation, the Englischer Garten covers a wider area and offers everything from romantic boat rides for couples seeking to rekindle their romance to scenic walks and charming bike rides.

People surf the river at the Englischer Garten (Author: Richard Chambers / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain)

Visit the Beer Tents

It wouldn’t be Oktoberfest if you didn’t get to sit under one of the big beer tents and settle in for a night of good food and good times with the locals. Learn to speak a few phrases and make the most of this popular pastime.

There are many things that didn’t make this list and if you are in Munich at any point during Oktoberfest, make it a point to explore everything the city has to offer.

With all these beer tents to choose from, where will you go? All of them of course!

Thirsty for Adventure? Join us at Oktoberfest!