oktoberfest misconceptions.
I’ve realized Oktoberfest first-timers have a lot premeditated ideas before walking into the world’s biggest beer festival. I’m here to resolve some for you.
Oktoberfest is just for tourists.
Statistics say that 70% of users are from Bavaria (state in which Munich lies), 15% from other parts of German and the remaining 15% from other nations (source). German is the most spoken language at the festival by leaps and bounds, although you will have no problem finding someone to speak to you in English; you are in Germany afterall.
Am I still considered a tourist? The answer is probably when I still insisit on taking photos like this.
There’s beer everywhere.
This is partly true – there’s beer everywhere inside. Walking around the Wiesn, there is not beer. You must be served beer from one of the 14 big or 21 small tents. This is why getting a seat is of signifcant importance (at least if you’re there to drink).
The atmosphere in a smaller wine tent is certainly different, but a blast in its own right. Expect an older crowd and a dance floor!
They only serve beer at Oktoberfest.
They serve wine and mixed beers (Radler, Colabier) in all tents (to my knowledge), although be extra friendly when asking the waiter because their standard is to load up with beer and wait til somebody throws a hand in the air for round 2,3,4 etc. Just check out the menu (Spiesekarte) for all your food and beverage options.
Beer, however, is only served by the liter. Once, a 17 year-old boy at my table once yelled his order for “ein großes Bier” (one large beer) and everyone snickered. It’s Oktoberfest, of course you’re getting a large beer! You’re welcome, I’ve saved you the embarrassment.
Slight problem with Oktoberfest, they forget all care once give about a perfect pour.
You don’t have to wear lederhosen/dirndln.
You don’t have to, but would you go to a Halloween party without a costume? They don’t come cheap, but if you plan a head and shop online, it can be affordable. Just stay far far far away from the terrible excuse for traditional Tracht created by those cheap American Halloween costume companies. People will judge. Spend a little more and think of it as an investment in a Halloween costume for life, a good time, and fabulous photos.
Dirndl photos > all other photos.
Oktoberfest is in October.
It does run into October, but Oktoberfest in fact begins in September (usually the third weekend) and runs for 17 days. Oktoberfest is an anniversary of the celebration held for King Ludwig I and Princess Therese, which did take place in October. The festival was moved up for weather (according to my friend’s at Mike’s Bike Tours). You still might not luck out with the weather, but it might be a little warmer than it could’ve been mid-to-late October.
I have been rained on 3 out of 4 Oktoberfest visits.
More rain.
Oktoberfest is just a beer festival.
False. Oktoberfest is actually a huge carnival that takes place on Theresenwiese (name honoring the princess, translated: Therese’s meadow). There are food stands, rides, games, the whole shabang.
Guns at a beer festival?
Did you think any of these things?
What things do you imagine about Oktoberfest?
Past attendees: What did you notice?
Love your dirndl in that first photo, so pretty! I think yours must have come from the same place I got mine! Same top, similar dirndl but different colors. Anyway, such a cute post! Looks like you had some good times this year. Have you read my recap of my husband’s second adventure to Oktoberfest? Oh man, it’s a doosie!
I got this one on eBay! Well, actually a friend did and she gave it to me. But very cool! I am going to have to come check the post – love hearing about people’s Oktoberfest experiences!
Will you send me the link bitte? I can’t seem to find it
Where did you buy your dirndls? I know you said Ebay, but so many on there look like cheap Halloween costumes! Is there another place to look online?
Even on eBay.de? There were lots of authentic ones when I looked last spring BUT 2 of mine are from there, one is from one of the many stores in Munich! If there stores in Austria are too pricey and you have no luck online, try a flohmarkt – definitely hit our miss but my friends got a major hit with lederhosen there.
okay.
you should be my guide when i come there,ha.
my german friend told me that wiesen is mostly attended by Germans. i did think most people that come are tourists.
and…i want a dirndl even more now. how much it costs averagely?
Would love to be your guide! If you buy from a store, it’ll cost between 80 – 130 € I’d say.
Hey Lady,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m returning the favor and I’m glad I did. I LOVE Germany! I actually lived there when I was younger {ARMY Brat}. I went to a WEAK Oktoberfest here in the Chicagoland burbs last year, I didn’t attend this year.
xo
Do you remember living here well? Very cool!
I should really go to the Wiesn again someday. Your posts make me wanna go again. And I should definitely get a Dirndl. Finally! And it is true, you can meet people from all over the world but there are lots of Germans there.
YOU MUST!! Have you been to any Oktoberfests in the States? Very different but still fun!
No, I haven’t! But I guess I have to check it out! I have only been to German village in Columbus. All the waitresses in the restaurant wear Dirndl but not really pretty ones!
This looks like so much fun! My boss and his brother went a few years ago and I’m always jealous when I hear all his stories. The closest I got to celebrating Oktober Fest this year was visiting the Triumph Brewery and having an Oktober Fest themed lunch. I really want to do something more exciting to celebrate next year.
Did you eat a half chicken and some sauerkraut??
your blog is simply adoorable!
Why thank you!!!
You seem to become the official Oktoberfest guide – maybe you can host tours for all newbies next year!
What I really hate about the beer there is that the glasses are just too big, so it goes flat or lukewarm before you even finish it – and then you really need to pee after that amount of liquid. But dirndls look really cute – I really like the cool colors you girls chose!
That would be a blast! And yes, I pee about a million times at those festivals but what can ya do, all part of the experience. At least this is how I justify it.
what a great run-down of Oktoberfest! i go to one in New Braunfels, TX each fall called Wurstfest. and i know it’s not as awesome as what you’re going to … but it’s a good German food fix each year
have a great day!
I’ve been to Wursfest before when I was studying in Austin – SOO much fun. I love New Braunfels!