Beer in Bavaria is always a good idea, whether enjoyed in October or not. There is just something special about experiencing the history of this popular beverage in one of its most famous places of origin. And if you want to enjoy it during its peak season during Oktoberfest, you need to travel to the point of origin. You must visit the real thing in Bavaria, Germany. Munich is famous as the center of Oktoberfest celebrations, and we can tell you it’s all that and more. But this festival of bier is celebrated throughout Germany, and Oktoberfest in Bavaria is a remarkable and authentic experience.
We had so much fun in the biergartens in Munich.The Kingdom of Bavaria once spanned the lands of southern Germany and into the German Alps. Today Bavaria is still very prominent as part of the country of Germany, and is an ideal area to explore as you celebrate Oktoberfest in its traditional homeland. The countryside is breathtaking, pastoral, green and forested with lakes and rivers running through it. As the land rises up to create foothills and then the Alps themselves, Bavaria becomes almost storybook-like in its beauty. Ornate castles sit atop mountains overlooking wooded valleys and medieval hamlets. Cobblestone streets protect heritage buildings with shops and restaurants, blended with new and modern conveniences as these towns progressed.
When we visited for Oktoberfest last year, the festivities were not limited to Munich. The little towns, hamlets and historic city centers all had their own versions of Oktoberfest to celebrate. We visited a few over the course of a week, driving through the mountains for breathtaking views and delicious local biers.
Kicked off our stay here properly with an Oktoberfest beer.The History of Oktoberfest in Bavaria
Oktoberfest is traditionally held for 16-18 days from late September until the first Sunday in October.
Oktoberfest in Bavaria goes back to the very roots of this global phenomenon. Munich was its cultural center and the largest city in the region by far, which is where Oktoberfest was born in 1810. Prince Regent Ludwig married Princess Therese and a big citywide party was thrown, which was not really focused on bier. However, the population did enjoy having an annual celebration and so Oktoberfest became an official annual event. It took several years before bier made its debut at Oktoberfest, first in tiny stalls for sampling the local wares along with other things made throughout Bavaria.
Things really took off in the late 1800s, when Oktoberfest in Bavaria became so popular things had to move into the streets. Giant tents were set up to serve bier, roasted chicken and other local fare. Along with the tents came local entertainment like musicians and dancers, and people came to the events proud to wear their traditional Bavarian clothing. Lederhosen for the men and dirndls for the women became the couture du jour, and brass bands joined forces as the traditional music.
The Interior of Loewenbraeu brewery’s festive tent at Oktoberfest in Munich (photo: Nikada)Modern Oktoberfest in Bavaria
In 2010, enormous celebrations marked the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest, and today events are going strong. Munich remains the center of activity. The surrounding areas throughout Bavaria serve up their own local versions with much personality and fanfare. No matter how you choose to enjoy Oktoberfest in Bavaria, we highly recommend you experience it like a local.
Traditional musicians at Oktoberfest in Munich (photo: fivelakes-photos)Oktoberfest in Munich
Today, more than 1.5 million gallons of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest by over 6 million visitors. The city of Munich is certainly packed with revelers, and the beer tents can become crowded with revelers in the evenings. Although we peeked our heads in to see all the excitement, our gang much preferred the bier gartens in Munich’s public squares. Throughout the Old City, outdoor seating can be found at long tables with benches. In these spots, delicious, cold, frothy mugs of beer can be consumed in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Much has been written about Oktoberfest, with many articles from locals and experts. For more information, we suggest you check out the official Oktoberfest site here and the Munich Tourism Bureau site here.
Munich offers so many historic treasures and treats (photo: RossHelen)Things to See in Munich
While in Munich, you might not want to drink beer the whole time. There are plenty of things to see and do in this cultural city, which prides itself on history, tradition and culture. For example, in the historic city center there are a number of awesome sights:
Marienplatz – The historic heart of the city, where a number of major attractions are gathered including the famous glockenspiel
New Town Hall at the Marienplatz in Munich’s city center (photo: saiko3p)New Town Hall – This neo-Gothic building has an enormous clocktower from which you can see the entire city, as well as being the home to the Marienplatz.
Beer & Oktoberfest Museum – Well, duh! If you really want to know the history and how this celebration became so popular, this is your place!
Outdoor beer gardens are plentiful in Munich.Church of St Peter – Here you can find an impressive lookout tower atop the church where you can view the Marienplatz and surrounding city.
Olympic Park – Site of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games and now home to parks, musical performances, sports activities, and more.
And these are only a very few of the amazing places to see in Munich besides all the awesomeness of Oktoberfest.
If You Go to Munich
We loved our simple and comfortable room at the Schwabinger Wahrheit Hotel, which was within walking distance of Munich’s Old City. Removed just a bit from all the hubbub, this hotel offers an affordable option close to many attractions within the city of Munich. Rooms start at around $150 USD per night, and during Oktoberfest range from $350 USD per night.
The lobby of the Schwabinger Wahrheit Hotel in Munich (photo courtesy of the hotel)Don’t Miss Schloss Neuschwanstein Nearby
Only one hour drive from Garmish-Partenkirchen, Schloss Neuschwanstein is a must-see. And yes, it fits on your Oktoberfest in Bavaria tour, because they serve beer there too! This is the castle the supposedly inspired Walt Disney in his design of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland. We can see why, because it is pretty darn magical.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a must-see when visiting Bavaria.It seems King Ludwig was a little wacky and kept building these fanciful and enormous castles throughout Bavaria during his reign (1864-1886). However, he ran out of money and then died mysteriously before finishing this castle. It’s still tremendously impressive – and ostentatious. After the tour, visit one of the pubs in the little town below for an Oktoberfest brew.
Book tickets in advance for the popular tours here, which sell out quickly. Prices start at approximately $16 for adults.
