My husband and I will be in Munich for Oktoberfest in September and we need some guidance as to how we can make reservations at the beer tents and buy vouchers. Some of the sights we have found are not too helpful and we are totally clueless! Thanks!
Posted by
San Clemente, Ca.
408 posts
Cierra,
I was in Munich last year for Octoberfest. It is alot of fun. You can get reservations, but it has to be for at least 8 people. You pay in advance for your food and beverages. We did not do this since it was just my husband and I. We did get into a tent at the fairgrounds, but we sat outside. We got there at 3:00. I think if you get there early you will have a better chance on getting inside a tent. We were there on a weekday. The weekends are more crowded. It is a blast even though it's a lot of people. have fun!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
There are about six tents at Octoberfest. I've been twice, each time visiting the tents after an early dinner outside. It was still light out but late afternoon. I was able to get in. I stood around for a couple minutes before one of the barmaids asked if I wanted to sit down, she then found me a seat (you have to be seated before you can order a beer).
You may have to wait a little bit but look around first so you know where the wait is shortest. I went to the Lowenbrau tent (I bought a t-shirt at the more crowded and more touristy Hofbrauhaus tent) but all are essentially the same unless you are a fan of a particular brand of beer.
My favorite thing at Octoberfest was the downtown parade on opening day and everyone wearing the traditional lederhosen and dirndls. It almost makes you want to dress up like Chevy Chase in "National Lampoon's European Vacation".
If you can, go to Bonnfest. It had only one big beer tent. The tent had two stages with two bands that took turns, one played oompah music and the other played classic rock (90 percent ABBA). It was much less touristy. The tent had three generations of locals all having a great time and singing along with both bands. They also go all night, vs. Octoberfest where they close at 10:30. Our group left at 4 am but it still seemed early.
Posted by
Charlestown, PA, USA
193 posts
My wife and I went last year too but on a Sunday. We got there about 11:00 and found a seat after just a couple of minutes in the Hofbrau tent. We had a great time and are looking forward to doing it again this fall. It's not as intimidating as it seems.
This site will answer a lot of your questions
http://www.theoktoberfest.com/HTML/index.html
Prost!