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Essential Insights into Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

Munich's state of emergency lifts over the weekend as the 190th Oktoberfest commences. Here's a rundown on the tents, beverages, restricted areas, and other essentials for visitors.

Essential Facts About Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration
Essential Facts About Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

Essential Insights into Munich's Oktoberfest Celebration

The 190th Oktoberfest is currently underway in Munich, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. The festivities are held under strict security measures, with the fence around the Wiesn remaining, and entrance controls in place.

The Oktoberfest grounds are home to 14 large tents, each offering a unique atmosphere. From the traditional tranquility in the Augustiner tent to the wild partying in the Schottenhamel or Paulaner tents, there's a tent for every kind of Oktoberfest experience. The Hofbräu-Festzelt is considered the best tent for a lively party atmosphere, attracting an international crowd with a large standing area near the music podium for around 1,000 guests and an energetic vibe from the moment you enter. Another top choice is the Festhalle Schottenhamel, the oldest tent and site of the official opening, popular for its traditional vibe and younger crowd, making it essential especially for first-time visitors. The Hacker Festzelt also offers a fun, communal singing experience late into the night.

Visitors can enjoy six Munich beers approved for serving at the Oktoberfest: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. The cost of a liter of beer on the Oktoberfest this year is expected to range between 14.50 and 15.80 euros. This is an average increase of 3.52 percent from 2024, when it was between 13.60 and 15.30 euros.

Large luggage cannot be taken onto the Oktoberfest grounds; it must be left at one of the storage stations. Climbing onto tables in the tents and downing a stein in one go is not allowed and will result in being thrown out.

Smoking is not allowed on the Oktoberfest grounds, as it is banned in Bavaria on folk festivals and in beer gardens by law. The taste of the Wiesn beer is a matter of personal preference and faith, as evidenced by the annual blind tasting before the start of Oktoberfest.

The safety of visitors is a top priority, with the "Wiesnwache" of the Munich police supported by the Bavarian Bereitschaftspolizei, specialized pickpocket hunters, and international deployment forces. Some tents also support the "SafeNow" app, which can be used to call security personnel with a single click.

Despite the large number of visitors, the official number of Oktoberfest visitors is around six million, but in 2023, a record-breaking year, there were even 7.2 million. It is not recommended to spend thousands of euros with second-party providers for reserving a table, as most tables in the tents are already booked for evenings and weekends since spring.

The Oktoberfest is a celebration like no other, filled with laughter, music, and the taste of traditional Munich beer. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning regular, the Oktoberfest is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Bavarian culture at its best.

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