Last Updated on May 31, 2022
Upon returning to Germany, I went straight to Oktoberfest in Munich – my first Oktoberfest in five years (which you might already know if you’ve read my last travel update). I am a big fan of Oktoberfest and this was my seventh time at the beer festival, and I was excited to introduce a friend from New York to Bavarian beer culture – basically massive steins of strong wheat beers, best enjoyed with a pretzel on the side – and to meet up with one of my closest friends from high school who invited us to join her and some of her girlfriends at a table they had reserved. If you’re not familiar with the festival: snatching a table reservation is almost like winning the lottery, which is why we decided to celebrate in style and to dress up in the traditional gear that you can see everywhere throughout Munich during Oktoberfest: lederhosn for the guys and dirndl dresses for the girls.
Most people think that Oktoberfest is just one big celebration of beer, consisting of beer tents, but it is in fact a big funfair with amusement rides and food stalls – the biggest of its kind in the world. The festival attracts over 6 million people in the span of only 16 days, and around 1 liter per person are consumed – that’s over 6 million liters of beer in just over two weeks! I spent two days at Oktoberfest this year – one to enjoy the rides and take in the atmosphere on the massive 42-hectare grounds, and one to celebrate inside one of the beer tents (which hold up to 10,000 people!), singing and dancing to German oompah music. I had so much fun at the festival – going to Munich to celebrate Oktoberfest was one of the best travel decisions I’ve made this year! Next week, I will share more photos of Oktoberfest (including the crazy roller coaster I went on) and some tips for visiting the festival.
German Festivals 2017
Wednesday 3rd of May 2017
Oktoberfest its really awesome and unforgettable festival in Germany. http://www.whatsupgermany.de/holidays-in-germany/tradition-trail/
fatima
Friday 7th of August 2015
Is really nice lol the picture is funny! i would like to go this year on my blog we have an entry of the 2013 about it jejeje but funny picture looking forward to go this year! Prost!
http://en.blog.hotelnights.com/oktoberfest-munich-best-beer-party/
Jackie De Burca
Saturday 25th of October 2014
Thanks so much Dany! :) Much appreciated. Our blog is in the early stages, and my gut feeling from what I have seen is exactly what you've said. It's great to have someone like you confirm it, as you are well established. Thanks a mil and have a wonderful weekend ...we can never have too many weekend wishes :) Jackie
Jackie De Burca
Friday 24th of October 2014
You know Dany, I had no idea. I might see Sonia this evening and ask, now I am curious!! :)
Do you mind if I ask you a question re. Comment Luv - I am considering using it. Do you feel it has made a significant difference for your blog, or not?
Thanks in advance,
Have a great weekend, Jackie
Dany
Friday 24th of October 2014
Jackie - CommentLuv is definitely an incentive to get people to comment. It actually helped me a lot when I started out and commented on a lot of blogs that had CommentLuv installed; I got loads of clicks from those blogs back then, simply because I had left a comment.
Jackie De Burca
Tuesday 21st of October 2014
Hi Dany,
What a fabulous photo - it really puts the size of the beer in perspective. Sounds like a great time.
I haven't been yet, but here on the border of Catalonia where I live, I was talking to some German friends about it this weekend. The daughter of one of the women was working there, and she used to work there herself also.
Sounds amazing!
Salud! Prost!! Jackie
Dany
Tuesday 21st of October 2014
Oh wow! They made good money there, I bet ;-) A friend of mine worked there as a waitress a few years back and she lasted ONE day. She hurt her hand from carrying the heavy steins right away and couldn't continue. It's hard work, but the pay is amazing!