Prost! Get Your Drink On At Oktoberfest
The taps have run dry. The tents have been dismantled. And the millions of tourists and beer-drinkers have sobered up. Oktoberfest–Germany’s largest and most popular festival–has come to a blurry end.
But just because the annual beer festival only had last call on Oct. 3, it doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning for next year’s festival (or even too late to plan themed festivities of your own this month!). Our tips will help you get a head start as you prepare for next year’s Oktoberfest, which will be held Sept. 22 to Oct. 7.
Airfare and hotel costs:
Oktoberfest in Munich (located in the German state of Bavaria) has been around since the early 1800s and is considered to be a cornerstone of Bavarian culture. Currently, this annual event attracts 5 million visitors every year. Because of the high volume of festival-goers and beer drinkers it sees each year, planning early is extremely important. Don’t procrastinate on booking flights and a hotel! If you’re flying from the states, booking airfare early can save you a load of money. If you want to fly to Munich directly, fly into Munich Airport, which is a 45 minute train ride to the city center.
When searching hotels, remember any hotel close to the festival grounds is going to be more expensive–sometimes just as much as a flight would cost you. The main Oktoberfest website offers a hotel search engine, but you could easily max out your credit card on these accommodations. Instead, try booking a hostel through HostelWorld.com, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Check out the different festival tents:
Fact: Germany is to beer as Oktoberfest is to beer tents. When you’re done snacking on the massive pretzels, when you’ve had your adrenaline rush for the day on one of the many rides, and when your feet start hurting and you’re ready to sit down, nothing is better than relaxing in one of Oktoberfest’s many beer gardens or tents. But what many tourists are unaware of is that it’s difficult to track down any kind of alcoholic beverage unless you’re in a beer tent or beer garden. Though you may enter a tent without a reservation, it is never guaranteed. On weekends, they fill up quickly. And if you’re not sitting down inside, you won’t be served. The solution? Get that reservation.
The Oktoberfest site (click on “Tents”) explains the 14 different tents, the most popular being the Hippodrom (considered the ‘hip’ tent popular with celebrities and the younger crowd), the Hofbräu Festhalle (features an international atmosphere), and the Schottenhamel (where the mayor of Munich officially opens the festival by tapping the first keg). Tent reservations must be booked online with the individual tent, and a simple Google search will help you find the website for the tent you’re interested in.
Wear the proper garb:
If you’re not sporting the traditional “Lederhosen” (leather pants that may be short or knee-length) or “Dirndl” (the traditional dress of the area that looks like a milk maid dress), you will stand out in the crowd–and not in a good way! Though traditional outfits from Germany can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars, there are some cheaper alternatives available. The Oktoberfest website offers links to sites selling “Tracht” (traditional costume or dress of this area), but Google can easily provide you with cheaper alternatives. And if all else fails, head to a Halloween costume shop, which is bound to be selling those “German beer girl” costumes.
Save, save, save:
Money, money, money, mon-ay! It’s important, and not just when it comes to airfare and hotels. A day at Oktoberfest could be costly. Not only do the rides and games charge, but the food and drink prices rise every year–especially the cost of beer! Over the years, the price of a “Mass” (one liter) has skyrocketed. At this year’s Oktoberfest, a Mass cost €9, which is about $12. And even the price of non-alcoholic beverages is rising. This year, a liter of water cost visitors €7, which is about $9. One way to save some cash over the next year? Drink cheaper beer. So when you do make it to Oktoberfest 2012, you will truly be treated to some refreshing brewskis. Prost! (That’s “Cheers!” in German.)
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Photo Credit: the mechanical turk via Flickr
