With an average of 6 million visitors per year over the last decade, the Munich Oktoberfest has rightfully become known as the World’s Largest Folk Festival. This year, Oktoberfest took place from September 22–October 7. While the event is popularly known for it’s beer drinking, it is also a place where tradition is carried on and history comes to life. If you couldn’t make it this time around, here’s what you missed beyond the beer and pretzels… Plus, learn about an Exclusive Oktoberfest Vacation Package you can book for next year!
1. The Opening Parade
On the first Saturday and Sunday of the festival, Oktoberfest hosts an incredible parade that features breweries and the landlords in giant decorated carriages and floats. This is a great place to see traditional vintage costumes and dances from all over Germany all to the tune of the original festival music played by the marching band.
2. Classic Bavarian Foods
A large part of the Oktoberfest experience is the food. While most visitors soak up their beer with pretzels and grilled sausages, don’t miss out on some of Bavaria’s classics! Pork knuckle, Käsespätzle, Weißwurst and candied almonds are some of the most popular options to try and if you can, try them all!
3. Shopping at Viktualienmarkt
Located at Munich’s central food market, Viktualienmarkt has over 140 stalls to explore and shop for flowers and gourmet foods such as exotic fruit, game, poultry, spices, cheese, fish, juices and so on. You’re sure to find something unique to take home with you, or just sit and enjoy it there! The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
4. Classic German Puppet Shows
Although the puppet shows are not only during Oktoberfest, they are an iconic part of the city of Munich. At the Marienplatz Glockenspiel, an elaborate place of clockwork engineering, you can watch over 30 life-sized mechanical puppets on the Tower Hall balcony acting out 17th-century folk tales. The show is 15 minutes long and happens three times a day: at 11:00 am, noon and 5:00 pm. One of the best views to watch the performance is from the third floor of the Hugendubel bookstore which is just across the street.
5. World Famous Museums
If you want to see some of the cultural and historical side of Munich, take a trip to Deutsches Museum, the World’s Largest Museum of Science and Technology. There are over 28,000 exhibited objects to see and explore. Whether or not you’re a science or history enthusiast, you will certainly have an interesting time at this world-famous museum.
If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll want to take a tour of the only BMW Museum in the world. Here, you can learn about the history of the brand as well as it’s special models. You can even test drive simulation cars to try out new features such as the breaking system and more!
The Modern Picture Gallery is another great Museum option that features countless exhibits related to architecture, modern art and design. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
6. Getting Your Own Oktoberfest Outfits from Kleidermarkt
A great way to take the memory of Oktoberfest home with you is to purchase a traditional pair of lederhosen from the local Kleidermarkt. This secondhand store is three-stories of unique and traditional German outfits and trinkets all at bargain prices. Tip: If you go on Tuesday between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, you’ll get a 30% discount!
Now, here’s how you can enjoy an exclusive Oktoberfest experience next year…
Online Vacation Center has carefully curated a Value Inclusive Package that includes 3 nights in Munich during Oktoberfest 2019! Enjoy 3 nights at the 4-star rated Eurostars Book Hotel, Transfers, Daily Breakfast, an Oktoberfest Introductory Tour and Special Dinner Reservation which includes appetizers such as cheeses and smoked meats, a hearty main course and dessert.
The full Value Inclusive Package includes:
- A 13 Night Transatlantic Cruise from Barcelona to Miami aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas
- Airfare from Miami
- 5 Nights in 4-star Hotels: 3 in Munich, 2 in Barcelona
- Oktoberfest Introduction Tour and Welcome Dinner
- Transfers
- All Taxes and Fees
- $50 Onboard Credit per stateroom
- 10% Off Shore Excursions
Learn More Here »
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