The Wiesn Guide for First-Time Visitors
The Oktoberfest “d’Wiesn”, is the largest folk festival in the world and an integral part of Bavarian culture. It has its origins in 1810, when a large festival with horse racing was held in honor of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The venue - then still on the outskirts of the city - was named “Theresienwiese” in honor of the bride, and this name remains to this day.Theresienwiese", which remains to this day.
From the tapping of the first keg to the finale: dates, duration, and schedule of the Wiesn
Traditionally, Oktoberfest lasts 16 to 18 days and begins between mid and late September, depending on the calendar.
In 2025, the Wiesn starts on September 20 and ends on October 5. This period was deliberately chosen to take advantage of the often milder temperatures of early autumn. The festival tents usually open at 10:00 a.m. during the week and already at 9:00 a.m. on weekends and public holidays. The last drinks are served at 10:30 p.m. before the tents close at 11:30 p.m. Exceptions are the wine tent and the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke, which stay open until 1:00 a.m.Admission to the festival grounds and the tents is generally free. However, if you want to secure a seat in the tent in the evening or at the weekend, you should reserve in good time. Without a reservation, it is advisable to arrive especially early to avoid the crowds and get a place.
The September 20: parade of the breweries and festival landlords öffnen unter der Woche in der Regel um 10:00 a.m., on weekends and public holidays as early as 9:00 a.m. Der letzte Ausschank erfolgt um 22:30 Uhr, bevor die Zelte um 23:30 Uhr schließen. Eine Ausnahme bilden das Weinzelt und die Käfer Wiesn-Schänke, die bis 1:00 Uhr geöffnet haben.
Der Eintritt zum Festgelände und zu den Zelten ist grundsätzlich frei. Wer jedoch abends oder am Wochenende einen Sitzplatz im Zelt sicherstellen möchte, sollte rechtzeitig reservieren. Ohne Reservierung empfiehlt es sich, besonders früh zu kommen, um den Besucherandrang zu umgehen und einen Platz zu ergattern.
Important dates:Â
20. September: Einzug der Brauereien und Festwirte
September 21st: Traditional costume and rifle parade
September 26th: Commemorative event for the 45th anniversary of the Oktoberfest attack
September 28th: ​​Traditional concert by all festival bands under Bavaria
Gut gerĂĽstet fĂĽr die Wiesn: Planung & Vorbereitung
For arrival, public transport is recommended. The Theresienwiese subway stop is located directly at the festival grounds, but during peak times it can make sense to get off one station earlier or later and walk the rest of the way. This saves time and avoids crowds. If you want to stay flexible, you can also use the nearby Schwanthalerh?he or Goetheplatz stops.
A practical tool for planning is the so-called Oktoberfest barometer, which shows the expected occupancy. This helps you identify the days and times when especially large crowds are expected. In general, arriving early is worthwhile - especially without a table reservation.
Where the atmosphere heats up: tents & reservations at a glance
The festival tents are the heart of Oktoberfest - this is where people eat, drink, sing and celebrate. In total there are over a dozen large festival tents as well as numerous smaller tents, each with its own atmosphere and culinary specialties. Some are known for their music and atmosphere, others for their special menu or a more family atmosphere.Â
On weekends and on the holiday, October 3rd, schließen manche Zelte schon mittags wegen Überfüllung. Ob man noch hineinkommt, lässt sich kaum vorhersagen – auch das Wetter spielt mit: Bei Sonne locken die Biergärten, bei Regen sind die Zelte rasch voll.
Beliebte groĂźe Zelte:
Hacker-Festzelt – bekannt als „Himmel der Bayern“ mit blau-weißer Himmeldekoration und traditioneller Live-Musik.
Winzerer Fähndl – eines der größten Zelte, Heimat des Paulaner-Biers, mit großem Turm als Wahrzeichen.
Hofbräu-Festzelt – internationales Publikum und ausgelassene Stimmung.
Augustiner-Festhalle – besonders bei Münchnerinnen und Münchnern beliebt, da das Bier aus traditionellen Holzfässern gezapft wird.
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Spezialzelte:
Weinzelt – für Gäste, die Wein, Sekt oder Champagner bevorzugen.
Käfer Oktoberfest tavern – exklusives Ambiente, bekannt für Promi-Besuch und gehobene Küche.
Reservierungstipps
Reserve early: Table reservations often start in spring. Popular evenings and weekends book up quickly.
Without a reservation: Arrive early - midday at the latest during the week, often before the tent opens on weekends.
Use side entrances: These are often less crowded than the main entrance.
Rules of the place: Only those who sit will be served - so a fixed seat is crucial for enjoying the Oktoberfest.
From beer prices to cash: everything about the Oktoberfest budget
A visit to the Oktoberfest is a unique experience, but it can also quickly add up. With realistic budget planning and a few simple tips, you can enjoy your stay without having any unpleasant surprises at the end.
Prices at the Oktoberfest
For many people, the biggest expense is beer. One size usually costs between 13 and 15 euros, depending on the tent. There is also often a chicken, pork knuckle or other hearty dishes, which usually cost between 12 and 20 euros per portion. You should also budget a few euros for sweet specialties such as roasted almonds, Kaiserschmarrn or apple strudel. If you also want to use rides, you can expect to pay 5 to 10 euros per ride, depending on the attraction.
Bargeld ist König
At the Oktoberfest, payment is mainly made in cash. Although some tents and stands now accept card payments, you should not rely on this. It's best to bring enough cash with you to avoid waiting in line at the ATMs - these are often busy and may charge fees.
Sicherheit beim Geld
It is advisable to carry the cash in several small amounts spread across your body, for example in an inside pocket or a small neck pouch. Large banknotes are inconvenient as change can be scarce in the tents.
Saving tips for visiting the Oktoberfest
If you want to save money, you can come during the week or for lunch. Many tents offer cheaper lunch deals at this time. Non-alcoholic drinks are also usually a little cheaper than beer, and a cyclist can not only quench your thirst, but also save your budget.
Important expressions at the Oktoberfest:
Ein gängiger Gruß, der sowohl zum Abschied als auch zur Begrüßung verwendet (Saying hi or bye)
Prost!
Zum AnstoĂźen (Cheers)
D’Speiskartn, bittschee.
Ask for the menu in the restaurant/tent (Ordering the menu)
Is da Platz frei?
Ask if a seat is available (Is this seat free)
A MaĂź, bittschee.Â
Bestellung eines Liters Bier (Ordering one liter of beer)
No a MaĂź, bittschee.
 Noch ein Bier, bitte (Ordering another beer – Bavarian dialect)
“Thank you” – expression of thanks (Saying thank you)
An Guadn!:Â Einen guten Appetit! (Saying enjoy your meal)
Pfiadi
Bayerische Verabschiedung, bedeutet „Mach’s gut“ (Bavarian farewell – take care/goodbye)
A Brezn, bittschee.
Bestellung einer Breze (Ordering a pretzel)
Whether in traditional costume, relaxing in the beer garden or full of adrenaline on the rides - Oktoberfest offers something for everyone. With the right tips, you will be well prepared to enjoy your first Oktoberfest visit stress-free and authentically.
Plan in advance, try the Bavarian specialties and let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere.