ToursMunich
Munich Oktoberfest Traditions, Secrets and Tips in a Private Tour
About
Besides being the largest beer festival in the world, the Oktoberfest is an event rooted in Munich’s history and impregnated with the rich Bavarian culture, which makes it a manifold experience for young and old alike. My tour is meant to disclose you the traditional side of the festival and give you the chance to feel its genuine vibe and enjoy it like a local.
Along our 2-hours walk you will learn how a royal wedding laid the foundations for a worldwide renowned festival, why the locals call the Oktoberfest the “Meadow”, how come there are only six breweries serving their beers to the millions of festival guests and why does the Oktoberfest start in September.
- Private experience
What to expect
- 1St. Paul's ChurchBefore entering the festival grounds, I will meet you in front of St. Paul's church and will introduce you to the origins of the Oktoberfest, its traditional opening procedure and the importance of the event for the Bavarian capital. You will learn how the Oktoberfest is connected to a royal wedding, why, in spite of its name, it opens its doors in September and who drinks the very first mug of Oktoberfest beer when the festival begins. 10 min
- 2We will visit the Marstall tent and discover why it is named after the royal stables…We will visit the Marstall tent and discover why it is named after the royal stables and why is a horse race, held at the beginning of the 19th century, commemorated up to nowadays at the Oktoberfest. 10 min
- 3We will visit the Oktoberfest tent serving Steckerlfisch, a very traditional Bavarian…We will visit the Oktoberfest tent serving Steckerlfisch, a very traditional Bavarian specialty, which is a flavourful grilled fish on a stick, cooked whole over hot embers in the customary way of local fishermen. 10 min
- 4We will stroll along the Oktoberfest street of fairground rides and you will sight,…We will stroll along the Oktoberfest street of fairground rides and you will sight, aside the new and most modern rides, the oldest and most traditional ones, learning on the way their origins, peculiarities and historic value. We’ll encounter along our way the flea circus, the Schichtl “Decapitation Theatre”, the 100-years-old “Krinoline” merry-go-round, riding to the tunes of a live Bavarian brass band, and will soak in the genuine festival atmosphere. 10 min
- 5We will go into the Ochsenbraterei tent, specialising in roasting ox, to discover the…We will go into the Ochsenbraterei tent, specialising in roasting ox, to discover the up-to-date amount of oxen consumed at the Oktoberfest and to enjoy the traditional atmosphere in one of the largest festival tents. 10 min
- 6We will enter the merriest and most international of all Oktoberfest tents, to greet…We will enter the merriest and most international of all Oktoberfest tents, to greet the beer angel Aloisius and learn why he is an ever-present regular of the Hofbräu, to sing along to popular tunes played by the brass band and to admire the enormous hop wreaths decorating the ceiling of this fascinating tent. 10 min
- 7We will visit the tent of the oldest brewery in Munich and will learn the origins of…We will visit the tent of the oldest brewery in Munich and will learn the origins of the tradition of installing large tents at the Oktoberfest. We will also discover how the popular tune “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” became an invitation to drink your beer to the bottom and why the tower of the Augustiner tent hosts an elevator. 10 min
- 8We will go into the tent where the Oktoberfest gets officially opened every year and…We will go into the tent where the Oktoberfest gets officially opened every year and will learn why this very tent is hosting all the Oktoberfest opening ceremonies. We will also find out how the Oktoberfest beer came into being and why this special beer is nowadays brewed yearly for the festival. 10 min
- 9We will visit the largest and best technically equipped tent of the Oktoberfest. You…We will visit the largest and best technically equipped tent of the Oktoberfest. You will discover how modern technologies intertwine with tradition to offer a unique festival experience to each and every guest of the Paulaner tent. 10 min
- 10We will pass by the statue of Bavaria and you will learn how the bronze lady helped…We will pass by the statue of Bavaria and you will learn how the bronze lady helped King Ludwig I of Bavaria drink a 3-liter beer mug and how she literally holds on her shoulders hundreds of tourist eager to admire the Oktoberfest grounds from above. 10 min
- 11We will admire the giant Willenborg Ferris wheel, the most famous Oktoberfest symbol,…We will admire the giant Willenborg Ferris wheel, the most famous Oktoberfest symbol, and I will share with you its story and the records it registered during the 45 years of its existence. 10 min
- 12Our tour will end in front of the Kaiserschmarrn tent, the only tent at the…Our tour will end in front of the Kaiserschmarrn tent, the only tent at the Oktoberfest not serving beer and the best place on the festival grounds to spoil yourself with sweet treats, irrespective of your age. You will have the chance to sight the preparation process of the so called “Emperor's Mess”, a traditional shredded pancake from the region, and I will also gladly share with you the secret of getting a chance to try a replica of the wedding cake baked in 1810 for the wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. 10 min
Photos
Reviews
5.0
2 reviews
1 on Viator · 1 on Tripadvisor
Make a day of itPlan my day lines up what else is on in Munich, with real start times.
Plan my dayWhat’s included
- – 2 hours private walking tour, exploring the highlights and secret spots of the Oktoberfest
- – Glupperl, a traditional Oktoberfest name-tag made from a wooden clothespin, for every participant
- – Knowledgeable and welcoming guide, fluent in English
- – Detailed map of the tour itinerary (digital version)
- – Advice on best time and days to visit the Oktoberfest for getting a table without advance booking
- – Insider tips regarding best Oktoberfest dishes to try, carousels to ride, souvenirs to buy etc.
Not included
- – Food and drinks
- – Table booking
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Meeting & pickup
Meeting pointMunichGet directions (opens Google Maps)
We will meet at the main entrance to St. Paul's Church, I will send you a pic of the spot when you book the tour.