The Oktoberfest in Munich is underway, so here’s JOE’s list of things to do at the annual celebration of beer.
At midday on Saturday 18 September, the mayor of Munich tapped the first barrel of beer to mark the opening of this year’s Oktoberfest – the world’s greatest celebration of the frothy hoppy stuff.
Since 1810, when an event was held in the Bavarian city to mark a royal wedding, Munich has been the focus of an event that has become a mainstay of the international tourist calendar. But although it attracts beer lovers from around the world, it has remained resolutely German in flavour to this day.
Should you be heading over to Germany to partake of a few steins, here’s our list of five things you should do to make the most of your time.
1. Drink beer in a tent
Obvious, yes, but just where should you imbibe? There are around 30 beer tents in the central Wies’n area and while they all essentially have the same theme, there are differences that you need to know if you want to appear to be in the know.
The biggest and oldest tent is the Schottenhammel tent. Opened in 1867, this is where the mayor taps the first barrel. There is seating for 10,000 and it’s very popular with a young crowd who are up for the party. The beer on tap is Spaten Franziskaner.
A smaller, cosier tent is the Winzerer Fahndl tent which is popular with Bayern Munich players and serves Paulaner beer.
2. Find a local and get their advice
A bit of local knowledge goes a long way, so get talking to the locals early in the day (i.e. before they’re langered). People working where you’re staying should be good for giving decent advice, and you can guarantee that the locals will know the spots that offer the best value, quality and atmosphere and are a little bit away from the tourist masses.
Try to avoid the Bierdimpfe (Tavern Potatoes). These are mournful old soaks who pretty much live in the beer tents and can be relied on to slowly talk you to death with their slurred tales, which they will impart as they lean so closely in to you that their boozy breath has the power to singe your eyebrows.
3. Take a bike tour
There’s a good chance you’ll need to clear your head at some point (i.e. every morning). One of the best ways to do this is by taking a bike tour with a man called Mike. Munich is a fairly flat, bike-friendly place and Mike’s Bike Tours take about four hours and can be guaranteed to give you an enormous sense of wellbeing.
4. Head to Hofbrauhaus
The tents come and go each year, but one permanent fixture of Munich’s city centre is the Hofbrauhaus, a place that’s served beer since 1589. This cavernous tavern is filled with long wooden benches and is always packed.
5. Head to Kleidermarkt
Want to get kitted out in a pair of traditional lederhosen?Of course you do! How often do you get th chance to wear bibbed leather short trousers in public?
There are bargains to be had at Kleidermarkt, a three-storey high secondhand store. Go on a Tuesday between 10am and 3pm and you’ll get 30% off.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
