Luxury Hotel for Oktoberfest

Famous around the world, Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest, a large public event in Germany that combines an exciting funfair with a beer festival.
Millions of people from all over the world come to the city of Munich every single year to enjoy two weeks of celebrations, indulge in delicious Bavarian food and try the exclusive beer.

Oktoberfest with Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski

Theresienwiese, the home of Oktoberfest, is easily accessible on foot, by public transport or
by car from Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich. As a premier luxury hotel, we
offer guests the perfectly positioned base for the festival, making it an ideal choice for
couples, small groups of friends and families alike.
The famous Oktoberfest costume parade passes directly by our five-star hotel along
Maximilianstrasse, allowing guests to experience the celebrations without venturing far. From the comfort of our doorstep, guests can admire traditional Bavarian costumes and watch horses and fanfare bands parade past while avoiding the larger crowds.

Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy a curated selection of Oktoberfest-themed
experiences with Kempinski. A particular highlight is the Oktoberfest corner at our breakfast
buffet, featuring Bavarian delicacies designed to prepare guests for a lively day at the festival tents.
With world-class facilities and an outstanding concierge team on hand to provide expert
recommendations on Oktoberfest and Munich’s other must-see attractions, we are confident
that guests of Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich will enjoy a truly memorable
stay.

Over six million people visit Oktoberfest every single year, and Munich can feel very busy during this time. Below, we have listed some key points about the festival's location, events and opening hours so you can plan your trip in advance- helping you to make the most out of your time in Germany.

History of the Oktoberfest

Originating in 1810, the very first Oktoberfest took place to celebrate the marriage of the soon-to-be King of Bavaria Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hiburghausen. Citizens of Munich were invited to enjoy five days of celebrations, where the town rejoiced by eating, drinking and dancing. Parades, shooting displays and a horse race also took place around the famous Theresienwiese meadow – the place where the festival is still held to this day.

Activities during Oktoberfest 

Today, Oktoberfest involves many of the same activities. Visitors come to Munich for the folk festival, often wearing traditional outfits such as dirndl and lederhosen. The horse race no longer takes place, but parades, concerts, various attractions and plenty of eating and drinking is still involved!
Oktoberfest officially begins once the Munich mayor has tapped the first beer barrel, declaring 'O'zapft is!' ('It is tapped!'). This takes place in the Schottenhamel tent, and signifies that the drinking can commence!
Make sure you don’t miss out on the various parades and music events throughout Oktoberfest either, particularly the grand parade where colourful carriages, floats and entertainers in costumes march through the streets of Munich to mark the beginning of Oktoberfest. The official costume and riflemen's parade follows the day after, where over 9,000 performers take to the streets and walk to traditional music for two and a half hours, displaying the diverse customs of Bavaria, Germany and the neighbouring countries.
Oktoberfest is a hugely popular event, and weekends and bank holidays are known for being very busy. For families with children, or anyone wishing to enjoy Oktoberfest at a quieter time, we suggest arranging a visit on a weekday around midday.

Important Dates

• Opening parade (11:00am, first day)
• Tapping the first beer barrel (12 noon, first day)
• Traditional costume parade (10:00am, second day)
• Traditional Oktoberfest mass 
• Brass band concert 
• Closing gun salute on the steps of Bavarian Monument (12 noon, last day)

Beer Tents

All the beer served at the festival must come from six specialised Munich breweries which have passed specific Oktoberfest Beer criteria, and a wide range of local dishes can be found at the festival too. Favourites among visitors include Hendl (roast chicken), Obatzda (a Bavarian cheese delicacy), Ochsenfetzensemmel (roast ox), Bratwurst and giant pretzels. You will find them all spread across various stalls and tents during the festival.

One of the most popular attractions, the beer tents are always lively no matter what time you visit the festival. There are 14 tents to choose from, each varying in size and offering a slightly different experience. Heimer's Enten-und Hendlbraterei tent is always popular with locals and serves the traditional dish of roast duck or chicken freshly cooked on the grill. For those who prefer something sweet, Café Kaiserschmarrn is as delicious as its sugar-coated castle exterior looks. Run by Rischart, one of the most well-known bakeries in Munich, you will be able to buy delicious pretzels, croissants and enjoy a coffee before heading to the bar for a cold beer or glass of champagne. From Zur Bratwurst serving specialty bratwurst, to the famous Schottenhamel the largest tent, to the tiny Glöckle Wirt offering a fun Bavarian experience, there is a beer tent to suit everyone at Oktoberfest. 
 

Beer Serving Hours

Opening day: 12:00 to 22:30
Weekdays: 10:00 to 22:30
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9:00 to 22:30
Reservations can be made for the beer tents, it is not essential but is highly recommended to ensure you get a table. For parties of eight and above, our Guest Service team at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski will be happy to assist and arrange your reservation in your chosen tent.
If you do not have a reservation, we suggest heading to Oktoberfest early as tents can fill up very quickly, particularly on weekends and bank holidays. To make your own reservation, you must contact the individual tents - details can be found on the official Oktoberfest website.

Stall Opening Hours

Opening day: 10:00 – 12 midnight
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 23:30
Friday: 10:00 – 12 midnight
Saturday: 9:00 – 12 midnight
Sunday: 9:00 - 23:30

Oktoberfest Attractions

It is not all about drinking at Oktoberfest however, there are many different attractions for all travellers. A family-friendly festival, visitors will be able to enjoy lots of fairground rides at the Luna Park area, from the traditional 'Krinoline' merry-go round with music from a live orchestra, to the exhilarating Olympia Looping rollercoaster. If you prefer to keep your feet securely on the ground, visitors can browse the many stalls and shooting galleries instead - the perfect place to pick up a souvenir before you head home.

When does Oktoberfest take place?

Oktoberfest has been held annually in Munich for more than 200 years. The festival traditionally begins in September and continues for 16 to 18 days into early October. Usually, Oktoberfest will end on the first Sunday in October, however if this date falls before German Unity Day (October 3rd), it will continue until then.

Where is Oktoberfest held?

Oktoberfest is held annually at Theresienwiese, a large meadow which was once the location for Prince Ludwig I's wedding in 1810. Since then, Oktoberfest has been held in this large open space every single year to commemorate the royal marriage.
Travelling to Theresienwiese is easy. Based in the south west of Munich city centre, visitors can reach the festival on foot or use the Munich U-Bahn. Theresienwiese station is located on the U4 and U5 lines. There is also an extensive network of trams and buses to help visitors get around the city.
If you choose to stay at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski, it is a 30-minute walk to Oktoberfest, or Odeonsplatz U-Bahn station is only 10 minute's walk away which will take you directly to Theresienwiese station.
Fairground Attractions and Sideshows Opening Hours
Opening day: 12 noon – 12 midnight
Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 23:30
Friday - Saturday: 10:00 – 12 midnight
Sunday: 10:00 - 23:30
Official End of Oktoberfest: 23:30
Fees
All areas including beer tents are free to enter. Reservations for tables in the beer tents are also free, however you will need to buy beer and food tokens in advance.

Oktoberfest FAQs at a Glance

Do I need a reservation for the beer tents?
A reservation is not required to enter the beer tents. However, to guarantee seating, we strongly recommend booking well in advance. Please note that tables in the outdoor areas,including the beer gardens, cannot be reserved and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What security measures are in place at the entrances? 
Security checks are conducted at all entrances to the Theresienwiese. Please note that only small bags and backpacks are permitted on the festival grounds.
Is there an admission fee for Oktoberfest? Entry to the main festival grounds is free of charge. An admission fee of EUR 4 applies only to the historical section known as the ‘Oide Wiesn’.
What are the nearest public transport stops? We recommend using public transport to reach the festival grounds: 
U4/U5: Theresienwiese or Schwanthalerhöhe
U3/U6: Goetheplatz or Poccistraße
S-Bahn (Suburban Train): Hackerbrücke (Please note that Hackerbrücke may be temporarily closed during peak periods, particularly on weekends and in the evenings, due to heavy pedestrian traffic.)
S7 / S20 / U4 / U5: Heimeranplatz

What size of bags are allowed?
Only small bags and backpacks with a maximum volume of three litres and dimensions not exceeding 20 x 15 x 10 cm are permitted. Larger items must be left at the official luggage storage counters located around the perimeter of the festival grounds.

Can I bring a stroller/pram?
On Saturdays and on 3 October (German Unity Day), strollers and prams are prohibited on the festival grounds for safety reasons. On all other days, they are permitted until 18:00.

Are guided tours of the festival grounds available?
Yes. For guests wishing to explore the history and behind-the-scenes world of the world’s largest folk festival, Munich Tourism offers official guided tours. These walks, lasting between 90 minutes and two hours, are led by certified guides in various languages and can be booked for both individuals and groups.

How do I reserve a table?
Reservations must be requested directly through the respective beer tents. As  demand is exceptionally high, particularly for evenings and weekends, advance planning is essential. While securing a table spontaneously during the festival can be challenging, all tents reserve a number of unbooked seats for walk-in guests.

Why does the festival begin in September?
Although the first Oktoberfest in 1810 took place in October – hence the name – the festival start date was moved to September in 1872. The main reason was the more reliable and milder late-summer weather, which makes spending time in the outdoor areas considerably more enjoyable.