Original hut feeling and home of the celebrities
Rustic atmosphere and champagne from tankards – it attracts many celebrities to the annual “cattle drive.” But it’s almost even nicer outside in the quaint beer garden, bars and band included.
What guests can expect at the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke
What makes it special: an alpine atmosphere in the middle of Oktoberfest
In the Käferzelt, as the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke is popularly known, guests celebrate not in a classic festival tent, but in an authentic Bavarian log cabin. It offers its guests an idyllic atmosphere in the style of an Alpine farmhouse. Rustic, cozy, like a ski lodge, decorated with elaborate floral arrangements and genuine antiques. And the party goes on longer than the usual closing time: in the Käferzelt, guests can celebrate and beer (or champagne) can be served until half past midnight.
The story: From chicken rotisserie to celebrity magnet
The Käfer Wiesn-Schänke began in 1971 as a small chicken rotisserie with just 50 seats. From then on, the “Käferzelt” became as much a part of Oktoberfest as Bavaria is to Munich. In 1972, the first Käfer host, Gerd Käfer, decided to move away from the classic beer tent and instead built a rustic log cabin on the festival grounds. Since 1995, his son Michael Käfer has been welcoming visitors. He is supported by Clarissa Käfer, who also took over the commercial management of the Käfer Group in 2008. Incidentally, the festival tent got its name, “Käfer Wiesn-Schänke,” from the “Käfer-Schänke” restaurant on Prinzregentenstraße, which opened in 1970. Feinkost Käfer has been around since 1930. The grandparents of the current festival host, Elsa and Paul Käfer, opened a small shop selling colonial goods at that time. Today, the delicacies, restaurants, and party service of the Käfer company are known all over the world.
The audience: Hollywood, FC Bayern, and Munich's high society
It's not just festival host Michael Käfer who belongs to Munich's “chic crowd.” Every year, famous personalities such as the stars of FC Bayern and genuine Hollywood greats spend time at the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke. But chef Michael Käfer is also delighted to welcome regular guests, friends, and companies. If you want to catch a glimpse of one or two celebrities in the rather small Käfer tent, you have to be quick: only those with reservations are allowed in – and the tables are quickly snapped up. Those who manage to get a seat have twice the reason to celebrate: since the Käfer tent is not licensed as a beer tent, it invites guests to party and drink until half past midnight!
Gallery: Käfer Wiesn-Schänke
The music: Oktoberfest hits to sing along to on two levels
For several years now, five different bands have been creating a thrilling atmosphere on the ground floor and the second floor of the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke. Among them are “Hansi und die Käfergang” (Hansi and the Käfer Gang), who get the first guests into the mood every afternoon on the second floor. The Munich-based party band “Gerry & Gary” takes over in the evenings, inviting you to a lodge-style party. The “Snoops”, “The Table Rockers”, and the “Martl Sax Band” also provide guests with the well-known and latest Oktoberfest hits to sing along to.
The menu: Bavarian delicacies by Feinkost Käfer
Gourmets are at home in the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke tavern. The delicacy shop Feinkost Käfer is known worldwide for unusual, first-class dishes. In contrast to the larger tents, guests have to dig a little deeper into their pockets when eating in the Käfer tent, but they’ll be rewarded with especially high-quality food. Here you can look forward to traditional delicacies such as the legendary, sumptuous snack plates, crispy duck, and delicious saddle of venison. The pastries at the end are a special highlight!
For backseat drivers: the Wiesn-Haferl
A coveted souvenir can be bought in the Käfer Wiesn-Schänke tavern: the famous Käfer Wiesn-Haferl, lovingly decorated coffee cups. They’re even traded as collectibles. Every year at the Oktoberfest there’s a new model! That way you can enjoy your first coffee every morning, because: the Oktoberfest is never too far away.
Käfer Wiesn-Schänke: Reservation, Seats, Music, Beer and Contact
- Host(s): Michael and Clarissa Käfer
- Address: Matthias-Pschorr-Str. 12
- Phone: +49 (0)89 4168356
- Reservation: https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/wiesn-schaenke
- Website: https://www.feinkost-kaefer.de/oktoberfest
- Seating capacity: 1,500
- Seating outside: 2,022 (beergarden and bars)
- Brewery: Paulaner Brauerei Gruppe GmbH & Co. KGaA
- Beer: Alc. 6.0 % vol., 13.7 % wort
- Music: Martl Sax Band, Hansi und die Käfergang, Gerry & Gary, Snoops, The Table Rockers
- Special features: Celebrate with the celebrities in a rustic lodge atmosphere
