Worth knowing about Oktoberfest

Taking beer mugs, Wiesn for vegetarians, gluten-free beer?

Why’s the Oktoberfest called Wiesn in Bavaria? Why does it happen in September? Can I take my beer mug home? What do I do if I’m vegetarian or vegan? Are animals allowed at Oktoberfest? Answers to these questions and more about the biggest fair in the world.

ode

Why’s the Oktoberfest called Wiesn? And why Oktoberfest?

On October 17, 1810 the first Oktoberfest was opened with a big horse race. This was to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The venue was a meadow which at that time lay on the city outskirts – in honor of the bride it was renamed “Theresienwiese”. This long name became a bit of a mouthful for the Munich residents over time and so Theresienwiese turned into “d’Wiesn”.

Although the Oktoberfest starts in September, it’s called “Oktoberfest” – the start date was moved forward in the course of time because of the warmer weather.

Can I take my beer mug home as a souvenir?

Absolutely not! The beer mug which you drink your Oktoberfest beer, Radler or lemonade from is and remains the property of the proprietor. Security and police won’t be amused if you try to take it with you. If you still want one as a souvenir, you can buy one at one of the many souvenir stands – it will then have a colored sticker that shows it was obtained legally. Or you can buy yourself one of the earthenware mugs with the official symbol of Oktoberfest on it.

Are animals allowed in the venue?

There are two exceptions as regards the entry of animals into Oktoberfest: The brewers’ cart horses are allowed to pull the splendidly decorated carts with the beer barrels across the venue. The second exception are guide dogs and assistance dogs.

Can I bring my bicycle to the Oktoberfest?

Theresienwiese is a great place to cycle or in-line skate across – but not when Oktoberfest is taking place. Roller skates, skateboards, scooters, in-line skates and bicycles are not allowed here – there are enough places at the main entrance to leave your bikes etc.

What food is available for vegetarians and vegans at the Oktoberfest?

Vegetarians will have no problem finding great food at the Oktoberfest: Obazda cheese, pretztels, radishes or cheese spätzle are on every menu. There are often vegetarian soups and, for main course, many types of vegetarian dumpling. And then dessert! The Oktoberfest is a real paradise for lovers of sweet pastries and strudels. Vegans have it a bit harder but they’re catered for too. There have even been vegan Bratwursts at the Oktoberfest for a few years.

Are those with gluten intolerance catered for?

Anyone who suffers from celiac disease wants gluten-free beer - it's available, but not yet at the Oktoberfest. However, gluten-free food is available in several tents. You can filter for "gluten-free" in the site plan.

Can you drink beer outside the tents?

Yes – in the many attractive small and large beer gardens by the tents and permanently-stationed drink-sellers. Unlike a normal beer garden under the chestnut trees you can be served at your table!

Does the Oide Wiesn take place each year?

Every four years the Oide Wiesn takes a break and makes way for the Central Agricultural Festival, which then happens during the first week of Oktoberfest on Theresienwiese next to the main venue. The next Oktoberfests without Oide Wiesn are in 2024, 2028 and so on.

Why does the Oktoberfest sometimes last 16 days, sometimes 17 days and sometimes even 18 days?

A holiday that always falls in the Oktoberfest season is October 3, the Day of German Unity. If it falls on a Monday, the Oktoberfest is extended by one day and thus lasts 17 instead of 16 days; if it is on a Tuesday, the Oktoberfest can end with it (by decision of the city council) and then lasts a full 18 days.