Munich - A Beer Lovers Paradise, by Roberta Stuart

Every avid beer drinker dreams of the day where they will be able to fly to Munich and drink their favourite beverage in paradise-otherwise known as Oktoberfest. Six million beer enthusiasts and curious tourists gather together to drink the over seven million litres of beer served during the festival. Munich hotels book out months and some even a year in advance, so be sure to plan ahead if you are interested in attending.

History of Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest took place when Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12 October in 1810. The citizens of Munich were all invited to attend the festivities, which were held on the fields located in front of the city gates. The fields were renamed Theresienwiese (Theresa's Fields) to honour the Crown Princess. Nowadays, locals refer to Oktoberfest simply as Wiesn, having shortened the original name. The staff at Munich hotels are all very well informed about their city's biggest event, so if you find yourself curious about its origins be sure to consult your concierge.

The Beers

All beer served at Oktoberfest must be brewed within the city limits of Munich and conform to the Reinheitsgebot (the German beer purity law.) Beers that meet the criteria may be designated as Oktoberfest Beer. Breweries that produce beer served at the festival are: Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr- Bräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner- Bräu, Spatenbräu, and Staatliches Hofbräu- München.

Festival Traditions

A twelve-gun salute and the tapping of the first keg of Oktoberfest beer at 12:00 by the Mayor of Munich mark the beginning of the event. The mayor, along with the crowd, will say, "O' zapft is!" meaning, it's tapped. Then, as tradition has it, the mayor gives the first beer to the Minister President of the State of Bavaria.

Beer, wine, and sparkling wine can all be purchased at Oktoberfest, however you must be seated at a table to get served. With fourteen large tents and twenty small ones you'd think finding a seat wouldn't be a challenge, however keep in mind that this is an event that attracts over six million tourists a year to Munich. Hotel staff will inform you as you check in that if you want to get a seat you must arrive to the tents very early!

Interesting Facts

The sheer volume of alcoholic beverages required to satisfy the needs of the millions of Oktoberfest patrons is simply astounding. Last year, approximately 7.1 million litres of beer, 90,000 litres of wine, and 38,000 litres of sparkling wine were served. On top of that, almost 1.3 million litres of non-alcoholic beverages were also sold.

In terms of electricity, 2.96 million kWh were used... that's equivalent to the amount of electricity a family of four would need for 52 years!

Missing any items? Nearly 260 pairs of glasses were found, 200 mobile phones, wedding rings, and almost 500 crutches were all collected after the event ended.

Oktoberfest is a phenomenal festival that is bound to be an experience you will never forget. Munich hotels are all well prepared for the event so if you have any questions regarding timing, directions, the tents etc. simply ask a staff member.

Looking for Munich hotels? Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best rooms in a selection of unique four and five star hotels around the world.

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