Oktoberfest 2024: world's biggest beer festival in Munich, Germany

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

One might think that the rivers run with beer during Oktoberfest, and you wouldn't be far off, as roughly 7 million liters of this foamy drink are consumed during the festival. That’s enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools! Only beers that have been brewed in Munich are permitted to be served at the event. This is where the crème de la crème of the city’s breweries showcase their finest beverages: Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr Bräu, Paulaner, Spatenbräu, Löwenbräu, and Hofbräu Munich. The Oktoberfest beer is actually a different kind of beer produced specifically for the festival. It’s stronger in alcoholic content and flavor, aged throughout the summer to reach perfect balance.

Photo of Sebastian Lehner on Oktoberfest Facebook

As the lively tunes of Bavarian folk music fill the air, the Oktoberfest unfurls its charm with beer tents serving frothy delights, and locals dressed in authentic Lederhosen and Dirndl costumes for an authentic German experience. The convivial atmosphere at the festival is heightened by the array of attractions: daredevil carnival rides, the Ferris wheel, rollercoaster, toboggan, and Bavarian games. From the highly-anticipated Riflemen’s Parade to the enticing aromas of pretzels, sausages, and Sauerkraut in the air, the infectious energy of Oktoberfest truly makes Munich the happiest place on earth in autumn.

Image credit: Oktoberfest site, Munchen Tourismus Jan Saurer

Dressed in authentic Bavarian clothing, participants in Oktoberfest parades add a splash of vibrant colors to the festive atmosphere, celebrating centuries-old German customs and traditions. With horse-drawn beer wagons, historical uniforms, and music bands, the iconic festival’s processions showcase German heritage in every hue and shade. Singing, dancing, and swaying to folk music in parades are all an essential part of the Oktoberfest experience.

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Oktoberfest is a delightful whirlwind of hearty Bavarian dishes. Bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzels are just a few of the scrumptious choices for those dancing off their beer calories to traditional folk tunes. The festival' menu also features Hendl, delicious roast chicken, Käsespätzle, a local twist on mac and cheese, crispy pork roast and Leberkäse, a specialty made of beef, pork, and veal. While Oktoberfest is undoubtedly a paradise for meat lovers, the festival also caters to the sweet tooth with traditional Bavarian desserts such as apple strudel, roasted almonds, and gingerbread hearts.

Even outside of Oktoberfest, Munich is a culinary delight for those who appreciate Bavarian brew and fare. We’ve rounded up a list of the best spots in the city where you can enjoy the most popular beer from local breweries and iconic Bavarian food.

For large portions of flavorsome Bavarian food and huge mugs of home-brewed beer, visit Schiller Bräu attached to the mk | hotel in Munich. With a room featuring wood panels, rustic furnishings, and brewing kettles, the restaurant provides a cozy space for a casual round of beer, a warm evening with friends, or family gatherings while offering a separate kid’s menu. Schiller Bräu prides itself on crafting a menu filled with traditional classics and innovative new flavors using only fresh ingredients, staying true to their motto: "Good, clean, and fair."

Enjoy the comfort of home-cooked dishes like pork knuckle with dumplings and beer sauce, roast beef with onions, Wiener schnitzel, or veal escalope with wild cranberries. Vegetarian folks can indulge in Käsespätzle, Carinthian dumplings, or quinoa and brown rice with kale. Schiller Bräu maintains the age-old practice of in-house brewing, offering naturally cloudy and unfiltered beers: regular, light, wheat, and dark options along with monthly drinks.

One of the most famous breweries in the city, Hofbräu München offers guests a refreshing mug of the renowned beer and an array of delicious local treats at its restaurant. The venue features the historic hall, adorned with well-worn tables standing here since 1897, the Bräustüberl room with bay windows and the antique tiled stove, a beer garden with old chestnut trees and a fountain, among other areas.

The menu is a vibrant celebration of iconic Bavarian favorites such as suckling pig pieces served with dark beer gravy, roast pork, beef goulash, and Munich broth with homemade liver dumplings. You can also go for a variety of sausages: Weißwurst with sweet mustard, Frankfurter with potato salad, or pork sausage with Sauerkraut. And of course, the beer at Hofbräu München is an authentic Bavarian experience! The restaurant offers an array of options brewed from the finest local ingredients, adhering strictly to the purity law, and matured using cold fermentation. Whether it's a refreshing light beer to quench summer thirst, a hearty dark one to pair with the delectable meal, or even a non-alcoholic option, it will certainly leave an indelible mark on your palate.

If you're looking for a pure craft beer experience, Haderner is just the spot. Since its opening in 2016, this Naturland-certified brewery has been serving up a selection of organic, locally sourced beers. Owners Marta and Thomas Girg not only offer five varieties of traditional brews, but also four seasonal types and three vintage options matured in barrels.

You can enjoy your freshly tapped drink directly in the brewery area, in a separate small cozy room with handcrafted aesthetics, or a vaulter cellar. Moreover, the establishment hosts a variety of local events, like Pumpkin Festival with traditional suckling pig and pumpkin soup, Frühschoppen with morning pints, or Winter Magic featuring mulled wine and a fire show. So if you're seeking a smaller, cozier beer event than Oktoberfest, consider celebrating at Haderner.

And as you close this guide, don't forget to also check our detailed piece dedicated to Oktoberfest 2023 to make the most of your Oktoberfest 2024 experience!