With a history of 203 years, the Munich Oktoberfest in Germany is a global carnival

▲The beer-fueled festivities of the Oktoberfest will kick off in October, attracting tourists from around the world to raise a glass together. (Photo / provided by Agoda)

Travel Center / Taipei Report

When it comes to the first impression of Oktoberfest, one can’t help but think of waitresses in traditional Bavarian attire, smiling broadly as they effortlessly carry 10 to 12 hefty mugs of beer, deftly weaving through the crowd to serve drinks. But this 203-year-old German festival is more than just a drinking party with locals — it preserves the complete history and traditions of Bavaria.

Back in 1810, Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese held a royal wedding, inviting all Munich residents to celebrate. The wedding feast took place at what is now Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Meadow), where people partied day and night, drinking, singing, and dancing with joy. Though over two hundred years have passed and times have changed, the traditions and name have been faithfully preserved. Locals still call the Oktoberfest “die Wiesn” (translated as “the meadow”), as if returning to that royal wedding meadow of old.

After the royal wedding, Munich began holding various celebrations every autumn around this time, and the events gradually grew in scale, eventually evolving into the world-renowned Munich Oktoberfest. Tens of thousands of visitors flock to the 16-day festival from all corners of the globe, joyfully immersing themselves in the carnival parades, amusement rides, farmers' markets, music performances, and more. They gather under massive tents, singing loudly, eating copious amounts of meat, and drinking heartily to celebrate this German annual tradition that has lasted for over two centuries.

Of course, being called the Oktoberfest, the oversized mug of beer in everyone’s hand is undoubtedly the star of the show. This beer isn’t just a party drink for toasts — its brewing method and process must comply with the “Reinheitsgebot (German Beer Purity Law)” established in the 16th century. All beer must be made using only the purest ingredients (water, barley, and hops) to ensure the quality of beer produced in the region.

Guess how much beer is consumed during the Oktoberfest each year? A whopping 8 million liters in total. Speaking of Munich, it would be irresponsible not to introduce this beautiful city properly. Even if you’re only coming to Munich for the Oktoberfest and staying for a few days, aside from drinking all day, don’t miss the chance to explore Germany’s most beloved city: its stunning classic architecture, magnificent castles and palaces, expansive parks, vibrant bar scene and nightlife, and international cuisines — all guaranteed to offer...
...an unforgettable experience for every visitor (even those well-behaved souls who don’t drink beer), allowing them to personally feel Munich’s city motto: “München mag dich” (“Munich loves you”) !

Recommended top accommodations for toasting at the Munich Oktoberfest:

Regent Hotel (4-star)
Conveniently located less than a block from the central train station, with many major attractions within walking distance, the hotel offers 183 well-insulated, hypoallergenic guest rooms.

Eurostars Grand Central (4-star)
Close to transportation hubs such as Hackerbrücke train station and Maillingerstrasse subway station, and just a few minutes’ walk from the main Oktoberfest venue, Theresienwiese, making it one of the most convenient places to stay for the festival.

Hotel Carmen (3-star)
Hotel Carmen has 63 finely decorated rooms, each equipped with high-end amenities. The hotel is located not far from Harras and Partnachplatz stations, offering easy access to the Oktoberfest grounds.

Appartement München (Munich Apartments)
Offers 120 comfortable rooms for guests to choose from, with a location just a short walk from Theresienwiese.

Fleming’s Hotel München City (4-star)
The hotel features 112 exquisitely furnished rooms. After a busy day, guests can relax at the on-site gym or sauna. It enjoys an excellent location, very close to Theresienwiese.

Fleming’s Hotel München Schwabing (4-star)
Offers 162 rooms, long favored by both business and leisure travelers. It is located near the famous Englischer Garten (English Garden), boasting beautiful scenery.

Vi Vadi Hotel (3-star)
The hotel has 134 finely appointed rooms and is located near the central train station, with excellent transport links, making it easy to reach major attractions and the Oktoberfest site.

Hotel Amba (3-star)
With 86 rooms, Hotel Amba is situated in Munich’s central station area, providing convenient access to the Oktoberfest grounds and other major tourist attractions.