Prost！Experience the Unforgettable Joy of Munich’s Oktoberfest in Germany

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Photos by German National Tourism Board and Qidou Travel Network

The Munich Oktoberfest in Germany is the country’s biggest annual celebration, with origins dating back to a royal wedding in 1810. People from all over the nation gathered on the vast meadow just outside the city to sing, dance, and celebrate joyfully. This hugely popular event has continued ever since and has become one of the most beloved festivals in the world.

The joyful atmosphere of the Munich Oktoberfest is irresistible even to the typically reserved Germans. You simply must experience this charm for yourself—raise a glass and say “Prost” as everyone toasts together.

▲Photo provided by German National Tourism Board

The 2016 Munich Oktoberfest has proudly entered its 183rd edition and will be held from September 17 to October 3. The festival’s massive beer tents can accommodate nearly ten thousand people. Drink after drink of beer paired with fragrant roast chicken and sausages makes Munich feel like it’s bathed in a golden, tipsy, and joyful sea of beer—an experience you won’t want to end.

There’s also a giant colorful Ferris wheel, a carousel, and various amusement rides on the meadow. The carefree and unrestrained atmosphere is completely addictive. Over a dozen beer tents, built by different breweries, stand scattered across the meadow, each able to hold around 5,000 people on average. But all the beer tents are in high demand, so even just soaking up the festive vibe—even if you don’t get inside a tent—is a lot of fun.

▲Photo provided by German National Tourism Board

The most anticipated event of the Oktoberfest is the opening parade. Parade participants dressed in traditional Bavarian attire and elaborately designed floats never fail to draw cheers. Some marchers toast and sing, others play folk songs, or display farming tools to showcase the region’s long agricultural heritage—all aiming to capture the audience’s attention.

More historic than the Oktoberfest is Heidelberg, a German cultural city steeped in academic charm. The most memorable aspect here might be the film *The Student Prince*. This beautiful love story set against the backdrop of lush forests along the Neckar River gives the ancient city an especially poignant beauty. The Philosopher’s Walk and the scenery by the Karl Theodor Bridge present scenes that are as classical as can be.

To enjoy the city’s beauty from a different angle, take the cable car up to the castle perched on the mountainside. From there, gaze at the emerald green foliage partially covering the Neckar River, with sunlight dancing on the sparkling water. Red-tiled roofs, white walls, and the old bridge all come together in a beautiful university town full of culture. No wonder it has earned so much praise and affection, becoming the very embodiment of German Romanticism.

And the most romantic castle in Germany is none other than the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle. This dreamlike castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II, a passionate castle enthusiast, and was built to resemble a medieval knight’s fortress. It combines various architectural styles including Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance, making it a classic example of Romanticism and the prototype for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

To capture the most stunning view of Neuschwanstein Castle, insiders know to take the mountain bus to Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge) on the back mountain—that’s where you’ll find the best photographic angle. The pure white marble structure, hidden among the lush and breathtaking landscape, paired with the chance to hear a moving story and legend—this is German Romanticism at its finest.

(Excessive drinking is harmful to health. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.)

More related information
Recommended Itineraries:
【Germany & Switzerland – The Little Prince Double First-Class Train Journey 10 Days】
【Germany – Elbe, Lufthansa, Zugspitze, Königssee, Rhine, Suspended Monorail 13 Days (Oktoberfest Grand Parade)】
Features:
★ Departures on 9/7 & 9/8 to join the Oktoberfest Grand Parade
★ Departures on 9/13, 9/20, 9/24 & 9/26 to experience the Munich Oktoberfest festivities
★ Travel with 12 unique types of transportation
★ Four cruises: Königssee, Rhine River, Hamburg Harbor, and Spree River
★ Three castles: Neuschwanstein Castle, Heidelberg Castle, and Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle’s Nest)
★ Two palaces: Herrenchiemsee Palace and Sanssouci Palace
★ Stay at the White House Hotel, upgrade to 5-star hotel in Berlin

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