Munich Trip - September - Oktoberfest

During the week, you'll be able to walk in any tent early and sit down. You can pretty much walk into any tent up until about 6pm and get a seat without too much issue. After that, all bets are off.

If you intend to stay for the whole day, tell them, and the'll seat you accordingly (farther from the stage). If you only want to stay for the morning, they'll put you closer to the stage, but then kick you out at 5pm.

Buy and wear Lederhosen. 75% of the people in the beer tents are wearing Lederhosen. Locals were it, tourists wear it. My suggestion is to NOT buy Halloween Lederhosen.

 

I agree with the above, concerning getting a table. My experience is limited to one visit, but we went early on a weekday and had no trouble hopping to three different tents and were able to find tables at each.

As to the Lederhosen, I think it really depends on the person. A very large number of people will be wearing them. But it is kind of like a Texas rodeo, the locals will definitely notice that you are a tourist, and you have to ask yourself whether you are wearing the Lederhosen, or are they wearing you?

 

Really good Lederhosen is quite expensive. If you think you'll enjoy it and wear it again, go ahead and splurge. As mentioned, both locals and tourists wear it ... it's by no means required or expected.

I've always encouraged people to look beyond the beer tents to get a real feel for Oktoberfest. Check out the Teufelsrad for sure. And I think someone here on the Germany thread has an absolute favorite garlic sausage recommendation. Enjoy your trip, please make sure to post a follow up report, as most of us live vicariously through you.

 

If your there early enough, the Volksfests are similar to Oktoberfest but on a smaller scale. Sometimes you can hit two different ones on the same weekend.

 

I'm with @einhorn on the lederhosen, if you think you'll wear it again spend the money on quality stuff. Do some research and find what's right for you. I wore mine for several days after Oktoberfest, and then also in Salzburg, and I've also worn it to three of four festivals after returning home. Do not skimp on the lederhosen if you're going to do it, spend the money on quality stuff.

Again, in agreement with @einhorn, you've got all day at Oktoberfest so take it all in, pacing yourself as you go. Go to a tent, get a beer, check out the food/prices they have, repeat, and then walk around and check out the draught horses, the souvenir stands, and repeat. Go to another tent or two and have lunch. Check out the hill (I don't know that it has any name) behind the Hacker and Hofbräu tents for some comedy as a lot of the people who've over-imbibed are already headed there for a nap. And then as things are getting started find a tent you like and try to make friends - they may be able to help you get a seat later on.

In addition to the Teufelsrad don't miss the Schichtl which can be done during daylight hours while some of the others are best saved for evening - the ramp leading up to the Tobbagan and the Spiegellabyrint come to mind.

Enjoy your trip, and all that München has to offer!

 

What kind of price range are referring to?

 

Trachtenmode is more expensive in Munich vs the small Bavarian cities, but if you don't have time, there are many shops in Munich. The general rule is that for quality, cow<goat<deer, and deerskin is the softest and most expensive.

The last time in Munich I saw Lederhosen for 100€ walking through the train station, cow hide.

If something in the 2000€ range is what your after, a guy I know recommended this place. ;-)

https://www.lodenfrey.com/Herren/Trachten/Lederhosen-Trachtenhosen/

There are prices in between, and resale shops too.

 

There's at least one shop by the Viktualienmarkt selling super nice (€1000+) Lederhosen. No clue if that's marked up for tourists or what, but it stunned me. Feels like most stores had prices in the couple hundred range. I've never felt the desire to buy any, but I've also never been to Oktoberfest.

 

BTW, for those of you thinking about buying Lederhosen thinking "Well, I can always use it when I go to Bamberg" be advised it is a Bavarian thing, not a Franconian thing

You do see them worn occasionally -- and a couple of times I was drinking beer with local friends and it was a "Get a load of the silly Bavarians" sort of thing. Don't get me wrong, nothing was said or done to folks except for massive eyerolls

 

If anyone looking to pull the trigger, I would check out Ebay first. I picked up some vintage deer shorts for small change. And used Lederhosen is cooler than fresh Lederhosen, so I've been told.

 

I've heard you're not supposed to wash lederhosen. What do they do when you buy it used?

 

Just wear it. Very Germanic way of life.

 

Check out the prices of any well-made, top quality, specialty leather jackets these days -- right in that same wheel house.

 

I like many things about German culture, but not this one!

 

The older and blacker, used appearance the more cred...

 

Easy enough to accomplish that with mink oil. Or beer.

 

Just to make it more appealing, the Bavarians say that only four fluids may touch a Lederhose. None of them is water. One is beer, the others ... well, use your imagination.

 

It would appear that purchasing used lederhosen is something best left to the adventurous!?!

Cheers!

 

Saddle soap.