Known as the largest People’s Fair in the world, Oktoberfest, in Munich attracts six to seven million people a year, who consume over one million gallons of beer! Munich has been celebrating Oktoberfest since 1810 when Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildurghausen. This year is the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich and is expected to be the largest (and the craziest) to date.

These are 5 things you can’t miss in Munich during Oktoberfest:

5. Explore Marienplatz

Known as the heart of Munich, Marienplatz is a large open square and a great place to sight-see, shop, eat and of course relax and drink beer in one of the endless outdoor venues. You can find the Glockenspiel in the New Town Hall, and Peterskirche, the oldest church, in the area here.
Rent a cruiser bike and this is a great spot to start your exploration of the rest of Munich’s city centre.

4. Visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle

Located near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, outside Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle is a great place to view the Bavarian countryside and gawk at the Disney-like wonder. Crowds are drawn to the amazing views, majestic architecture (it is the most photographed building in Munich), mysterious death of the commissioner “Mad King Ludwig” and the following created by the 60 million people who have visited it since 1886.

3. Check out the English Garden

Even bigger then NYC’s Central Park, the English Garden provides an oasis away from the none-stop activity of Oktoberfest. But don’t worry, you can still get a beer! Stop at the Chinese Tower and enjoy live outdoor music and a cold brew at this favorite outdoor beer garden. Make sure to check out the river surfers on your way back to the Oktoberfest grounds.

2. Eat at a traditional Bavarian restaurant

A favorite is the half chicken from one of the beertents. Maybe anything taste good after two liters of beer… but this is the juiciest chicken you will ever eat! Also, make sure not to miss the giant pretzels, Schneiders Aventinusbierbtratl (Schneider’s Beer Roast), Portion Schweinshaxe (Port Knuckle) and of course Wiener Schnitzel.

1. Check out the Beertents

The beertents on the Oktoberest grounds are the number one thing that cannot be missed in Munich during Oktobferfest! Check out this site for a description of the 15 beertents:
http://www.oktoberfesttours.com/beer_tents.html. Among the best and most well known, these are recommend: Hippodrum seating over 4000 people and it has some of the best entertainment on the Oktoberfest grounds, Hofbräu Festzelt, sister tent to the famous Hofbräuhaus in Marienplatz is pure craziness, and the only beer tent at Oktoberfest that will serve you a cold beer without being seated, and of course Schottenhamel which seats over 10, 000 people and is the location of the Official Tapping of the Keg on Opening Day.

To get the most out of the beer tents, be sure to learn the words to Ein Prosit. When everyone in the beertent stands on their bench and belts out the words to Ein Prosit, you will want to sing along! Ein Prosit ein Prosit gemüdlichkeit, Ein Prosit ein Prosit gemütlichkeit… einz, zwei, drei, suffa! It means: A toast, a toast, that cosy feeling… A toast, a toast, good vibes…one, two, three chug it down!

Be sure to dress like a local! While Dirnlds and Leferhosen can be expensive, there are discount and second stores all over Munich! Surprisingly the airport stand (outside arrivals in terminal 2) has great deals (Dirndls for 49 Euro). Also check out the street across from the Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) for more discount shops.

Wondering how to fit it all in? Can’t imagine planning it all? Ludus Tours, STA travel and a ton of other companies offer trips that include everything mentioned above in their Oktoberfest tours!

Arrive in Munich on Friday, explore Marienplatz, the City Centre, and English Garden by bike, enjoy authentic German food at a local restaurant, visit Neuschwanstein Castle, and enjoy the craziness of a beertent all in time to head home Monday!
The tours are great for individuals, families, and corporate groups. 24-7 Ludus Guide assistance is included! For an unforgettable experience check out Ludus Tours!

Ludus Guides at a Traditional Bavarian Restaurant

(Post Via Victoria Whyte: For more information e-mail Victoria)