Munich to My Ears

It’s Not the Survival of The Fittest but Survival of The Thirstiest When Attending the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Read Ahead to Find Out Everything About This Exciting Festival!

The last two years had given a long break to the best festivals, but not anymore. Yes, you read that right, no more Oktoberfest-less year as it’s back and bigger in 2022. For all newbies, who have no idea what we are talking about. Well, Oktoberfest is the largest beer festival and a traveling funfair that takes place every year in Munich, Germany. In fact, this year the festival will mark its 212th anniversary and it feels unbelievable. This fest is a lot more than just beer, it offers mouth-watering food, quaint fairground attractions, music, traditional Bavarian dress, and an insight into the culture.

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Opening from 17th September and ending the epicness on 3rd October, it still isn’t late to book your tickets and experience this surreal fest. Given that you’ve made up your mind to visit, you’d probably not want to just be part of the fest but indulge in more. Don’t worry, Munich has so much more to offer outside the Wiesn. Munich, Bavaria’s capital holds some alluring centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. Nonetheless, there’s also room for all adventure souls and foodies in the city. We have become the perfect guide for your next vacation to Germany, where you’ll first get hungover in the fest and then explore the sensational city of Munich.

History of Oktoberfest

It all started in 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig married the adorable Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, they invited everyone to celebrate for straight 5 days. Whoa! A big wedding celebration. Lucky for us the carnival that then started with just a horse race now incorporated an agricultural show, tree climbing), bowling alleys, carnival booths, parades, swings, pretzels, beers, and more. It sure is a party for all attendees. September is the most favorable month when it comes to weather conditions and you can have the time of your life when in the field. Some things surely never change, and even today the mayor of Munich taps the first keg to begin the festival.

Food & Beer

One rule this fest follows is that the only beer served at Oktoberfest is brewed within the city limits which means you’ll only find beer from Munich’s Big 6. We feel it’s fair enough since it displays culture. One that is regarded as the best sold at the carnival is the traditional Marzen-style lager whose actual style is called “Oktoberfest.”

Coming onto food, as mentioned earlier it’s delicious. During that time, beer tents stick to traditional Bavarian cuisine. Some of the must-tries are roasted half chickens (Hendl), pork knuckles (Schweinshaxe), oxen, and bratwursts. Lastly, for sweet tooth, you cannot miss a Bavarian soft pretzel the size of your face.

Attire

This factor has no rules, which means there is no dress code, but you’ll see people dressed a certain way if you’re attending for the first time. Ladies would be seen wearing a long-ish dress over a white blouse and an apron tied to the same, in the fashion world it is called a Dirndls. As for men, they can be seen in leather breeches worn with some thick knee socks and simple loafers. Wearing anything similar would surely make you look like a German, but go with anything you’re comfortable in to flaunt your style!

Exploring Munich

Now that we are in the city, let’s do crazy things and make this trip a memorable one. With pleasing accommodations that offer the lap of luxury, and shopping from the grandeur brands in the world, Munich will indeed keep you busy. For all history buffs, there are a ton of things to indulge in; from learning at the largest science and technology museum in the entire world Deutsches Museum to visiting the most recognizable church, Frauenkirche, there’s so much to uncover.

For all foodies at heart, traditional Bavarian food is flavorsome and is served with the best beer in Munich making the experience twice as exciting. Who isn’t interested in visiting a 200-year-old market consisting of over 100 stalls selling all kinds of meat, produce, flowers, and of course beer?

For all daredevils, well for beginners we have the English Garden, which is one of Europe’s largest urban parks where you can have fun by some nude sunbathing. just be aware of the paps though. For more there’s river surfing and flying fox, so don’t leave your adventurous side at home as this trip is sure going to be bustling but worth it!

From the September 2022 issue of L’Officiel India.