Munich’s love of beer culminates with one of the world’s great festivals – the Oktoberfest, which actually takes place at the end of September. (It usually ends on the first Sunday in October – hence the name Oktoberfest) The Oktoberfest started out as a small celebration accompanying a royal wedding almost 200 years ago and was originally an agricultural fair. Visitors quenched their thirst from small stalls selling beer and in 1896 the breweries capitalized on this by providing beer tents and sponsorship.
Today, the Oktoberfest has become one of Europe’s largest and most enjoyable festivals, visited by over 6 million people each year. The crowds consume around 6 million liters of beer, as well as 90 roast oxen, 750,000 roasted chicken and 650,000 sausages. It’s rather like a state fair, complete with animals, stalls, rides and exhibits – but on a much larger scale. Plan early if you intend to visit Munich during the Oktoberfest, as accommodation can be scarce. And if you are going to ride one of the notoriously fast roller coasters that the Oktoberfest usually boasts – you may want to do it before you sample the beer!