A guide for Australians on the oktoberfest survival guide.
## 43. The Oktoberfest Survival Guide: What Australians Actually Need to Know The full Oktoberfest guide already covers the tourist basics. This guide is for people who want to genuinely enjoy Oktoberfest rather than just survive it. ### The Tents: A Hierarchy Oktoberfest has around 14 large beer tents and a handful of smaller ones, each with its own personality, beer, and atmosphere. **For the most authentic experience (more locals, fewer tourists):** - **Augustiner-Festhalle:** The most respected tent in Munich's beer community. Augustiner is the only Oktoberfest brewery without a major corporate owner, and its devotees are fiercely loyal. Table reservations are extremely hard to get; many regulars stand at the outer areas. - **Hacker-Festhalle:** Known as "Himmel der Bayern" (heaven of the Bavarians). Strong local following. **More party-oriented (not wrong — just know what you are getting):** - **Hofbräuhaus Tent:** Very international crowd, very loud, very famous. - **Schottenhamel Tent:** Where Oktoberfest officially begins each year (the mayor taps the first keg). Historic but touristy. ### Getting a Seat **With a reservation:** Book in October of the previous year. Most tents make reservations available on their websites in October for the following year. Reservations typically require a minimum food purchase. **Without a reservation:** Arrive when the tent opens (10am on weekdays, 9am on Saturdays). Go directly to the host/seating staff or walk the tent looking for open seats. Standing room exists but you cannot order without sitting. Be polite and patient — locals often share tables. ### The Beer Oktoberfest beer is specifically brewed for the festival — called *Märzen* (March beer, traditionally brewed in spring and lagered through summer) or the newer style *Wiesn-Bier*. It is typically around 6% ABV — stronger than regular lager. One *Maß* (litre) is the standard serving. Do not order a half — this is considered an indicator of being unfamiliar with Oktoberfest. (You can, technically, but many Münchners will notice.) Pace yourself. A Maß every 90 minutes is a reasonable rate for most people. Faster than that on an Oktoberfest afternoon and evening gets difficult quickly. ### The Food Oktoberfest food is underrated. The classic Oktoberfest meal: half a roast chicken (*halbes Hendl*) or grilled sausage (*Würstl*) with *Obatzda* (a Bavarian cheese spread) and a pretzel (*Brezel*). The pretzels are the size of a small bicycle wheel and essential for pacing your beer intake. Roasted almonds (*gebrannte Mandeln*) from outdoor stalls are one of Oktoberfest's genuine pleasures. The smell alone is worth the trip. ### What to Wear In *Tracht* (traditional Bavarian dress) or not? You do not have to wear Dirndl or Lederhosen — plenty of visitors do not. But Bavarians genuinely wear Tracht and are not performing for tourists. If you want to wear it, do — it is welcome and appreciated, and quality Tracht is comfortable and practical. Avoid cheap, badly-made versions.Found this useful? Share it with other Australians learning German 🇦🇺
AD
AussieDeutsch
B1 German / Beginner Swiss German
An Australian who learned German to B1 level without living in Germany — navigating the same lack of local resources that most Australian learners face. Currently learning Swiss German. This site is the resource I wished had existed when I started.
Get new German learning guides in your inbox
No spam. New articles for Australian German learners only.