Oktoberfest in Munich

Anyone who has even an ounce of love for beer should never miss out on Oktoberfest in Munich. It's one of the most famous events in Germany and the world's largest fair celebrating their traditional art of brewing beer. Contrary to the name, Oktoberfest actually begins late-September and closes early October. It runs for only 16-18 days, drawing millions of visitors around the world. 2010 marked a special year as Germany celebrated Oktoberfest's historical 200th year - boy, we couldn't have picked a better time to go!

There were about 10 of us who took a flight to Munich for this festival. On our first day, we made our way to the opening parade to watch the procession and absolutely loved it. The parade was to curl around the main areas of the city, eventually ending up at the Oktoberfest site. Everyone was in a festive mood and a crowd was gathering on the main pavement where the procession was to pass. A crowd had already started to build and feeling quite height challenged compared to the Germans, we scouted for a better place to watch the parade. We finally managed to sneak into the third floor of an unlocked building nearby and had the most spectacular view of the whole street from above! It was gold. We happily patted ourselves on the back for our brilliance and was not long before we heard music and drums rolling in the distance.

Our first class viewing deck.

What a sight! There were pretty horse-drawn carts laden with giant beer barrels, happy revelers on carriages with their first brew on hand and one musical band after another blowing their tune as they paraded past. There were performers and bands of musicians wearing their traditional German outfits waving at the crowds.

Left: A marching band. Right: Spatenbräu beer barrels.

The horses dressed in colourful harnesses and clinking their bells as they trotted down the street.

The parade was an exhibit of the different 'houses' or brands of beer. Each brand with their own history behind the brew also have their own beer tents at the festival to showcase their unique blend.

Left: Schottenhamel beer cart with happy revelers onboard. Right: Lady in the parade waving at us.

Of course, along with the premium seats, we received some first class attention. The fellow paraders always looked up and waved at us! Awesome.

When the parade had passed, we made our way to the festival. On arrival, I was blown away at how large the grounds were and that it wasn't just all about beer! It was also a carnival with every ride you can imagine. There was a massive Olympic ring roller coaster (5 loops) and those rides that take you up ten thousand meters high and drops you in 100kmh. It was nuts. The person who thought of combining an alcoholic festival with carnival rides must either be crazy or a genius. And with the surprisingly lack of spews that i found throughout the festival, I reckon it was a genius at work. Young or old, there was something for everyone at the Oktoberfest.

I discovered that located conveniently throughout the Oktoberfest site were 14 main beer tents, each with their own unique brew, food and atmosphere. These 14 tents were massive halls that fit hundreds of customers both indoors and outdoors. Scattered between these halls were carnival rides, traditional dinner restaurants, souvenir stalls and carnival games.

Some enthusiastic girls in front of one of my favourite German beers - Augustiner-Bräu

One of the beer halls that we visited.

We walked around the beer hall and found these waiters lining up to collect the 1 litre beer mugs for their thirsty customers. It was an amazing sight to watch as each waiter and waitress carried about 8-10 mugs in one go, 10 litres and that's not even counting the weight of the glass mugs (which are heavy!)

Lookit' him go! He must have arms of steel!

It was really hard to find seats in any of the beer halls as the Oktoberfest started to ramp up. Thankfully some of our other friends have managed to find a table in another beer tent (Bräurosl) where we finally ordered our first beer and some food.

Me and my stein!

The group ordered roast chicken. Nom. Nom.

The best dessert that stood out for me at the Oktoberfest however was the apple strudel. It was absolutely heavenly. The cream wasn't too sweet and the apple melted in your mouth, the lingon berry on top gave it an extra zing.

The best apple strudel ever!

We also had some gigantic german pretzels.

Me and Mel.

We decided to explore Oktoberfest and discovered some interesting costumes and many funny hats! Everyone were in the festive mood and were dressed for the occasion in traditional German costumes and their high knee socks.

Left: Beer keg head. Right: German man in his traditional garb.

Posh looking ladies wearing hats shaped like a fortune cookie!

The carnival were full of haunted houses, rides and fun carnival games - all attractively lit!

We even plucked up the courage to jump on the Olympic ring roller-coaster ride. The line was long and at one point didn't think we would make it on as there was a technical issue. Now that made us even more nervous! Eventually, we made it through - 5 large loops, upside-down. I thought I was going to be sick but thankfully didn't do any decorating with my breakfast!

The Olympic ring roller coaster ride.

My favourite beer hall has to be the Augustiner beer tent. We found this hall with our noses - it was the heavenly smell of smoked fish. Mmm. These salt seasoned fishes (called Lachsforelle) were stretched on a stick and laid over hot coals. We found seats in the hall and ordered our beers and fish. The fish was beautifully seasoned and cooked just right - it was the best fish I've ever had in a very long time. This coupled with the refreshingly light Augustiner beer was the best combination ever!

Lachsforelle fish on a stick.

Cooked over hot coals.

The Lachsforelle fish and Augustiner beer were amazing.

The Augustiner beer hall.

After our scrumptious lunch, we made our way to the Hofbrähaus beer hall and found the rest of our friends there. The atmosphere in this beer hall was a huge contrast to the Augustiners. Where the Augustiner had a more relaxed atmosphere with more matured patrons, the Hofbrähaus was energetic and filled with a younger crowd. We arrived to a hall filled with hundreds on their chairs and tables singing and swaying with their beer mugs in hand - it was a happy atmosphere.

The Hofbrähaus beer tent.

Just as we squeezed into our seats, more food came along! Who could resist the famous German pork crackling! With the lachsforelle a distant past at this stage, i tucked into my pork knuckle.

Pork knuckle with crackling and potato.

My meat on the bone. Mmm...

Andy with his newly made friends.

Linda trying her strength at holding 5 mugs in one hand. Great job!

The gang!

Cheeeeeeers!!!

A large part of Oktoberfest was about beer, but we found that it was also a lot about experiencing their best German food and learning their traditions. It was a relaxing, fun-filled family atmosphere and we loved every minute of it! Cheeeeeers!