Guide to Celebrating Oktoberfest in Europe

One of the best ways to celebrate Oktoberfest is to partake in the authentic Oktoberfest of Munich. There is simply no substitute for the original. Held at the historic Theresienwiese fairgrounds, Munich’s Oktoberfest draws over six million visitors annually and serves roughly seven million liters of beer.

The Vibe: Massive, traditional, and electric. The festival features 14 main beer tents, each with its own distinct personality. The Hacker-Festzelt is famous for its painted blue-sky ceiling and rock-and-roll covers, while the Hofbräu-Festzelt attracts a rowdy, international crowd.

What to Expect: Beyond the beer, Munich offers a massive funfair with historic rides like the Teufelsrad (Devil's Wheel) and the Toboggan. If you visit on the first Sunday, you’ll catch the Trachten- und Schützenzug, a massive parade of traditional costumes and riflemen winding through the city streets.

Pro Tip: If you want a calmer, more historical experience, pay the small entry fee to visit the Oide Wiesn (Old Oktoberfest) on the southern end of the grounds, which features traditional brass bands, historic rides, and beer served in classic ceramic mugs.

A massive, authentic German festival with fewer international tourists. Often overshadowed by Munich, Stuttgart hosts the Cannstatter Volksfest at the exact same time of year. It is officially the second-largest beer festival in the world, attracting around four million visitors.

The Vibe: Deeply traditional yet distinctly Swabian. The centerpiece of the festival is the Fruchtsäule, a massive 26-meter-high wooden pillar decorated with fruit to celebrate the autumn harvest.

What to Expect: Huge beer tents, massive fairground rides, and an incredible atmosphere. However, instead of just Bavarian pretzels and Weißwurst, you’ll be treated to local Swabian delicacies like Maultaschen (stuffed pasta pockets) and Käsespätzle (cheese noodles).

Pro Tip: This festival is incredibly popular with locals. While it’s slightly easier to get a table here than in Munich, booking in advance for weekend evenings is still essential.

Celebrate Oktoberfest in Amsterdam with a slightly different take, often blending traditional German elements with the relaxed, open, and cheerful vibe the Dutch capital is known for.

The Vibe: A mix of tradition and "Amsterdam conviviality" (gezelligheid). It’s relaxed but still incredibly festive.

What to Expect: The Olympic Stadium will be transformed into a festive meeting place. Expect the classic long tables, Schlager music, Tyrolean hats, and plenty of filled beer mugs.

Student & International Options: If you are a student or travelling with a young international crowd, organisations like the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) often organise large-group trips departing from Amsterdam directly to Munich over three weekends from mid-September to early October. These trips usually include overnight transport, camping, and guaranteed entry to the Munich tents.

While spending time at the festival, you will undoubtedly become partial to delicious doughy dumplings and meaty wurst that are perfect for soaking up beer. You don't have to leave these tasty treats in Munich when your trip is over—grab an apron and learn how to recreate them at home!

Look into the Bavarian Basics course by Miomente, designed to turn English-speaking visitors into chefs and perfect for groups. Alternatively, Kochhaus hosts a variety of cooking classes, including a Hearty Tyrolean Cuisine menu featuring bacon, cheese, and booze—the dream trio. If you'd rather just eat, try a gourmet food tour around the Viktualienmarkt to taste the city's most popular treats.

Looking for a calmer way to spend the day after one too many Maß of beer? Head to Munich's huge Englischer Garten (English Garden)—a park even larger than New York's Central Park.

Stroll towards the Monopteros, a small Greek temple with fantastic views of Munich's skyline, or find some zen at the Japanese Teahouse. You can also head to the Kleinhesseloher See lake in the center of the park to rent a pedal boat, or grab a seat in the Seehaus beer garden at sunset. If you're after an extreme adventure, head to the park's Eisbach river. While Munich might not seem like a surfing destination, locals have been river-surfing here for years. Grab a warm pretzel and watch the experts!

Saunas are a major part of German culture, so do as the locals do and wind down after a busy Oktoberfest at Müller’sches Volksbad. Opened in 1901, these baths are some of the most beautiful in Europe, featuring stunning Art Nouveau design with Baroque touches inspired by Roman thermal baths.

Its large pools are perfect for swimming lengths, and the facilities include a Roman steam bath with an open courtyard, a cold pool, and a Finnish sauna. In the Finnish sauna, experience an Aufgussmeister pouring water over hot rocks and beating the heat your way with a towel, set against a soothing light show. Afterward, cool down under the cold shower and refuel at the café.