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The Oktoberfest - Munich's Biggest Party

: Two Girls in Traditional Dirndls

Once a year at the end of September Munich turns into the biggest party spot of the whole globe for sixteen days. With over six million visitors from all nations, the Oktoberfest became a poster child for Munich and Germany itself.

The charming Bavarian Way of Life combined with lots of good German beer, nice people and traditional music attracts tourist from everywhere. But what’s so great about the Oktoberfest? Well, I think at no other place you can meet so many people from all over the world so easily. Most of the people are open minded, just want to celebrate and have a good time.

At Oktoberfest you will find yourself in of the big tents filled with thousands of happy people dancing on tables while listening to traditional German music and drinking Bavarian beer out of giant glasses called "Mass". Beware: Esspecially foreigners tend to underestimate the Bavarian beer because it tastes great and goes down well, so do not strain yourself.

The food is also traditional, which means good and proper. For instance sausages, roasted chicken, cheese noodles, roast ox tails and sauerkraut. Many visitors dress in the traditional bavarian costumes lederhosen and dirndl.

How to have the most fun at Oktoberfest!

At an event of this size, there are quite a few stumbling blocks you have to take care of. To make sure you will enjoy your Oktoberfest party, stick to our little “Oktoberfest Survival Guide”.

Dancing on tables is fun! Hell yes! But it can be dangerous, especially when you just had a few liters of beer. Don’t be the fool who falls off the table while dancing and singing. Be smart and try to recognize when your sense of balance is slowly leaving your body.
Tipping is a must inside the tents. Give a tip to the ladies who bring you the beer and be nice. If you won’t they will ignore you which means no more beer for you. They do a hell of a job and they earn at least a smile. A generous tip means great treatment!
Take care of your feet. Broken glass is common so leave the flip-flops at home.
Take care of yourself. The Bavarian beer at Oktoberfest is for real. Not for nothing the Germans think American beer tastes like water. If you are not used to drink beer en masse don’t start with it on the Oktoberfest. But from what I have seen not many people can stick to this rule, so be prepared.
The early bird catches the beer! Get inside the tents as early as possible. The tents are always crowded and if you’re late you might get refused at the door or you have to wait until someone leaves the tent. That’s no fun at all.

Now you are set to go and have fun at Oktoberfest!