Oktoberfest tickets and reservations are always a topic of discussion. Are they needed? Are they not?
I wanted to do a post on the topic of the need for tickets and reservations for the Oktoberfest. As I just got back, this is as good a time as any.
In the lead up to my trip, I followed a lot of the Oktoberfest oriented Facebook pages and saw a stream of questions on; “How do I get tickets to Oktoberfest and the tents?”, and “Do I need reservations?” Let me try and address each in turn.
How do I get Oktoberfest tickets for the tents?
First and foremost, you need to understand that you do not need to purchase a ticket to access the Oktoberfest grounds on the Theresienwiese in Munich. You will need to purchase tickets for the rides, and a 4 Euro access fee for the Oide Wiesen, if you go there. (Do yourself a favor, spend the 4 Euros…GO!)
Do I need tickets for the Oktoberfest grounds? Nope
Do I need a ticket to enter the tents? Nope
If anyone is trying to sell you tickets for the fest, you should probably definitely raise a hairy eyebrow in scrutiny as it is probably a scam.
Oktoberfest tickets: do I need reservations?
Let me respond to this question with a resounding; it depends.
First the scenario where you probably do need a reservation.
If you have a large group (8+) and want to go to the tents in the evening, then it is advisable to secure reservations. You have to purchase the tables through the tent proprietor. The Oktoberfest website, www.oktoberfest.de has a list of all the tents, with links that offer descriptions and information for contacting the proprietor for reservations.
Each tent owner begins offering reservations for the Oktoberfest at different times of the year. You should begin checking availability between January and early May, depending on your preferred tent.
Reservations are usually for a table of 8-10 people, depending on the tent. The cost for the reservation is dependent on the food you want to have with the group. Minimally, the proprietor will set the base price to include a half chicken (cooked of course) and 2 liters of beer. Of the sites I looked at, this base level ran a little less than 50 Euro. Given this year’s average price for a liter of beer is 13.50 Euro, it’s not a significant uplift for the ressie.
Where you don’t need a reservation.
Get there early. If you get to the tents early you should be able to secure a table fairly easily, regardless of the number of attendees in your group. This is especially true during the work week; weekends might be a bit more challenging. Please note that we saw folks lining up for the Hacker Pschorr tent on the first Friday morning at 9AM..doors open at 10A
You are a smaller group. If you have a group of 2 -4, or flying solo, you should be able to join a table that has space. Don’t be shy and ask if the seat is available. If there is space at the table, folks are usually pretty willing to let you join them.
Non-reserved (or reserved later) tables – These do exist and are on a first come, first serve basis. Some tents, like the Ambrustschützenzelt, hold a section for early day attendees that are reservation free until 3:30. The Augustinerfestzelt puts the reservation times on the table. If you see a table that doesn’t have a reservation for some time, feel free to sit down and order. The servers will be happy to take care of you.
Standing tables – There are some tents, like the Hofbraü, that have a section of standing tables that are never reserved. Later in the evening these do tend to become a bit of a mosh pit, but lots of fun.
Smaller tents – Everyone loves the big tents, but don’t forget to check out the smaller tents as well. Many of these are scattered on the side paths and on the periphery of the Wiesen, so they may require a bit if wandering around. Personal discovery for me on this trip was the Wildstube. This smaller tent is on the Altstadt side of the Wiesen. They offer Augustiner beer and their menu is built off of game meats. I had a Wildgulasch made from venison. Ganz lecker!! (Really tasty)
Pursuing available reserved seats.
Tours – There are tours offered online that give you a bit of a walking tour from the meeting place, (i.e. the Marienplatz, or the Hauptbahnhof. Mixed plus and minus here. Cost is higher per person, and you don’t get to choose your preferred tent. That said, you get to meet some folks, and can get some more insight into Munich and Oktoberfest.
Facebook – There are Facebook pages for Oktoberfest where folks will sell excess seats. They may have bought a table for 10, but only 6 of their party will make it. They’ll offer up for cost, or a bit of a profit. Some of the communications I’ve seen involves setting up a meeting place to conduct the transaction, usually at the door the night of. That said, use your discretion.
This isn’t thoroughly exhaustive list of options, but I do hope this post provides some information of value for you. This is the old man in a hat wishing you all the best if an Oktoberfest trip is in your future. “Prost!”
Travel well. Pursue adventures
O.M.I.A.H