Travel Germany: OktoberfestTravelers to Germany during late September and early October are in for an Oktoberfest treat: two solid weeks of beer drinking, revelry and entertainment. For a glimpse into
festivities, as well as some of history surrounding event, read on.
Travel Germany: History of Oktoberfest
Even though event is named for month afterwards, travelers to Germany’s will notice that Oktoberfest actually starts in September. Originally, party began on 12th of October, 1810, with marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I of Bavaria) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The event caused such a stir that it just had to happen again following year! This started German tradition that travelers from around world flock to see every year.
In 1818, celebration was comprised of one carousel and a couple of rides (appropriate for times). The beer tents didn’t start popping up until 1896, and because Munich was quite a bit smaller than it is today, visitors to German Oktoberfest had to travel to a large, 31 hectare field known as die Theresienwiese, which was named after Princess. Locals, however, know area just as die Wiesn.
Travel Germany: Oktoberfest Today
Oktoberfest in Germany to travelers is a lot like agricultural fairs elsewhere, complete with rides, merry-go-rounds, a carnival-like atmosphere, food, and, of course, overflowing amounts of beer available at 14 Bavarian beer tents. However, German travelers should be aware that full meal deal agricultural fair, called Zentrallandwirtschaftsfest, is only held every three years. Also, die Theresienwiese now lies within city limits, so visitors to Germany’s Oktoberfest don’t have to travel so far.
