Oktoberfest Survival Guide: How to Drink Like a Bavarian

Christmas isn’t the only vibrant season in Germany. Oktoberfest in Munich is the most awaited time of the year. Seven million liters of beer flow freely, tempting you to get off track and cave into beer drinking. Certain Oktoberfest survival tips and tricks can help you stick to the plan and smoothly cover most aspects of the world’s largest annual Volkfest. Drinking responsibly, going to the tent early, and taking breaks can guarantee your stay in Bavaria and not unknowingly waking up on Austrian ground.

How to Survive Oktoberfest Without Any Setbacks?

Some of the steps mentioned in the list and discussed in detail can be taken to survive the Oktoberfest without drinking in Bavaria and waking up in Austria.

Oktoberfest Survival Guide Essentials

• Getting Accommodation Near Fairground
• Taking Drinking Breaks in the Luna Park
• Rest for some time in Puke Hill
• Company Along a Sober Friend
• Going to the Oktoberfest Early
• Securing Spot in the Right Tent
• Drinking in Moderation
• Keeping Enough Cash
• Drink Low ABV Beer
• Stay Hydrate
• Pace Yourself

Getting Oktoberfest Accommodation Near Fairground

A post-Oktoberfest hangover requires researching nearby accommodations in advance. Accommodation is not directly linked to the Oktoberfest on-ground survival but is an important post-hungover consideration.

You cannot skip the beer and explore the fairground, but sort out the living situation nearby so that you don’t pass out on the Munich Public Transportation and dread waking up at the last station.

Best Hotels Within the Walking Distance

There are a handful of hotel options within walking distance of Oktoberfest. Most are located between Theresienwiese and the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof)—just a 10-minute walk away.

Staying in hotels near Oktoberfest makes accessing the festival grounds convenient without worrying about transportation. You can find both luxury and affordable living options near the festival. Many hotels offer special packages during Oktoberfest, including early check-ins or late check-outs to accommodate festivalgoers.

The closets of the hotels to the fairgrounds are;

• Bavaria Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Munich City
• Four Points by Sheraton
• Hotel Seibel Munich Deluxe Hotel
• Hotel Senator
• Hotel Uhland

There are more options located towards the main station.

• Hotel Jedermann
• Fleming’s Hotel
• MK Hotel

Budget-friendly Oktoberfest Hotels: Wombats, Jaegers, and Euro Youth Hostel are all affordable and have lively bars (which you should refrain from.)

Going to the Oktoberfest Early

Oktoberfest is a 16 to 18-day festival; an average of 6 million people join to have Oktoberfest beer.

In the later hours, the festival grounds are full of people coming to just drink beer. It is hard to join such a beer-loving crowd and limit yourself. Get to the festival ground early so you can enjoy beer without giving in pressure.

Most Crowded Days at the Oktoberfest (Days with Events)

• First Saturday of the Festival (first day of the festival)- The Landlords and the Brewery parade
• First Sunday- Costume and hunters parade (Trachten- und Schützenzug)
• Oktoberfest 3- German Unity Day

Keep Beer Tent Timings in Mind!

• Weekday- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Weekend- 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Beer is served until 10:30 p.m. in a large beer tent and 11:00 p.m. in a small tent.
• Only Kaffer tent is open till 1:00 a.m.

On weekends, the beer tents open early, and the best time to enjoy a stein in peace is going to the fairground before 11:00 a.m.

Note: You can check for the Oktoberfest barometer to survive the festival peacefully. Sundays from 6 p.m. onwards are moderately crowded.

Drink Low ABV Oktoberfest Beer

Certainly, the Oktoberfest experience is incomplete without enjoying beer. It is important to understand that festbier characteristics differ from regularly served brews in bars and pubs.

The Oktoberfest beer is a Marzen style lager with 2% more alcohol than regular beer.

The ABV of Wiesn beer is between 5.8% and 6.3%, which is considerably high. Go with the lowest-alcohol brew, Hacker-Pschorr.

The low carbonation of Oktoberfest beer washes down easily, and it is only served in Stein.

• 1 Beer Stein ( Mass ) = 1 liter.

Note: Beer is served at 12 p.m. on the opening day after the mayor taps the keg.

Pace Yourself

It is said that a well-fed stomach can handle beer better so that you can enjoy the festivities longer.

No one will tell you that the Bavarians do not chug 5 steins altogether. If you start at 10 a.m. and fill your stomach with nothing but beer, you will end up at the puking hill behind the tents by 2:00 P.m.

Drinking on an empty stomach is dangerous for your health in many ways. Pace yourself and give yourself a chance to explore the traditional dishes, too. Bavarians know it well, and that is why there is a lot of food available at Oktoberfest. There are many options to eat , like roasted chicken, pork knuckles, and more. You can even have snacks like pretzels, sausages, fill up potatoes etc. They make a perfect pair with your favorite beer at Oktoberfest. Do not skip a meal before you hit any of the beer tents, as a full stomach can help you pace yourself better.

Remember: It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Stay Hydrated

Bavarians are pros at enjoying beer over long stretches and toasting in-betweens. Switch to lemonade to keep the hydration level high between steins. This trick lets you soak in the festival’s vibes without crashing out early.

Bavarians are pros at enjoying beer over long stretches and toasting in-betweens. It is important to pace yourself, especially in the festive atmosphere where the drinks keep flowing. Try switching to lemonade between beers for water intake. This will help you maintain energy without feeling too overwhelmed by alcohol.

Ease into the day like a local by sipping a Radler. It is a lighter blend of beer and lemonade that is gentler than the hearty Festbier. This allows you to enjoy the flavors without the heaviness of a full beer.

Beer Alternative

• Helles – a light beer
• Bleifrei – alcohol-free beer
• Hefeweizen – a wheat beer
• Dunkel – a dark beer
• Radler – 50% beer / 50% lemonade

Tip: Wear closed shoes with your lederhosen and dirndl dress to protect your feet before you inevitably step on someone’s puke.

Take Drinking Breaks in the Luna Park

Don’t limit yourself to just the beer tents.

Take some time to explore the Luna Park Funfair, located alongside the festival grounds. It offers a fun break from the beer fueled atmosphere. The funfair lets you enjoy a variety of carnival rides and attractions that are perfect for both kids and adults.

You can enjoy thrilling roller coasters to classic games and playgrounds. It is a great way to resist the temptation to drink continuously and gives you a chance to enjoy a different part of the festival. Take a walk through the fair, enjoy the sights, or relax with friends while indulging in some fun activities before returning to the beer tents.

The park opens at different times during the festival’s second.

Carnival Rides Timings

• Opening Day- 12 p.m. to midnight
• Mondays to Thursdays (except public holidays)- 10 a.m. until 11.30 p.m
• Fridays- 10 a.m. to midnight
• Saturdays- 9 a.m. to midnight
• Sundays and public holidays- 9 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Weekday mornings are ideal for skipping long, crowded queues.

• As ticket costs are reduced, Tuesdays (Family days) are the best time to visit. With family, you have more chances of staying sober.

Warning! Don’t hop on the roller coaster after having 5 steins of beer.

Securing a Spot in the Right Beer Tent

There are 17 large beer tents, including 3 in the Oide Wiesn. Every tent has a distinct vibe; some are known for their wild party scenes. Others focus on a more relaxed and family friendly vibe.

You should not go to the tent crowded with beer pushers hurling you to have another beer stein. Research the different tents in advance to select the one that promotes a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

Visit tents with a peaceful environment where you can enjoy your beer and soak in the festival spirit without the rush. Consider factors like the type of crowd, the music, and the overall ambiance to find your perfect spot.

• Food tents like Ochsenbraterei or the small cafe tent are the perfect spots to stay on track.

Company Along a Sober Friend

The people we accompany have a huge influence on us. Visit the Oktoberfest with friends who are either sober or know when to stop drinking. They can act as your safety net and motivate you to prevent overindulgence.

A friend can remind you to alternate beer with water and non-alcoholic beverages from time to time. Another advantage of keeping a sober friend along is that he/she can take you to a medical camp to get help at the fairground in case of any inconvenience, like dizziness or slurred speech.

Remember: You won’t be jailed for standing on the benches after having too much, but you can certainly be thrown out of the tent.

Keeping Enough Cash

Surviving Oktoberfest without cash is nearly impossible. With the cost of beer, food, and tips, it’s easy to lose track of spending. Spending all the cash on the beer or showing appreciation with a generous tip can restrict you from returning to your accommodation.

Stick to your budget to avoid running out of cash. A few steins in, your stomach will be full, and your wallet lighter. Plan ahead and decide how much you want to spend before entering the festival.

Make sure to keep some extra cash aside for your trip back home. It is a good idea to give this amount to a responsible friend who can hold onto it for you. That way you won’t have to worry about finding cash for transportation when it is time to leave.

Note: Reserved orders can be paid through a credit card, so set a credit limit.

Rest for Sometime at Puke Hill

Resting at Puke Hill, or Kotzhügel, during Oktoberfest behind the beer tent is a clever way to enjoy the festival responsibly. Once known for overindulgence, this spot has become a chill-out zone to take a beer break from the bustling Oktoberfest tents.

This spot gained a reputation for overindulgence in the past. But today, it is known as a peaceful area where you can take a break from the busy atmosphere of the beer tents. The Puke Hill offers a quiet space away from the crowds and noise.

Here you can sit back, take a deep breath and relax to let your body recover so that you can further enjoy the festivities. Spending a few minutes here ensures you can pace yourself and enjoy the rest of the day without overdoing it. This way, you will be ready for more fun without the risk of feeling unwell or having a rough morning the next day.

Wrapping It Up!

Knowing how to drink like a Bavarian without ending up in Austria is the secret to Oktoberfest’s successful survival. The fairground gets crowded on weekends, and the best time to avoid the beer-loving crowd is to go on weekdays or weekend mornings.

Go to a tent that is peaceful and offers a cultural experience with fun driven activities.  Do not hesitate to bask in the festive spirit by dancing, singing, and wearing men’s lederhosen or dirndl dress—this will help you survive and collect some core memories.