In 1810 King Ludwig I of Bavaria and princess Theresa of Saxony wed in the now-famous Theresienwiese (Theresa’s Fields) in front of the city gates. It was originally meant to be a simple affair, but Bavarian character soon took over. It quickly became a happy gathering of cheerful beer drinkers that, to this day, continues as an annual tradition. The celebration is rarely interrupted, taking a world war to stop the festivities!

The fest kicks off with an impressive parade of large, horse-drawn carriages driven by locals dressed in original Bavarian garb. Of course, Oktoberfest officially starts with a 12-gun salute, and then the mayor of Munich hammers the bent bronze spout into the first keg.

Fourteen local breweries host beer halls. Oktoberfest beer is a stronger variety than normal (4.5% alcohol), brewed especially for the occasion. Waitresses carrying as many as five mugs in each hand bulldoze their way through the howling, swaying crowds. Their strength and stamina will amaze you!

Good Advice: For the best service, be kind and tip generously! Just be careful not to drink more than you can handle, or risk becoming a “bierleichen” – a “beer corpse!”

Bus departure location is from the Vogelweh Bowling Alley parking lot.