Some might think that the world-famous Oktoberfest is as German as it gets. Brass bands, large beer steins, dirndl dresses and the ever-present Lederhosen come to mind. In reality, it is mostly Bavaria — Germany’s largest and southernmost federal state — that has shaped this image of Germany. It’s in the Bavarian capital, Munich, where the world-famous Oktoberfest is celebrated annually. Hamburg, however, has to offer a few Oktoberfest events itself, despite being located a mere 800 kilometres north of Munich.
Oktoberfest in Hamburg
Geographically, the two cities couldn’t be further away from each other — all the more reason to bring the Oktoberfest to the Elbe river. Hamburg, which has its own gigantic public festival in the DOM funfair, suddenly trades in the roasted almonds and candy apples for Weisswurst (Bavarian veal sausages), pretzels and, of course, beer. The Mass (large drafted beer served in a glass or earthenware mug) plays an integral part in the festivities. In this light, minor inconsistencies, like September being the month when Oktoberfest is celebrated, shouldn’t be questioned too rigidly.
When will the Oktoberfest 2017 take place?
On Saturday, September 16th, the Schottenhamel tent is the place to be, if you want to catch the official opening ceremonies. At noon, the Mayor of Munich will have the honor of tapping the first keg of Oktoberfest beer. Once the barrel has been tapped, all visitors will then be allowed to quench their thirst. It pays to arrive early in order to experience the festivities up close and personal and it’s quite common for visitors to come around 9 am to secure good seats. The festival will go until October 3rd.
What are the opening hours?
Beer Serving Hours
Opening day 12.00 noon – 10.30 pm
Weekdays 10.00 am – 10.30 pm
Saturday, Sunday & holiday 09.00 am – 10.30 pm
Daily closing hour 12.30 am ‘Käfers Wiesnschänke’ and ‘Weinzelt’ open until 1.00 am
Opening hours of stalls
Opening day 10.00 am – midnight
Monday – Thursday 10 am – 11.30 pm
Friday 10.00 am – 12.00 midnight
Saturday 9 am – midnight
Sunday 9 am – 11.30 pm
Souvenirs, traditional clothes, mugs and much more can also be ordered online at the Oktoberfest.de Shop.
Fairground attractions & sideshows
Opening day 12.00 noon – midnight
Monday – Thursday 10 am – 11.30 pm
Friday, Saturday 10.00 am – midnight
Sunday 10 am – 11.30 pm
End of Oktoberfest 2017
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017 11.30 pm
When is Oktoberfest scheduled for 2018?
2018: September 22 – October 7
Do I have to pay an entrance fee?
No, the entry to the area and all beer-tents is free.
Bags and Backpacks
Backpacks and large bags are generally not allowed. Please leave everything you don’t necessarily need at home. The less you carry with you, the easier you will find it to move around the busy parts of Oktoberfest. Bags and backpacks with a volume of more than 3 litres and/or larger than 20cm x 15cm x 10cm are not allowed to be taken into the showgrounds (‘Wiesn’).
All bags and rucksacks will be checked by the security staff and will be tagged with a security check band. Personal medical devices or medication are allowed once cleared by security personnel.
If your luggage exceeds the maximum size you can secure them at one of the several locking stations around the Wiesn (fees apply).