We are not just talking about Oktoberfest in your hometown, although I’m sure that would be a blast as well, we are talking about the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany that occurs every year for more than a couple weeks during September and the first part of October. So here you go with more so “The Nine’s Guide to Oktoberfest!”
Mr. Nine and I have wanted to go for years and years. As many of you may know, he was stationed in Germany back when he was in the Army and not only did I take German in high school, but I got to travel there as a teenager, which was such a great memory.
Just the word, Oktoberfest, conjures up happy thoughts and smiles on our faces. We had been planning this trip for a year where we also tacked on a week in Switzerland and then onto Venice, Italy. I will have more posts to come about those destinations soon. Two weeks was a long time to be gone but we are glad we did it.
For now, let’s talk about where our trip began! A flight to Munich, Germany with our Lederhosen and Dirndl packed safely in the suitcase and an energetic Midwest midlife couple ready for fun!
Munich is a lovely city with many things to do. Of course, the day we arrived we made a stop at the Hofbrauhaus House, which held good memories for both of us. Lively music was playing, and we had some traditional German comfort food.
Let me also add in that while I normally plan trips entirely on my own, this one was assisted in planning by the wonderful team at Mix and Match Travel Agency. I’m sure many of you know the two bloggers that run this agency. It was one of their associates, the incredible Clare, so knowledgeable about international travel, that got this put together for us. The main reason we used to travel agency besides giving us some ease with two weeks in Europe, was so that we could get on an Oktoberfest tour, which would guarantee you a seat in one of the big tents. That is where so much the fun lies, and Clare was able to make that happen for us. We have been told that if you do not get something of this kind, securing a table at Oktoberfest could put you on a waitlist up to five years. But do note that admission to get into Oktoberfest is completely free!
Make sure though that you take plenty of euros, which is the form of currency used in Germany. You can check the Ride Ticket Prices and the Food/Drink Prices to get an idea of how much money you'll spend in a day. Expect to tip between 5%-10%, which is about one or two Euro per beer. Keep in mind that the wait staff does not have a base salary, they get a commission on anything they sell and your tip. Our recommendation is to tip them very well the first go around and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Another thing to note is that while you’ll see a few people not wearing the traditional German style of dress, and while you don't have to, it is absolutely part of the fun. We purchased Mr. Nine's lederhosen, what the men wear HERE, and my Dirndl HERE, ahead of time, but after we arrived, we saw so many all over the city that we easily could’ve waited and got one there and they were cheaper and my heart is still swooning over a blue one I saw, lol. Dressing in these outfits absolutely did add to the incredible Oktoberfest vibe. Another thing to note is that you can rent them in Munich as well, right down to the push up bra, lol, which some of the people we met had done
we purchased ours. There are some cute alternatives on Amazon too HERE but make sure you get a good one because Germans can tell a “costumey” one from a mile away, lol. AND don't get a MINI Dirndl, it's just tacky, most women opt for a midi or knee length. I wrestle tights with mine because it was rainy and cold.
We were lucky enough to be in the biggest tent sponsored by the Hofbrauhaus, and even though I am not really a beer drinker, I must say it was mighty delicious, and the big glass mugs they call Steins. There are 14 big tents, and they’re all decorated very different. We were lucky to walk through a few and they are just spectacular. It's like the most decorated state fair ever!! You sit at tables of 10 and we had the bet table ever! You re packed in like sardines but it's so much fun meeting people from all over the world.
Another must was getting the roast chicken, which they call Brathähnchen and it was so delicious better than your rotisserie at Costco, lol
You’ll see everyone wearing the gingerbread hearts around their necks. Most people say they’re not really that delicious, but I thought they were quite tasty in between my chugs of beer, lol.
We then proceeded with all these newfound friends, holding hands and on to the wine tent. Although it was crowded inside, we found a table outside and it was so lovely. Unfortunately, it started raining. That’s something else to remember, Germany gets a lot of rain during Oktoberfest so you may end up with a gorgeous sunny day, but you may end up with rain so come prepared.
And while in Germany, why not drive a Porsche on the Autobahn. We took a 4 1/2 hour trip north in this beauty to the town called Budingen where Mr. Nine lived. It was so fun going fast on the Autobahn and of course seeing the beautiful countryside.
Note: Not sure if I’m going to be sharing Gift Ideas and Guides here on the blog but I do have many already linked up on the free LTK app (Like To Know It) you want to follow me over there just click HERE
And PS: the House is all decorated for Christmas and I'm basking in it, still trying to decide if I'm going to share here. Just know I'd invite you all the come enjoy! And I'll make you Hot Cocoa (a new themed tree this year).
Linking up with Between Naps on the Porch // Thursday Fashion Files // I Do deClaire
xoxo
