How does Oktoberfest work?

Ponge

Pretty much what it says on the tin. I'd like to go this year, am I too late? I've heard that I'd need to book tickets and stuff. Apart from air tickets and hotel tickets do I need to sort out tickets for tents or anything?

I'm more of a lager fan than an ale fan, what sort of beer's on show?

If anyone has an experiences It'd be great to hear them.

Alchemist449

This might help.

I hope to go when I get the chance/money. All the hyping up my German classes do for it makes me want to attend it at least once before I die. Thousands of drunk Germans? Whats not to love?

TaGuelle

Oktoberfest. I don't mean to rain on your parade this, I just want to let you know what you'd be getting yourself into. Several Million people come. Most of them tourists. You know how there are some things where you live that only tourists do and the locals look down on them for it. That is kind of Oktoberfest. But on the other hand its a great fucking time. They sell beer by the "masse" and its 1.5 liters per go. You can easily find camping grounds but look for a hotel around nowish. If you have any other questions send a PM.

jot

Beer is mostly lager. It's also pretty expensive. The price for one Mass is around 7-8 €.
You don't need to book tickets for tents, but you might have problems with getting into the more popular ones since they fill up pretty quickly. When I used to go with some friends we got up early and went to the fest before the tents opened up. You might want to do that if you don't mind getting drunk early in the day.

It's fun, but if you visit Munich, do yourself a favour an visit some places other than the Hofbräuhaus or the Oktoberfest. In fact, don't even visit the bloody Hofbräuhaus. Munich is a beautiful city and there's much to do and to see. Check out these pages, maybe you'll find something interesting.