Topdeck Travel Blog

Topdeck Travel’s Festival Manager Amelia Lawrence talks Oktoberfest

It seems the world today is all about opening ceremonies. Whether it’s fighting tooth and nail to get tickets for the Olympics opening ceremonies, spraying sangria everywhere at the San Fermin opening ceremony in Pamplona, or even just trying to get the best bargains when a new Primark store has an opening sale – everyone loves an opening ceremony.

But what about for Oktoberfest?

Every year more Australian travellers flock to Munich to experience Oktoberfest’s opening weekend. So much so that it has become commonplace to hear an antipodean accent before a local one. The beers don’t start flowing on the first day of Oktoberfest until after the Mayor of Munich has tapped the first keg at the Schottenhamel beer tent. And considering that to get a seat most people get to the tents between 9 and 10am, this means several hours sitting, watching and waiting for the first taste of a delicious Bavarian beer.

So what about the other weekends? Traditionally, the middle weekend of Oktoberfest see lots of Europeans head to Munich from all over the continent to experience this amazing festival. The halls are full of a mix of Germans, Italians, Dutchies, as well as a smattering of Aussies in the mix. It’s the perfect time to meet people from all over Europe – and perhaps make new friends to doss with on future European adventures!

The closing weekend of Oktoberfest has a distinct local feel, as the halls start heaving with people from all over Southern Germany. The mood is relaxed, as everyone knows Oktoberfest is drawing to a close for another year. Locals are aware the busiest times are over, and are quick to share a joke and a beer with international visitors who have made it this far! Not to mention that stalls start discounting their Oktoberfest souvenirs, so you can try and grab a bargain!

The largest upside of the middle and closing weekends is the atmosphere. With less Australian travellers around, you’re more likely to meet some real Germans – and who better to learn the German version of “99 Luftballons” from than a local!

For more information about Topdeck’s range of trips to Munich for Oktoberfest Tours.

Any plans for September/October? Did you know that the World's BIGGEST BEER FESTIVAL is taking place then? Of course you did. But, are you going? You can rightly ask back - why would I? Well, here are just a couple of reasons:

• Approx. 6 million people think it's a good idea
• Great Beer - 69,400 hectolitres (1=100 ltrs)!
• Good Food - 14,2000 pairs of sausages or delicious pork knuckles
• Great Location - 14 huge beer tents!
• Somewhere to sit - 100,000 seats
• Somewhere else to sit - 980 toilets
• Lederhosen! Dirndls!

* UPDATE * We now have 2 special offers on our 8-Day Beerfest trips: book now and save 10%! Use promo code TDBEERFEST09 when booking the 8-Day Oktoberfest Grossmeister trip, or TD EUR09 DEK10 when booking your 8-Day Oktoberfest Megameister trip!