Are you one of the many Americans who dream of experiencing the world-famous Oktoberfest in Germany? While it may seem like a simple beer festival, there are customs that you should be aware of.
Oktoberfest is a cultural festival that attracts millions of visitors from all corners of the world each year. If you’re planning to attend Oktoberfest, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the six golden rules that will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.
So, before you pack your bags and head to Germany, read this article to make sure you’re prepared for the biggest party of your life!
1. German Beer Has a Higher Alcohol Content
Back in America, you may be able to finish a six-pack of your favorite beer and still be able to function. On the other hand, some German beer brands have an alcohol content of 6%, which is 1% more than standard beer.
Simply drinking one liter of German beer is the equivalent of drinking ten shots of vodka. If you want to have fun at Oktoberfest, you should pace yourself when trying various German beer brands. Alcohol poisoning is common at Oktoberfest, so try to drink slowly and enjoy the food and music.
2. You Don’t Have to Buy Tickets
One of the best things about Oktoberfest is that there is no entry fee. This means you don’t have to spend time researching how much tickets cost and how to get them. However, we do recommend making reservations in advance because the festival can get extremely packed.
You can book tables in advance and then arrive early in the morning to secure your seating, especially if you’re attending the festival with a large group of friends.
3. It’s Customary to Tip Your Server
When you attend Oktoberfest, you don’t want to stand in long queues at bars to try and get drinks for you and your friends. You don’t have to move around a lot when you’re at the festival because there are servers who will bring you drinks.
Your server is there to assist you with food and drinks, so it would be best to tip him or her the standard tipping rate of 10% or even 15%.
While you’re waiting for your beer and food, you can sit back, relax, and take some time to play Oktoberfest games on your mobile. Sometimes, people relax at their tables while they wait for the real festivities to begin.
4. Oktoberfest is Cashless
You may find it strange, but you will need to bring hard cash with you to Oktoberfest and make sure you have coins to tip servers and bathroom staff. There are card machines at the festival, but they create long waiting queues, so it’s much better to pay with cash.
It can get pricey at Oktoberfest, so you may want to create a budget. Some people can spend as much as 60 Euros a day when attending the festival. But that depends on how much you want to eat and drink.
5. Each Tent is Different
At Oktoberfest, some of the tents look similar on the outside, but each one has its own unique atmosphere and decor on the inside. You must try to visit as many tents as possible to get the full Oktoberfest experience.
There are tents adorned with lights, pictures, and flags. Then there are tents like the Hofbräu Haus, which is the most popular out of all the tents at Oktoberfest. It has over 10,000 seats, and it sells over 750,000 liters of beer during the festival.
The Hofbräu Haus is by far the most festive tent but can attract the most tourists, so it can get extremely crowded. Although it can get crowded, you should at least visit the tent once during your time at Oktoberfest.
6. Tent Etiquette
Everyone wants to have the best time when going to Oktoberfest. With that being said, you should always think of the people around you when you’re having fun. It’s seen as disrespectful if you’re loud or disrespectful to anyone in the tent you’re visiting.
At Oktoberfest, you are prohibited from dancing on tables and never take a beer glass with you. You’re also prohibited from bringing large backpacks into tents. You must follow the rules because you can get kicked out of the festival and banned from returning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a trip to Oktoberfest, then be sure to follow the six rules mentioned in this post. These tips will ensure you and your friends experience the most memorable trip to Germany that you’ll talk about for years to come.