Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest Offer

Take part in the world's most famous beer festival, with our special Oktoberfest offer at Mandarin Oriental, Munich.

Full daily breakfast.
A selection of Bavarian delicacies in your room upon arrival.
Dress up and arrive in style to Oktoberfest in one of our authentic vintage buses equipped with beer and pretzels.
Two tickets to one of the highly sought-after Oktoberfest tents at a table for up to ten people, complete with a typical Bavarian menu.

Valid from 21 September - 2 October 2023.

The History of Oktoberfest

In 1810, the first Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich to mark the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, where all residents of Munich were invited to join. The celebration was held on a field outside the city, which was named after the bride and has been known as “Theresienwiese” ever since.

Originally, Oktoberfest began with a horse race, which was a great success. Due to the positive response, it was decided to hold the festival again in the following years, which resulted in the tradition of the Oktoberfest. Over the years, the festival grew to include more and more tents, rides, booths, and entertainment to delight visitors.

The Oktoberfest Today

A central part of Oktoberfest are the impressive beer tents, where visitors have the chance to try traditional Bavarian beer while experiencing Bavarian hospitality and coziness. The large festival tents offer space for thousands of people and are known for their unique atmosphere. Here you can meet friends and family, enjoy Bavarian specialities such as chicken (Brathähnchen), pretzels (Brezeln) and pork knuckle (Schweinshaxe) and dance to traditional and brass band music.

However, the Oktoberfest offers not only beer tents, but also a variety of rides, booths, and special attractions. From fast-paced roller coasters to traditional carousels, there is something for everyone. Visitors can also stock up on souvenirs, traditional clothing, and other goods at the numerous stalls.

Traditional (dress) "Tracht" plays an important part at Oktoberfest, with many visitors and locals dressing up in dirndls and lederhosen.

Lederhose & Dirndl

Bavarian traditional clothing has a long history and is closely linked to the tradition and culture of Bavaria. Initially intended as practical workwear for the country people in the Alpine regions, it has developed into a symbol of Bavarian identity. In the 19th century, the traditional dress experienced a strong revival, promoted by King Ludwig I of Bavaria. The traditional dress is a living symbol of Bavarian culture and tradition that connects people from all over the world at the Oktoberfest in Munich.

Facts about the Lederhose

Traditional Handcrafting

The production of lederhose is an expensive handcrafting process, made from high-quality, smooth and sturdy leather. The leather is cut by hand and then carefully sewn to produce long-lasting trousers.

Origin as Workwear

Originally, lederhose were workwear for the countryside people in the alpine regions of Bavaria and Tyrol. Due to their durability and resistance to the elements, they were ideal for work in the agricultural and craft sectors.

What do you wear underneath?

Lederhose are supposed to be tight-fitting, leaving little room for underwear. Nowadays, wearing briefs is a matter of preference, but until the 1940s, the answer was to wear lederhose "without anything" underneath.

Oktoberfest Festival Opening Hours

10am - 11:30pm (Monday - Friday)
9am - 11:30pm (Weekend & Public Holidays)