Select Page
O'Zapft is!

Historical Oktoberfest tour

Impressions

Description:

It's almost time again, and we're already really looking forward to the Oktoberfest in 2026. You can inquire about this tour in good time – it's just the thing for your travel group, a girls' trip, or even for Munich residents who would like to know a little more about it.

On this walk, we'll take a look at the history and behind the scenes of the world's largest folk festival. We'll learn how small beer stalls evolved into today's beer halls, what attractions drew Munich residents to the festival grounds 100 years ago, what long family traditions lie behind some of the rides, and what the first real Oktoberfest hit was.

Among beer tents, shooting galleries, brewery wagons, historic carousels, balloon vendors, and funfair vehicles, even Munich locals can discover many interesting and curious facts about the Oktoberfest. And there, you can certainly enjoy a few Oktoberfest delicacies... all under the watchful eye of the Bavaria statue!

Read more

However, if you're interested in the fascinating area surrounding the Oktoberfest grounds, then I recommend my guided tour "Around the Wiesn." Here, we walk from St. Paul's Church to Schwanthalerhöhe, always within sight of our Bavaria statue. We also focus on the actual Oktoberfest activities, which are often overlooked during the festivities.

At a glance:

Let yourself be enchanted by this very special Oktoberfest atmosphere! There are plenty of photo opportunities, especially around lunchtime when the Munich locals and the brewery horse-drawn carriages are out and about.
Enjoy the festival grounds on the Theresienwiese, which are actually empty for most of the year. Amidst all the tents and attractions, it's easy to forget that you're right in the heart of Munich.
The Oktoberfest is an endless source of history and stories, curiosities and many heartwarming events – it is not without reason that I am one of those who make the trip to the Wiesn almost every day for two weeks.

The most important things in brief:

Meeting point:
to be arranged individually depending on the time of day;
You can reach the festival grounds via Goetheplatz with the U3/U6 and directly to the Theresienwiese with the U4/U5.

Duration:
Bookable as a 2 or 3-hour tour

Distance:
approx. 1.5 km

Group size:
max. 20 people

Tailor-made:
What are you most looking forward to? Let me know and we'll make the tour a truly personal experience for you!

Member of the Munich Tourist Guide Association eV

Member of the Federal Association of German Tourist Guides in Germany eV
Official tour guide of the state capital Munich

Member of the TIM Tourism Initiative Munich

My tips for before and after our tour:

Whether you're an Oktoberfest newbie or an old hand, this tour offers something extra for everyone.

In my opinion, the Oktoberfest is best during the week and first thing in the morning. It's a leisurely stroll among the many locals, and you can usually still find a spot in a beer tent or, weather permitting, in one of the beer gardens surrounding the tents. You definitely shouldn't miss it!

A visit to the festival grounds shouldn't be limited to just the beer tents. The true Oktoberfest experience only comes when you take in some leisurely strolling between enjoying a liter of beer. A ride on the Ferris wheel is just as much a must as visiting the Devil's Wheel – especially if, after my tour, you also learn the historical background of all the historical attractions.

And what could be better than sitting on the steps below the Bavaria statue, watching the other festival-goers and soaking up the very special Oktoberfest air?

Frequently asked questions:

Is there a guarantee of getting a table at Oktoberfest after the tour?

Oh, unfortunately not. The guided tour doesn't include a table reservation. You'll need to take care of that in the spring. But with a bit of luck, you can usually still snag a spot during the day on weekdays.

When is the best time to visit Oktoberfest?

My historical Oktoberfest tour is usually only available during the week. It's simply too crowded and therefore too noisy on weekends. I prefer to take my guests out in the mornings, but I'm also willing to do tours for very small groups in the evenings. We can also use my audio guide system, which ensures clear communication even for larger groups and in noisy environments.

Can I have a snack during the tour?

Yes, of course! We're happy to stop by now and then to grab a bratwurst or some roasted almonds to eat on the go. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available. And the best part is that the stallholders themselves usually have a long history with the Oktoberfest.

Still questions?

Write to me or just call me:

Grit Ranft

Official tour guide of the state capital Munich
and the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial

phone

+49 151 5254 1981

Request a tour: