Welcome to Hotels.com complete guide to Oktoberfest!

This epic drinkathon is the world's largest fair with an estimated 6.5 million people attending yearly. Renowned for its bevies of Buxom Bavarian beauties, flagons of the finest ale and epic banquets on medieval proportions, here you can meet likeminded boozers from all over the world, all descending on the Theresienwiese for one almighty knees-up that lasts into the wee hours.

History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest began in 1811 with celebration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. To share in his joy, the good Prince organised a horse race and invited the whole of Munich. After copious amounts of beer and a thoroughly good time had by all, it was decided Oktoberfest would be held each year, in conjunction with the annual agricultural show. Thus Oktoberfest began!

When is Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is held each year from Saturday 17th September - 3rd October. It opens with a huge parade of marching bands and acrobats, replete in Bavarian dress. 14 massive brewery sponsored beer halls, all heave with the smell of grilled bratwursts and froth with the foam of world class beers.

Best time to visit

For beer diehards, the best Oktoberfest experience is definitely the tapping of the first keg at the Schottenhamel. With an almighty cry of O'zapft is! (It is tapped) from the Mayor of Munich, revellers are finally allowed to quench their thirst. Remember no drinking until then! Schottenhamel is also considered to be one of the best tents, as it has an authentic and inclusive atmosphere. For those of a sensitive disposition, weekend crowds can be on the little intense side, and week days are just as much fun, just not as raucous.

Last year's 200th anniversary of the Munich Oktoberfest attracted nearly six and a half million visitors, consuming millions of litres of beer, making it a huge success!

If you've never been to Oktoberfest before then I'm sure you must be wondering with so many people, with so much beer and so much fun, how will you survive it all?

Well, do not worry; our team at hotels.com has come up with a handy survival guide based on our experiences, so you can get the most out of your Oktoberfest experience!

So if you want to get to the right place at the right time and avoid making any of those beginners' mistakes then just simply read our tips: