Oktoberfest History
Explore the fascinating origins of Oktoberfest and uncover how a royal wedding became the most iconic festival in Bavaria.
5-7 mil.
Liters of Beer
In a single year, Oktoberfest attendees guzzle down an astonishing amount of beer, reaching several million liters. The precise figures vary between 5-7 million liters, so it’s safe to say that beer flows like the Isar River during this 16-18 days period. Maybe that is why locals also call it the fifth season of the year.
6 mil. visitors
every year
Millions of visitors from around the world flock to Munich to partake in the Oktoberfest revelries, with over six million attendees annually, transforming Munich into a bustling international hub of celebration. And the hype about the ‘Wiesn’ is steadily increasing: In 2023 a new visitors record with 7.2 million visitors was broken.
1 bil. € revenue
every year
The economic impact of Oktoberfest on Munich and the surrounding regions is staggering, generating more than one billion euro in overall revenue and approximately 10 to 12 million euro per big beer tent.
Oktoberfest today
Over the last two centuries, the Oktoberfest transformed from a local Bavarian tradition into a global phenomenon.
The sound of clinking beer steins, the rhythm of traditional Bavarian music, and the irresistible aroma of roasted almonds and sizzling sausages still define the unique atmosphere of the festival. These timeless traditions are what make Oktoberfest in Bavaria so special and authentic.
As the years passed, the festival grounds expanded to welcome more beer tents, amusement rides, and cultural attractions. Today, millions of visitors from around the world gather in Munich each year to experience genuine Bavarian hospitality, traditional beer culture, and the unmistakable Oktoberfest spirit.
History of the Oktoberfest
Since 1810 - The origins
The origins of Oktoberfest are closely linked to the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I of Bavaria, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The wedding took place on October 12, 1810, and the celebrations were magnificent and extravagant, befitting the union of a crown prince and a princess. The citizens of Munich were invited to take part in the festivities on the meadows outside the city gates. These meadows were later named Theresienwiese in honor of the princess.
A royal wedding
The wedding celebration was not merely a private affair for the nobility; it was a public event meant to involve and entertain the entire population of Munich. The festivities included horse races, parades, music, dancing, and, later on, copious amounts of food and beer. The people of Munich embraced the event with such enthusiasm that it was decided to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year, marking the beginning of the annual tradition.
Celebration of Bavarian culture
The following year, in 1811, an agricultural fair was added to the horse races, attracting farmers and merchants from the surrounding regions. As the years passed, more and more attractions were introduced, including amusement rides, games, and the establishment of small beer stands. These beer stands eventually evolved into the large beer tents and halls that we see at the Oktoberfest today.
World's biggest beer festival
The Oktoberfest became not just a celebration of a royal marriage but also a celebration of Bavarian culture, traditions, and, notably, its excellent beer. Breweries in Munich started to participate, showcasing their finest brews to the attendees. Over time, beer became the central focus of the festival, and the quality and variety of beers on offer became a point of pride for both brewers and attendees.