By Eben Diskin | Published on February 8, 2024
Oktoberfest isn't just a staple of Bavarian culture but the perfect way to celebrate German tradition. If Berlin has been on your bucket list for a while — and it definitely should be — going to Berlin for Oktoberfest is the ideal way to experience everything the buzzing German capital has to offer, while also diving into a unique, lively and culturally rich tradition.
The annual beer-guzzling festival is a two-week extravaganza held in late September or early October. Since the event originated in Munich, the city naturally hogs the spotlight. Berlin, however, is much less crowded and more affordable than the Bavarian capital. Going to Berlin for Oktoberfest means immersing yourself in German culture, cuisine and overall fun that's hard to replicate anywhere else. Plus, it's so easy to cruise to Berlin.
Here's what you need to know about celebrating Oktoberfest in Berlin.
Oktoberfest in Germany is a two-week celebration that attracts visitors from all over the world. It began in Munich in 1810, occupying a 100-acre plot of land just west of the city, and is still held there to this day. The event has roots in the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The union took place one year after a quashed rebellion in the neighboring county, so Oktoberfest was held to create a sense of shared national pride across Bavaria. The royal family invited 40,000 people to participate in the multi-day festival in Munich, which primarily featured beer tents and horse racing.
It didn't end there, however. While the royal wedding was over, the festival transformed into an opportunity for local farmers to showcase their agricultural wares. It was held again the following year in the same location, and shortly thereafter expanded to include carousels and swings, carnival-like attractions, food stands, agricultural competitions and live cooking. Though the horse races ended in 1960, the beer tents remain an integral part of the festivities and have evolved into huge beer halls made of plywood accommodating up to 6,000 people each.
If you're researching "When is Oktoberfest in Germany?" you may find some differing answers. Oktoberfest takes place in September, but this wasn't always the case. Originally it was held in October, to coincide with the anniversary of the very first royal celebration. By the end of the 19th century, however, the date was changed to September to take advantage of somewhat warmer weather.
If you decide to attend Oktoberfest in Berlin, you can look forward to a party of epic proportions. Though Berlin is part of the state of Brandenburg, Oktoberfest has brought a distinctly Bavarian culture to Germany's capital since 1949. From the swirling aroma of freshly baked pretzels to the taste of a mouth-watering bratwurst and the centuries-old sound of a button accordion, Berlin's Oktoberfest ignites all the sights, sounds and flavors of Bavarian tradition.
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in Berlin takes place on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm in the form of a huge Bavarian-style tent, original Oktoberfest beer, and several carnival rides. The large party tent features a brass band, classic Bavarian cuisine like pork knuckles, pretzels and roast chicken, and, of course, freshly brewed beer. The tent is less crowded on the weekdays, but a weekend visit is a must if you're looking for the most raucous party atmosphere.
Conveniently located next to the Ostbahnhof train station, the Spreewiesn Oktoberfest is another must-see celebration in Berlin. You'll come for the jugs overflowing with Löwenbräu beer — a traditional Bavarian brew — but you'll stay for the original Bavarian band and the irresistible scent of roasted chicken, bratwursts, pretzels, roasted pork knuckles and other traditional foods. This event doesn't just take place during Oktoberfest, either. Every Friday and Saturday from September 10 to October 29, you can partake in traditional Bavarian culture here starting at 6 p.m. Given the venue's popularity, however, it's recommended to book a table in advance.
For a slightly more intimate Oktoberfest experience, head to the Hofbräu on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. This bar-restaurant, which typically serves Bavarian food and drinks, pulls out all the stops for Oktoberfest, setting up a tent where you can enjoy your drinks while listening to the original Hofbräuhaus show band.
Preparing for a typical cruise abroad is one thing. You've got your clothes and your day bag with the bare essentials. Preparing for Oktoberfest is a whole different animal. Even if you've been to festivals before and are no stranger to fun nights out while traveling, Oktoberfest comes with its own unique set of considerations. Whether it's knowing when to show up, what events to attend, what to avoid, how to dress or how to maximize the experience, there's a lot to keep in mind before you travel to Germany for Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest isn't just one celebration in one location on one day. Spread out across dozens of venues, each with their own tents, beers and food, Oktoberfest requires some planning if you want to maximize your time. First, figure out which days your cruise will stop in Berlin. Then, plan out how you'll spend each day. You don't want to show up to Oktoberfest festivities not knowing which tent you'll be visiting and then struggle to make a reservation or find a seat. Some stay open later than others, for example, while some are more geared toward families with children. If eating traditional food is your chief concern when visiting Berlin on a cruise, you'll want to research in advance which events have the German fare you're looking for. The same goes for live music and those who are particular about their beer selection.