The next morning marked the beginning of the marquee event of our trip – Oktoberfest.

The morning began on a dreary note, with drizzle and a cool breeze greeting us as we headed out for the day. Our tent reservation was scheduled for ten that morning, but since I was one step away from death and Lauren was falling closer to me, we decided to pick up some provisions at the local Lidl (Aldi) and swung by the apothecary next to the hostel to get cold and flu meds to keep us vertical. Fully hydrated and medicated, our group left the hostel heading south to the center of the Oktoberfestivities.

Lauren and I did very little research on the actual event and what would all be included so we were surprised to be welcomed to a state fair like environment. Acres upon acres of land were filled with carnival rides (operated by very well kept individuals), Bavarian delicacies and of course, the massive beer tents.

Our reservation was at ten in the morning which corresponded with the opening of the tent, so we were able to see the tent in it’s rare stage of being nearly empty. In total, there are nearly 7,500 seats in cafeteria style fashion that spans over an two acres. We spent all six hours of our reservation reveling in the live brass band, drinking liters of Paulaner Oktoberfest and munching on the local fare including a giant pretzel and a plateful of spetzle.

The following day, we had a free morning as our tent reservation was set for five that evening. Our group went separate ways, some venturing out on Holocaust tours, or commuting to the outskirts of Munich. Since Lauren and I were still on death’s doorstep, we decided to continue our morning ritual of hydration and medication and stayed within walking distance of our hostel and simply check out the local area, which of course consisted of a handful of board game stores. Since each of us only brought a backpack for the trip, logistics of purchasing a game and hauling it back wasn’t feasible.

That evening, we followed the same route as before and headed to the festival. Within the interior of the grounds, is a subsection of Oktoberfest that yields itself to the days of yore, filled with unsophisticated carnival rides, simple carnival games and much smaller and cozier beer tents. It was here where our reservation was for the evening at the Volkssängerzelt Schützenliesl tent. Only holding roughly 1400 people, the environment was much more intimate than the night before and much more populated, with every seat taken.

Tradition was injected into every aspect of this tent, including using wooden kegs to hold all of the beer served. Every time a barrel was emptied, a brass bell would be rung to inform the entire tent that a new one was being tapped. Keeping with the theme, slow cooked, rotisserie chicken was served, with each member of our party getting a half. Lauren and I are still in agreement that it’s the best rotisserie chicken either of us has ever had (suck ii, Costco!)

We spent the entire night trading stories and singing German drinking songs (poorly, I might add) enjoying each others company and reveling in the fact that we were all able to come together, half way across the world for a once in a lifetime experience, as a close knit family. Upon reflection, I’m extraordinary lucky to have a great group of friends like this to share this unique experience. Love you all!!

Accommodation: Wombat City Hostel

Featured Image: the official banner of Oktoberfest 2022.