Can you do Oktoberfest without the crowds? Having lived in Munich in my early twenties, I’ve been to the Wiesn, as the locals call it, quite a few times over the years. And it can get quite wild. Now the world’s largest folk festival, Oktoberfest began in 1810 with celebrations marking the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on 12 October. Today, it feels like an enormous fair, with traditional Bavarian dress, music, rides and, of course, the famous beer tents.
So, when I received an invitation from my women’s business network CeU, I thought this might be the chance to experience Oktoberfest a little differently: a group of lovely women, reserved tables and a set lunch.
The venue? Käfer Wiesn-Schänke, often simply called the Käfer tent. With its cosy, rustic setting and popularity among locals and celebrities, it sounded like my kind of Wiesn experience. I was excited, and my dirndl, the traditional Bavarian dress, was ready for another outing.
But can you really experience Oktoberfest without the crowds? And which are the best Oktoberfest tents for a more stylish Oktoberfest?
Read below for my perfect Oktoberfest guide. An of course, an Oktoberfest trip wouldn’t be complete without a stay at one of Munich’s finest luxury hotels.
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Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten
Combining the fun of the Wiesn with a luxurious retreat and time to enjoy Munich itself was my idea of the perfect escape.
My stay at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich was the perfect complement to the festivities. After the busy tents, I loved returning to the hotel, relaxing in the lobby, enjoying their delicious apple strudel and sampling cocktails in the beautiful bar. If Oktoberfest without the crowds feels impossible, having a luxurious place to unwind makes all the difference. The stay was a highlight of my time in Munich, and I would highly recommend it.
Besides the outstanding services, it’s the little things that make this stay special. For example a great welcome gift and a guide on how to do Oktoberfest the Bavarian way. With some useful tips.
And if you’re wondering how to avoid the biggest Oktoberfest crowds, my advice is to visit during the week. Weekends are really hectic! Whatever dates you choose, book your hotel well in advance. Munich gets very busy during Oktoberfest.
Let’s take a look at the best Oktoberfest tents below…
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Oktoberfest without the Crowds
Can you enjoy Oktoberfest without the crowds? Absolutely not! It is busy from the moment the gates open in the morning. From families to large groups of friends and couples, this enormous fair draws everyone in.
After each visit, I say it will be my last. After all, there is plenty of drinking, finding a table can be a challenge, and the food and drinks certainly aren’t cheap. Yet somehow, the atmosphere always draws me back. And a trip to Munich is always a good idea!
Oktoberfest fact: Despite its name, most of the festival now takes place in September, as the dates were gradually moved earlier to take advantage of milder weather. Furthermore, only beer from Munich’s six traditional Oktoberfest breweries is served at the festival: Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
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Best Oktoberfest tents
Although I haven’t sampled them all myself, I have the vote of all my network ladies. And so here are the best 5 Oktoberfest tents to celebrate Oktoberfest in the most stylish way. Without the crowds? Most likely not. But fun is guaranteed! If you can get in.
1. Käfer Wiesn-Schänke – celebrity guests and rustic charm
An Alpine-style setting, elaborate flowers, good food and champagne make Käfer the perfect tent. It is particularly associated with Munich society, celebrities and FC Bayern players. The lunch experience was perfect and the music wild.
2. Wildstuben – a smaller, cosy setting
Its hunting-lodge style and Bavarian food offer a more intimate setting than the enormous beer halls. Our “reserved table” turned out to be just a little spot in the corner, which didn’t feel particularly luxurious, but the rosé wine and martini cocktails made up for it.
3. Kufflers Weinzelt – wine, champagne and late-night celebrations
For further wine and champagne lovers, the Kufflers Weinzelt is your choice. Comfortable seating, live music and an extensive wine selection give it a distinctive character. Not to mention that it is a popular tent for celebrities and late-night partygoers.
4. Marstall Festzelt – a glamorous choice with celebrity visitors
Beer or champagne, you can find it all in the Marstall tent. And it is a favourite of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Shame I wasn’t there the same night as him. Hopefully next time!
5. Schützen-Festzelt – Munich society and traditional atmosphere
A strong choice for a classic Wiesn experience with a fashionable local crowd. The official guide describes its audience as including locals, nobility, politicians and celebrities. This one is definitely not the Oktoberfest without the crowds, so expect a lively and wild atmosphere rather than a quiet retreat.
The list of the best Oktoberfest tents could go on and on, but I hope these suggestions give you a little guidance. None of them are without the crowds, but when you’ve had enough, simply take some time to enjoy Munich itself.
There is plenty to do in this beautiful city, from luxury shopping to exploring wonderful restaurants and bars. You won’t get bored!
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Munich City
I love Munich. It’s as simple as that. There is something about the city that agrees with me: the style, the people, the Bavarian dialect. Every time I visit, I feel at home. Is it because I used to live and work here? Maybe. Either way, Oktoberfest was the perfect excuse to return.
Although the city felt busy, with plenty of tour groups exploring the streets, I still enjoyed quiet morning walks, delicious lunches and a little luxury shopping along Maximilianstraße. Staying at Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski Munich put me in the perfect location to enjoy it all.
Experiencing Oktoberfest without the crowds might not be entirely possible, but balancing the festivities with time to enjoy Munich itself is a lovely way to make the most of your trip. Until next time!
Read about my other city escapes here: Vienna – the most beautiful city in the world!
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Enjoy Octoberfest without the crowds today! Pick one of the best Oktoberfest tents and off you go!
