The Oktoberfest tents are ready and they look glorious

Take a look inside the magnificent beer tents of the Munich Oktoberfest while they're still empty

It won't be long until the Munich Oktoberfest tents are heaving with partygoers from across the globe having the time of their lives.
It takes hundreds of workers months to get everything set up for the big party, and each of the huge beer tents is assembled from scratch each year.
When they’re finished they’re a magnificent sight to behold - true ‘cathedrals’ to the Oktoberfest deities of beer, food, music and good cheer.
Here’s a look inside the most famous beer tents at the festival, while they’re still empty.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:16am PDT

The Schottenhamel tent. This is where it all begins! At midday on the festival's first Saturday, Munich's lord mayor uses a mallet to tap the first keg to mark the festival officially open. The Schottenhamel is the oldest Oktoberfest tent, which interestingly, attracts the youngest crowd.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 14, 2017 at 11:22am PDT

The Ochsenbraterei tent. It's name means 'Ox grill' and that's what this tent is famous for - each year scores of oxen are given names, roasted on spits and served up to a hungry public. last year alone 116 were eaten. The tent is lovingly decked out in sky blue and white - the colours of the Bavarian flag.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 11, 2017 at 8:33am PDT

The Pschorr Bräurosl tent. It's one of the smaller ''big' tents which has one of the nicest Oktoberfest 'closing ceremonies' on the last evening of the festival.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 8, 2017 at 7:07am PDT

The Armbrustschützenzelt tent. It's name translates as 'crossbow shooting tent' which kind of explains the game trophies lining the interior. It's also where they have the German Crossbow Championships! There's great food and beer to had here.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 5, 2017 at 4:20am PDT

The Marstall tent. This is the newest Oktoberfest tent - the Marstall replaced the Hippodrom a few years back after the owner of the latter had to withdraw due to a wee tax avoidance scandal. That said, the tent looks rather timeless, and is obviously very lovingly decorated. The Marstall has a special rule that you're not allowed to stand on the benches before 4pm.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Aug 2, 2017 at 5:47am PDT

The Löwenbräu Festhalle tent. The 4.5m-high lion statue that's Löwenbräu' mascot make this tent unmissable, and the curved ceiling kind of makes it feel like you're in a huge beer barrel. The Löwenbräu Festhalle always attracts a strong international crowd, and it's especially popular with Italians.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 30, 2017 at 2:46am PDT

The Augustiner Festhalle tent. This huge and beautiful tent is known for being family friendly. It has a great atmosphere with lovely staff, and Munich's favourite Augustiner beer is served out of wooden barrels.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 25, 2017 at 5:06am PDT

The Schützen Festzelt tent. This one is known for its traditional atmopshere and is the usual hang-out of the region's shooting clubs. And Arnold Schwarzenegger has been known to drop by!

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 23, 2017 at 5:09am PDT

The Winzerer Fähndl tent. You'll be able to spot this one by the huge revolving mug of Paulaner beer out front. And that lovely brew is what this tent is most famous for - when things get into full swing, 15 Maß of it are served up every minute.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 20, 2017 at 2:57am PDT

The Fischer Vroni tent. The ship-shaped stage at the back is a nod to the speciality of this Oktoberfest tent - smoked fish (Steckerlfisch). It's delicious, and goes well with one of those giant prezels (Brezn).

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 18, 2017 at 4:43am PDT

The Hofbräu Festzelt tent. The biggest and most famous of all Oktoberfest tents, the mighty Hofbräu, decorated with hanging hops, is a sight to relish. The huge chap with the harp at the back is the Oktoberfest angel, Aloisius. It's become a bit of a tradition to decorate him with your underpants.

A post shared by Oktoberfest (@oktoberfest) on Jul 14, 2017 at 10:03am PDT

The Hackerfestzelt tent. Also known as the 'Heaven of Bavaria', the Hacker has got to be one of the most beautiful Oktoberfest tents. It fills up very quicky in here, so make sure to arrive extra early if the heaven be your goal!

So now you've seen all the big Oktoberfest tents, which one do you tink is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

Do you like this site? Get the guidebook!

Destination Munich and Bavaria is the best, most up-to-date and entertaining travel guide to the region - guaranteed.
It gives you full-colour maps, practical information and top tips on how to get the most out of your visit.
It's 227 pages of up-to-the-minute travel intelligence and it can be yours as an eBook for less than the price of an Oktoberfest beer. (read on)

Pass it on

Share this page:

Or follow us on Facebook: