As the capital of Bavaria, Munich is home to the world’s biggest keg party, the famous Oktoberfest. Every October thousands make the pilgrimage to this holy land of lager to celebrate beer, pretzels, and lederhosen while rocking out to traditional oompah-pah tunes. 2010 marks the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest, a celebration that began in 1810 at the wedding reception of Prince Ludwig and Princess Theresa. The wedding took place in a meadow which is now known as Theresienwiese or Theresa’s Meadow. Oktoberfest is still celebrated at this location.
While Germans love their beer, they also love the fine engineering of the sports car. The high-velocity autobahn is built for the high-performance vehicles such as the BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi, which all have their birthplace in the famous city. Buckle up and pace yourself, because Oktoberfest in Munich can be one hell of a ride.
Where We Went
- The Autobahn — A real man’s trip to Germany is not complete without a ride on the Autobahn, meaning “motor way.” 20% of Germany’s “motor ways” have unlimited speeds and some of these roads are in Bavaria. So before you get your drink on, be sure to fulfill your need for speed.
- Backerei Schmidt — Stop in this pretzel joint for a pre-drinking snack. Pretzels make a great sponge!
- Oktoberfest — If you are going to Munich, plan your trip in the fall where between mid-September and early October, the town is taken over by Oktoberfest. Seek out the Wiesn where you’ll find games, rides and more importantly, beer tents. Being that this is the biggest party in the world, you’ll need to plan ahead. Most tents require a reservation, sometimes up to a year in advance. Check out the Hof Brau, Hacker-Pschorr or Spaten tent, among others. The beer definitely tastes better here.
- Zoozie’s — If you want to try some real Bavarian spirits, pop in for a sampling of locally made drinks, like Slyers Whiskey, the only whiskey made in Germany. Or get ahold of some Bavarian Schnapps like Waldhimbeer, a raspberry flavored liqueur, served in champagne flute. But at 84 proof, with no added sweetener and ingredients like fruit pulp, grains or roots this is not a girly drink. Also try the Bodensee Obstbrand, a very strong (76 proof) apple-pear flavored schnapps – pound it. 76 proof.
Germany Facts:
- Autobahn means Motoway and many in Germany have no speed limit
- Munich is the former capital of Bavaria referred to as Munchen or “monk” in English.
- “Lederhosen” is German for “leather pants.”
- Slyers Whiskey is made from single malt barley and spring water from the Bavarian town of Schliersee.
- “Kater” is the German word for hangover.
- Beer serving begins at 10am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.
- Most tables at oktoberfest are reserved, some up to a year in advance.
- Unlike American schnapps, German schnapps are made with sugar from fruit pulp, grains and/or roots. They typically have double the alcohol content of American schnapps.
- The Hacker-Pschorr Brewery produces a brew specifically for Oktoberfest and each year they make more than 1 million liters of it.
- About 30% of all beer produced by the 6 Munich breweries is consumed during Oktoberfest.
- Roughly half a million chickens are eaten at Oktoberfest.
- European Snuff is a dry, fine ground tobacco.
How to Toast in Munich
“Prost” in English literally translates to “toast.”
Zum Wohl is also acceptable and means “to your health”
THREE SHEETS TRIVIA
- How fast does Zane drive on the Autobahn?
- What does Zane hang his lederhosen on?
- If you do not finish the rest of your beer you are a what?
- Security tells Zane to do what?
- How many liters of beer did Zane drink?
HANGOVER CURE
Veil Sausage cased in pork guts served with a beer. (doesn’t instantly cure a hangover)
Please Sir, I Want Some More
Learn more about traveling to Munic here.
