Young women in traditional Bavarian clothes - dirndl or tracht - on a festival or Oktoberfest in a beer tent

Berlin For Oktoberfest: What To Know Before You Go

Berlin for Oktoberfest: One of the World's Best Parties

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.

All About Oktoberfest In Germany

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.

The girl is holding a delicious traditional German pretzel in the hand against the backdrop of the Berlin Cathedral is called Berliner Dom. Berlin, Germany

Enjoy a pretzel in front of the city's stately historic buildings.

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.

People drinking in the Hippodrom Beer Tent on the Theresienwiese Oktoberfest fair grounds Germany

Revel in an Oktoberfest market.

Oktoberfest may have started in Munich, but it's since spread all over Germany and the world. From events in various U.S. states to a rainier Oktoberfest in Edinburgh, there's a way to celebrate Oktoberfest no matter where you are. But there's nothing like an authentic German Oktoberfest. For one of the most exciting cruise experiences, try traveling to Berlin for Oktoberfest. Berlin Oktoberfest might not be as well-known as its Munich counterpart, but it has all the beer steins, lederhosen, bratwurst and folk songs you've come to expect from the German tradition, in a much less overwhelming package than the Munich version.

The energy of Oktoberfest is palpable, as everyone embraces the traditions and camaraderie, so you'll definitely walk away with some new friends. There's even a special term for it, called "Wiesen bekanntschaft," or "Oktoberfest acquaintance."

What Berlin's Oktoberfest Looks Like

Drunk people dancing and celebrating Octoberfest outdoors

Dance to traditional German folk songs.

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.

Man in traditional bavarian clothes playing the accordion

Listen to traditional German music.

One of the most unique Oktoberfest venues in Berlin is undoubtedly the Spandau Citadel. The fortress dates back to the 16th century and is one of the best-preserved Renaissance military buildings in Europe. It's built on top of a medieval fort on a small island. Needless to say, it's one of the coolest places to ring in Oktoberfest. On Fridays and Saturdays during the festival, the citadel is home to a huge tent with a nonstop stage program and over 2,000 seats. Music will include performances by the original Oktoberfest band, Andreas Autengruber and the Enzianer. Classic Bavarian dishes like white sausages, liver dumpling soup, soft pretzels, apple strudel and pork knuckles will be served.

Roasted pork knuckle or hock with a crispy golden rind served with a pretzel and cold beer at a tavern offering traditional Bavarian cuisine to tourists

Indulge in pretzels, beer and pork knuckles during Oktoberfest.

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.

To cap off your Oktoberfest experience, make sure to stick around for the Day of German Unity on October 3. Celebrating the country's reunification in 1990, the holiday is marked by live music, food and drink stalls and carnival games on the Straße des 17. Juni near the historic Brandenburg Gate.

How To Prepare For Oktoberfest

Cheers to Oktoberfest in traditional German outfits.

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.

Five friends having fun on Bavarian RIver and clinking glasses with Oktoberfest

Enjoy pints with friends.

The first thing to remember also applies to many aspects of life: Show up early. Oktoberfest tents get packed pretty quickly, so you'll want to get there as early as possible to grab a table. This could mean as early as 7 a.m., if you really want to be sure of having a prime spot to sit. Once you've got your table, it's equally important to understand how seating at Oktoberfest works. Unlike sitting down to dine at a restaurant, there's no expectation of privacy here. Tables are long to encourage community bonding, so don't try to claim one for yourself or your group. Expect to sit with total strangers, and be open to making conversation. The energy of Oktoberfest is palpable, as everyone embraces the traditions and camaraderie, so you'll definitely walk away with some new friends. There's even a special term for it called "Wiesen bekanntschaft," or "Oktoberfest acquaintance."

Lager beer and snacks of sausages and sauerkraut on the table close-up

Have a bratwurst and a pint to celebrate Oktoberfest.

As with any major party or festival, you'll want to dress in the spirit of the event. In this case, that means wearing lederhosen and dirndls. Usually, Americans showing up in Germany wearing lederhosen would immediately be pegged as over-the-top tourists. But during Oktoberfest, the more over-the-top, the better — even the locals do it. For women, be aware that the bow on your dirndl's apron has a special significance depending on where it's tied. If the knot is on the left of your body, it means you're single, and if it's on the right, it means you're taken. So, plan accordingly. Footwear is also a huge consideration. You'll find yourself navigating through huge crowds, getting your toes stepped on and likely spilling beer on yourself. Wear shoes you don't mind getting ruined and that are built to handle the crush of a crowd (and a lot of beer stains).

Men with beer mugs with Bavarian beer in Tyrolean hats with feathers celebrating beer festival outdoor among the trees in Germany

Dress up, drink some pints and make new friends at Oktoberfest.

Although we increasingly live in a paperless world, cash is still king at Oktoberfest. While some venues accept credit cards, most vendors and food stalls do not. Cash machines are available onsite, but you'll find yourself waiting in long lines and paying high transaction fees, and that's not the kind of Berlin Oktoberfest experience you're looking for. How much you should bring depends on how much you plan to eat and drink, but it'd be easy to spend at least $80 per day — especially if you're eating out and drinking at beer halls every day. It's also important to keep in mind that, while European tipping culture is generally more relaxed than in the U.S., tipping generously at Oktoberfest is highly recommended. Just make sure you have enough cash on hand and you're open to going with the flow.

Now that you're fully prepared for attending Oktoberfest, it's time to plan your cruise. So, when is Oktoberfest in Berlin this year? It's scheduled to take place from September 17 through October 3. The best way to have a fun and diverse experience at Oktoberfest in Berlin is by taking a Royal Caribbean Berlin cruise. The Berlin voyage not only immerses you in the best the city has to offer but also brings you to some of the country's best beaches along the Baltic Sea.

Written By
EBEN DISKIN

Eben Diskin is a travel writer, amateur pizza connoisseur, avid Indoorsman, and the Senior Staff Writer at Matador Network. While traveling, he pretends to enjoy activities like hiking, camping, fine dining, and museums, when all he really wants to do is drink Jack and Cokes at the hotel bar. He has a degree in History from Wheaton College and a definitely-not-useless Master's in Fiction Writing from the University of Edinburgh.

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