What´s it all about? On October 12th 1810 Crown Prince Ludwig, later King Ludwig I, was married to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities, to which the citizens of Munich were invited, took place on a lying meadow in front of the gates of the city. The place then was named in honor of the bride's name "Theresienwiese".
As part of the wedding ceremony held on October 17th 1810 a horse race took place in the presence of the royal family. By the decision to repeat the race in the following year the tradition of October-Festivals was brought to life.
The horse races as the oldest and once most popular event nowadays do no longer exist (only during the 200. anniversary of the Oktoberfest in 2010 horse races were held again). The range of general entertainment was modest in the first decades. In 1818 the first carousel and two swings were set up. In small stalls, the number grew rapidly, visitors were able to drink beer. From 1896 the beer stands were followed by the first big beer tents.
Today the Oktoberfest is the largest folk festival in the world: More than 6 million visitors from all over the world come together every year. And since the Oktoberfest still takes place on the Theresienwiese, it is called simply the "Wiesn".
To get the latest information about this year´s Oktoberfest: <click here>
And to make sure that you do not feel too much as a stranger when you will be visiting the Oktoberfest here is the perfect guide, a English-German Glossary: <click here>
Location: Munich, Theresienwiese
How to get there: Underground-trains to station "Theresienwiese" or "Goetheplatz"
Use the Munich Public Transportation Journey Planner to find your way!
Learn more about the famous Oktoberfest attractions:
Watch the highlights of the Munich Octoberfest 2010:
Opening Ceremony of the Oktoberfest 2010:
The "Hippodrom"
Situated right by the main entrance of the Oktoberfest this tent --thanks to shiny yellow and red color-- can hardly be overlooked: The "Hippodrom" has joined the Oktoberfest for many decades. Bavarian tradition and comfort meet up with international flair. Prominent guests are sighted quite often. No doubt that you will experience more than just food and drink at this place.
Learn more about the famous Hippodrom: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6OyB5tL8T0&feature=em-uploademail
Pictures of the Oktoberfest Parade:
PRESS PLAY AND LISTEN
TO THE FAMOUS HOFBRÄUHAUS SONG!
