Your Guide to Oktoberfest Tents: Which One to Visit?

Grab your lederhosen men and a hearty Bavarian appetite – we're embarking on a whimsical journey through the heart of Munich's world-famous Oktoberfest! From the clinking of beer steins in the oldest breweries to the sizzling aroma of grilled fish, each beer tent at Oktoberfest is a realm of its own, brimming with unique traditions and tantalizing flavors. Explore through the table which tent to go for when visiting Oktoberfest. 

A Highlight To Oktoberfest Tent Details 

Oktoberfest Beer Tent	Capacity (Inside/Outside)	Special Features	Brewery/Beer Served	Notable Aspects
Augustiner	6,000 / 2,500	Oldest brewery in Munich, wooden kegs	Augustiner Brau	Kid-friendly, traditional atmosphere, established in 1328
Fischer Vroni	2,695 / 700	Famous for grilled “fish on a stick”	Augustiner beer	Older crowd, fish-centric offerings, opened in 1949
Hacker-Festzelt	6,900 / 2,500	Rock band entertainment, large mural	Hacker-Pschorr brews	"Himmel der Bayern" (Heaven of Bavaria), modern vibe
Hofbräu Festzelt	4,500 / 3,022	Standing tables, vibrant atmosphere	Hofbräu	Known for craziness, no need to be seated for beer
Käfer’s Wies’n Schänke	1,000 / 1,900	Upscale, fine cuisine, extended hours	Paulaner	Cozy and upscale, operates 2 hours longer than other tents
Marstall	3,200 / 1,000	Modern style, upscale cuisine	-	Blend of tradition and modernity, live music from 6.30 pm
Ochsenbraterei	5,900 / 1,500	Ox on a spit, historic roasting machine	Späten-Franziskaner-Bräu	Opened in 1881, unique ox roasting attraction
Schottenhamel	10,000 / -	Official Tapping of the Keg, political and celebrity attendees	Spatenbräu	Traditional, known for turkey leg, historic significance
Weinzelt	1,300 / 600	Wine offerings, sparkling wines and champagnes	Nymphenburger Sekt Wein	Wine alternative, variety of wines and a Paulaner Weissbier
Winzerer Fähndl	8,450 / 2,450	Landmark beer stein, visited by celebrities and footballers	Paulaner	Elite atmosphere, Bavarian music, variety of fine cuisine

Hacker-Pschorr Brewery Tent

The Hacker-Pschorr Brewery tent, a favorite among locals and international visitors at Oktoberfest, first opened in 1907 and is steeped in history, with the brewery dating back to 1417. This tent, also known as "Hacker" (Hakka), offers a vibrant yet age-diverse atmosphere, avoiding the very young crowds often found at Hofbrau. 

Renowned for its exceptional beer and music, the Hacker Tent is especially famous for its enchanting interior, featuring a painted ceiling by Oscar-winning designer Rolf Zehetbauer. This ceiling, depicting a dreamy Bavarian sky, can partially open depending on the weather, earning the tent its slogan "Himmel der Bayern" (Heaven of Bavaria).

The tent's picturesque setting makes it a favored backdrop for German television and professional photographers, with filming usually occurring on the VIP balcony. The atmosphere is further elevated by brass oompah bands playing traditional and modern hits on a revolving stage, followed by live rock 'n roll bands at night. 

Table Reservations 

• Weekday evening and weekend reservations are typically renewed a year in advance.
• Weekday Lunch Reservations: Available from Noon to 5:45 pm, bookings start on April 1st.
  • Unreserved Seats Availability:
  • Weekdays: 1,700 seats kept open for first-come-first-served.
  • Weekends: 4,000 seats available, but extremely high demand.
• Timing for Unreserved Seats:
  • Weekdays: Seats fill up between 1-3 pm.
  • Weekends: Queue by 6 am to secure a seat (before the tent opens).

Hofbräu Festzelt: Where the Party Never Ends

The Hofbrau Tent at Munich's Oktoberfest, originating from the historic Hofbräu Haus, is renowned for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It is one of the largest tents, accommodating nearly 10,000 seats and selling over 750,000 liters of beer during the festival. Known for its high energy levels, this tent attracts the most significant percentage of international visitors at Oktoberfest, with up to 30% on some days, including women and men in traditional German outfits from the UK, USA, Italy, Australia, and Germany. 

Despite some locals labeling it as a spot for "stupid tourists," it's popular among them too, with locals reserving spots well in advance, including a dedicated section for local-only reservations.

The tent's interior is beautifully adorned with natural light, leafy greens, and rings made of hops. A notable feature is the beer angel Aloisius, based on a Bavarian tale, symbolizing humor and fun. The tent is not just about beer; it also offers wine and is celebrated for its great food, drinks, music, and overall festive experience.

Table Reservations

• Early Reservation Access: Customers with a number from the previous year can begin reservations on January 1st. Others can submit reservation requests starting March 1st.
• Reservation Challenges:
  • High likelihood of full bookings by March 1st.
  • Locals are prioritized for evening and weekend spots.
• Unreserved Seats Policy:
  • 1,000 standing room spots available.
    • At least 2,000 unreserved seats open daily on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Timing for Unreserved Seats:
    • Weekdays: Seats fill up between Noon-2 pm.
    • Weekends: Must be in line by 6 am, before the tent opens, to secure a seat; latecomers may wait half a day for entry.

Käfer’s Wies’n Schänke

Käfer’s Tavern, a must-visit at Oktoberfest since 1971, is designed like an old tavern and farmhouse, offering a unique and romantic atmosphere. Known for its lively daytime ambiance, the Tavern features two cozy floors with rustic booths, live bands on each level, and dance floors. 

It allows smaller group bookings (6-12 people) compared to other tents, enhancing the sense of Bavarian camaraderie or 'Gemütlichkeit.' The food at Käfer’s, especially gourmet platters and roast duck, is regarded as the best at Oktoberfest, superior to traditional Bavarian fare in other tents.

Entry can be exclusive, often requiring early arrival or local connections. It has a beautiful outdoor beer garden with stunning evening lighting.

Table Reservations

• Pricing: Reservations are more expensive due to the smaller size of the venue.
• Atmosphere: Vibrant rock and roll theme, featuring American classics and German hits.
• Extended Hours:
  • Last call: 12:15 am for outdoor areas, 12:30 am for indoor areas.
  • Closing Time: 1 am, later than other tents.

Schützen Tent

The Schützen tent at Oktoberfest is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic charm. Established in 1926 and located near the Lady Bavaria Statue, it serves Löwenbräu Beer and hosts the Oktoberfest afterparty. Named after historical shooting competitions, the tent is decorated with colorful garlands and is famous for its outstanding music, attracting celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Usain Bolt. Despite the majority of German-speaking visitors, the music selection appeals to all, featuring both German hits and American classics. 

Schützen offers excellent pork dishes, a Munich specialty, along with vegetarian options. Uniquely, it also serves hard liquor and wine. The tent features a beer maid mural, representing the Schützen Beer Company. Visitors who can't get inside can enjoy the lively outdoor beer garden and have a chance to access the VIP balcony before evening. Nearby, the Lady Bavaria Statue offers an additional attraction.

Table Reservations

• Reservation Start Date: February 1st (by mail, email, or fax) or March 1st.
• Group Sizes for Reservations: Accepting groups of 8 & 10 people.
• Unreserved Seats Availability:
  • Weekdays: 1500 open seats.
  • Weekends: 3000 open seats.
• Seating Policy: First come, first serve for unreserved seats.

Brewer’s Rosi Tent

The Bräurosl tent at Oktoberfest, serving Hacker-Pschorr beer since 1901, has been run by the Heide family since 1936, who maintain its rich traditions. Originally a major tent in 1913 with a capacity of 12,000 – the largest ever for an Oktoberfest tent – it remains a local favorite, identifiable by two 60-foot May Poles at its entrance. The tent's name, Bräurosl (Brewer's Rosi), honors Rosi Pschorr, the beautiful yodeling daughter of the original Pschorr Brewery owner. In tribute, a yodeler performs multiple times daily in her honor. Access to the upper balcony is exclusive to paid members of the Munich Lions Club. 

The first Sunday of Oktoberfest is known as Gay Sunday, attracting thousands of gay and lesbian visitors worldwide. The closing ceremony is marked by playing Robbie Williams' "Angels," accompanied by sparklers and a confetti gun. 

Table Reservations

• Request Timeline:
  • Start sending requests: January.
  • Confirmation of requests: May.
• Reservation Slots:
  • Monday-Friday: Noon to 4:30 pm.
  • Weekday evenings and weekends: Pre-booked a year in advance by locals, continuous renewal.

The Oxen Tent

The Oxen Tent, known for serving Spaten beer, is a highlight of Oktoberfest, famous for its rotating ox statue at the entrance. It originated from a Mechanical Ox Rotisserie started by Johann Rössler in 1881 and has grown into a large party tent, serving over 90 oxen annually. The tent, popular among locals, is adorned with blue and white garlands and bunting that looks even better with the women's Dirndl dress and Men Lederhosen shades around. 

It is also recognized for its excellent food and is more flexible in reservations than other major tents. The tent's standout dish is a juicy ox roast with red wine sauce and potato salad, but it also offers chicken and a renowned €20 prime rib. 

Anita Schwarz, the world record holder for carrying the greatest number of beer steins, works here. For those unable to enter due to crowds, a secret side door offers ox sandwiches for takeaway, providing a view of the ox roasting. The tent displays the name and weight of each ox cooked daily, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Table Reservations 

• Group Size for Reservations: Available for groups of 8 or 10 people.
• Minimum Purchase Requirements:
  • 2 liters of beer per person.
  • 1 meal per person.
  • Approximate cost: Around 35€ per person.
• Reservation Requests: These can be submitted before March 1st, which is when they are processed.

Winzerer Fähndl

The Winzerer Fähndl tent, serving Paulaner beer, is one of two tents hosted by the brewery at Oktoberfest. It's easily identifiable by a 100-foot-tall tower with a revolving 20-foot glass of beer at its entrance. 

The tent's name, translating to "Winzerers' Flag," is represented by a flag that flies high above it, aiding in its visibility. It features a large, sunny beer garden on the South side, popular with locals, particularly those in their 20s. 

While the tent offers great beer and a chance to escape some tourist crowds, it's considered one of the least unique among the main beer tents at Oktoberfest. Its primary appeal lies in the opportunity to enjoy Paulaner beer, one of the five lb served across the 15 large tents at the festival. This makes it a worthwhile visit for those looking to experience all the local beer varieties available at Oktoberfest.

Reservation

• Min 10 people can book this tent. 

Conclusion

Oktoberfest offers a range of tents catering to different preferences. Options include historical and diverse Hacker-Pschorr Brewery Tent, lively and international Hofbräu Festzelt, intimate gourmet experience at Käfer’s Wies’n Schänke, authentic and vibrant Schützen Tent, traditional Bräurosl with special events, flexible reservations at Oxen Tent, and a local experience at Winzerer Fähndl. Each tent offers a unique Bavarian cultural experience.