The unwritten customs of celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich

Celebrated globally, Oktoberfest is a Bavarian beer festival that takes place in countries around the world.

Munich is widely regarded as the most enjoyable location for the festival, which attracts approximately six million attendees annually, according to the festival website managed by Munich's Department of Labor and Economics.

I am a non-Bavarian German who frequently visits Munich and has gained insights into attending the festival, commonly referred to as the "Wiesn." Here are my recommendations.

What to wear

In Bavaria, the traditional dirndl for women and lederhosen for men are the dress code, and the locals encourage international visitors to wear traditional costumes.

Any budget can accommodate these outfits, ranging from affordable one-time costumes to vintage and bespoke clothing rentals.

Lederhosen are Bavarian-style outfits, not German as many travelers believe. You won't see them in the north, except for Oktoberfest.

From ordering to tipping

Contrary to popular belief, beer is not served in steins, but in glasses called "mass," which hold one liter of beer. Servers typically carry up to six mass at a time, weighing around 12 kilograms (26 pounds). Servers are compensated based on the beer and food they serve, as well as tips. Therefore, kindly tip generously.

In order to capture the attention of their customers, German servers wear a clothespin with their name on it, but they also respond to the casual address of "du," which means "you."

To easily clink glasses and drink to toasts, revelers hold the mass by the handle. When the band calls out "Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. Oans, zwoa, driel g'suffa!" — which means "A toast, a toast to fun and friendliness. One, two, three, drink up!" — merrymakers are expected to finish their glasses and reorder.

They sway to the music by linking arms and practicing "Schunkeln."

If you wear a dirndl, be mindful of how you tie your bow, as it may signal to others that you are single and open to flirting.

More than beer

While Oktoberfest is primarily known for its beer, which is specifically brewed for the occasion and typically has an alcohol content above 6%, it also offers a variety of other options such as wine, Apfelschorle (a carbonated drink made from apple juice), alcohol-free beer, soft drinks, and water.

The Wiesn is filled with numerous food stalls offering large pretzels, known as brezen, various meats such as bratwurst, weisswurst, and schnitzel, as well as fries, curries, and an array of other dishes.

Munich must-do's

The Sendlinger Tor and Viktualienmarkt are both within easy walking distance from the Theresienwiese, where the festival takes place.

The former royal palace, Residenz Palace, Hofbräuhaus, and Beer and Oktoberfest Museum are all located in the historic old town, which is nearby.

A day trip from Munich can take you to the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a 90-minute drive away. Salzburg in Austria is just a two-hour train ride away and is also a beautiful city. Additionally, the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, located north of Munich, is a must-see destination.

A day relaxing among the snowcapped Alps at Lake Starnberg can be considered after all that beer.

Oktoberfest around the world

Don't worry if you can't attend Munich's festivals; there are other great celebrations worldwide that offer tradition, enjoyment, and food and drink.

The Marco Polo German Bierfest in Hong Kong offers a festive atmosphere, along with stunning views of Hong Kong Harbour.

In the United States, a significant festival takes place in Cincinnati, Ohio, while in South America, a major festival occurs in Blumenau, Brazil.

Munich's Theresienwiese hosts the Spring Festival, which offers a fun alternative to crowded annual German celebrations. With fewer tents, it can still be just as enjoyable.