Bavarians have been spending their October weekends drinking beer from steins and wearing lederhosen for over 200 years. The tradition started on 12th October 1810 to celebrate a royal marriage, and has since grown to be one of the world’s greatest parties! Every year, millions of people come to Munich from across the world to experience the festivities, but Oktoberfest doesn’t just stop in Bavaria these days. City-folk across Europe have embraced Oktoberfest's traditions (and beer of course), and most of the parties go BIG. Dust off your dirndl and get ready to shout "O'zapft is!" as the first barrel is cracked open - these are the European cities that go all out for Oktoberfest.
1. Munich
Stoketoberfest: 15th September - 3rd October 2022
Let’s start where it all began, the OG Oktoberfest in Munich. This is where you’ll find the biggest lederhosen-clad crowd in the world! Every year over six million people attend Munich Oktoberfest to experience the crazy atmosphere and drink litres upon litres of Bavarian beer. Get on the benches (NOT the tables!) and dance your heart out to the traditional live music whilst you get merry with the crowds.
Munich’s official Oktoberfest is back in 2022 after two years of cancellations, so you can get down in true Bavarian style again! Our friends at Stoke Travel are busy gearing up for their annual Stoketoberfest camping area where you sleep in a private tent in the heart of the Oktoberfest celebrations. On top of the accommodation, Stoketoberfest is home to some of the most insane parties that Munich's got to offer - including a dance floor that's open throughout the festival. We haven't even got to the best bit yet though - if you sign up to our mailing list (scroll to the bottom of this page) we'll send you information on how to get free unlimited beer or sangria with your booking for 2022!
2. Berlin
17th September - 3rd October 2022
The "little brother" of the festivities in Munich, Berliner Oktoberfest is still an experience not to be missed. The city's renowned Hofbrau Berlin venue will be dressed to the nines from 17th September until 3rd October, boasting an insane atmosphere and offering the usual freshly brewed beer in huge steins. In 2022, Berlin's Alexanderplatz will be turning into a haven for beer-lovers, with open-air beer garden and heaps of classic Bavarian specialties. For the perfect location to access the Alexanderplatz festivities, check out our hostel just round the corner.
The crowds will be buzzing as a full-scale Oktoberfest returns to the capital, and you're sure to see plenty of dodgy dancing to trad tunes over the weeks of festivities. The fancy dress thing isn’t as big as it is in Munich, but some people do still take part so if you’re up for it, go ahead!
Looking for somewhere to stay in Berlin for Oktoberfest? .
3. London
20th - 23rd October, 27th - 30th October & 3rd - 5th November 2022
German bands, long tables, steins and lots of lederhosen… Oktoberfest in London is almost the spitting image of Munich, just quite a lot smaller. Oktoberfest London 2022 will be spread across three dates in the centre of the city, welcoming thousands of guests for a weekend of German music and dancing. To make it feel like the real thing, the organisers have thought of everything, from German beer and food to authentic Oktoberfest decoration and glassware. Bust out some moves to live bands from Germany, and order your next stein from one of the waiters and waitresses dressed up in their dirndl and lederhosen.
London’s mini Bavaria has been going since 2011 and every year people get more and more into the festivities - with over 50,000 people attending a few years ago! If you want an excuse to party this Autumn in London, look no further than Oktoberfest.
Need somewhere to stay for Oktoberfest in London? .
4. Copenhagen
25th - 27th August & 22nd - 24th September 2022
The biggest Bavarian party in Denmark, Oktoberfest Copenhagen is another top choice. Over two weekends (in August and September, not October) in a giant tent in Femøren you’ll find thousands of Danish locals dressed head to toe in the traditional outfits, dancing on benches to traditional tyrolean music and drinking proper German beer.
What makes Copenhagen’s Oktoberfest stand out even more is that where it’s held in Femøren is right by the beach, so if you need a little fresh air after one too many beers, you’ve got a nice little stroll right on the doorstep (or a swim the morning after if you're feeling brave!). Book your tickets to the festivities in advance to secure a spot in the enormous beachside tent, just a short metro ride from the city centre. As long as you don’t go too hard on the beer steins, it’ll be an Oktoberfest you’ll never forget.
Looking to stay in the centre of Copenhagen? .
5. Barcelona
5th - 12th October 2022
It may come as a surprise to you, but Oktoberfest in Barcelona is an event that's not to be missed. If you're after a bit of Autumn sun then this is the party for you! Expect delicious Bavarian cuisine, gallons of beer to be consumed and live music in beautiful Montjuic. Entry is free but make sure you get there early as the venues can get packed quickly.
Soak up the Catalonian sun and enjoy a stein of your favourite beer as polka bands and live DJs keep you entertained at one of Barcelona's wackiest but most memorable events!
Looking for a stopover in Barca? Check out our La Rambla hostel.