Why You Should Never Go To Oktoberfest
The scent of roasted nuts and fresh pretzels wafts through the air as you make your way through the crowded tents. Revelers raise their steins in unison while the oompah band kicks into another folk song. It’s a lively atmosphere filled with drinking, dancing, and debauchery – everything you’d expect from the world’s largest Volksfest.
But don’t be fooled by the alluring aroma of bratwurst and bier. Behind the colorful decor and cheerful toasts, there lies a different side of Oktoberfest that’s not so picture-perfect.
Yes, you heard it right! From massive crowds to sky-high prices, Oktoberfest comes with its own set of challenges that might have you rethinking your dream trip to Munich.
Oktoberfest: What is it exactly?
Oktoberfest is a 16 -18-day festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, usually from late September to the first weekend in October. It’s one of the most famous events in Germany and is celebrated worldwide.
Dating back to 1810, this festival has become synonymous with beer, Bavarian culture, and all-around revelry.
Visitors flock to massive tents—each holding thousands of people—to enjoy various types of German beer, traditional foods like bratwurst and pretzels, and to sway to the tunes of Bavarian music. Outside the tents, you’ll find a carnival-like atmosphere with rides, games, and stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs.
Now that you’re up to speed on what Oktoberfest is, let’s check out some of the reasons why steering clear of it might be in your best interests.
12 reasons why you shouldn’t go to Oktoberfest
1. Crowds
One of the most noticeable things about Oktoberfest is how crowded it gets. People come from all around the world to experience this famous festival. While the energy and excitement can be fun for some, it can be really overwhelming if you’re not a fan of large crowds.
Imagine trying to move through a sea of people just to get from one place to another. It can be hard to find a table or even a spot to stand in the popular beer tents. Waiting in long lines for food, drinks, or even the restroom is also common.
If you’re someone who prefers a quieter, less hectic atmosphere, the massive crowds at Oktoberfest could be a big turn-off.
2. Expense
Oktoberfest can be a really expensive experience, especially if you want to take part in all it has to offer.
First, there’s the cost of admission, which might be free for some areas but can add up if you’re going to special events or tents. Then, there’s the cost of food and drinks. Traditional German meals and large mugs of beer are part of the fun, but they’re pricey.
You might also be tempted by all kinds of souvenirs, from beer mugs to traditional clothing like lederhosen or dirndls.
If you’re traveling from afar, you’ll also have to think about the cost of transportation and lodging. Hotels often hike up their prices because they know it’s a busy season.
Plus, there’s the added cost of any transportation within the city to get to and from the festival. All these expenses can quickly add up, making the event a costly affair.
3. Alcohol
Oktoberfest is renowned for its focus on beer. Tents and stalls selling a variety of beers are one of the main attractions. While this can be part of the fun and celebration for many people, it’s a big reason to consider skipping the event if you don’t drink alcohol.
The entire atmosphere is geared towards enjoying beer, from the large beer mugs to the communal tables in the beer tents. If you’re trying to avoid alcohol for personal, health, or religious reasons, this could make you feel uncomfortable or left out.
Furthermore, the heavy drinking can lead to boisterous behavior from other attendees, which might not be the environment you’re looking for.
4. Noise
Oktoberfest is a lively event filled with all sorts of sounds. From traditional Bavarian music to modern hits, live bands keep the atmosphere energetic. People are constantly talking, laughing, and cheering, especially when someone finishes a mug of beer.
While this noise creates a festive mood for many, it can be a bit too much if you’re sensitive to loud sounds or prefer quieter settings. The constant high volume can make it difficult to have conversations with your friends or even just hear yourself think.
The noise isn’t just limited to the daytime, either; the event goes on into the night, which means the noise continues for many hours.
5. Safety concerns
Whenever a lot of people gather in one place, safety can become a concern, and Oktoberfest is no exception. With such large crowds, issues like pickpocketing become more common.
You might have to be extra cautious with your belongings, constantly checking to make sure your wallet, phone, or purse are secure. This constant vigilance can be stressful and take away from the enjoyment of the festival.
Another concern is that in crowded conditions, it’s easier for accidents to happen, like tripping and falling or getting separated from your group. The presence of alcohol can also contribute to rowdy or unpredictable behavior from other attendees, as previously mentioned, which could create uncomfortable or unsafe situations.
If an emergency does occur, the large crowds could also make it more difficult for medical personnel to reach you quickly.
6. Not kid-friendly
Oktoberfest is largely seen as an adult-focused event, primarily due to the prominence of alcohol. While some families do bring children, and there are rides and games that might appeal to younger attendees, the overall environment isn’t kid-friendly. The loud noise, large crowds, and focus on drinking could make it an overwhelming experience for children.
So, if you do have children and have no choice but to bring them along, finding age-appropriate activities amid the beer tents and adult-oriented entertainment might be challenging.
Keeping an eye on your kids while also navigating through crowded and noisy spaces is also bound to get stressful.
7. Cultural sensitivity
Oktoberfest is steeped in Bavarian tradition, from the food and drink to the music and clothing. For many people, experiencing a different culture is one of the most exciting aspects of the festival.
However, not everyone might feel comfortable or included in this specific cultural celebration. Some people may find certain traditional elements, customs, or even costumes not to their taste or even problematic.
For instance, wearing traditional Bavarian clothing like lederhosen or dirndls is common at Oktoberfest, but some might see it as cultural appropriation if worn by outsiders. Others might simply not connect with or have interest in Bavarian culture and traditions.
8. Limited activities
The festival is famous for a few key things: beer, traditional Bavarian food, and certain types of music like polka. These are the main attractions that draw people to the festival.
However, if you’re not interested in these things, you might find the range of activities to be limited. Unlike some other festivals that offer a wide variety of experiences like art installations, different genres of music, or educational workshops, Oktoberfest is largely centered around its traditional elements.
If you’re someone who prefers a broader selection of activities, you might get bored or feel like the festival doesn’t offer enough to keep you engaged.
9. Transportation
Getting to Oktoberfest can be a big hassle, especially if you don’t live nearby. The event is extremely popular, so public transportation like buses and trains often get crowded. You might have to stand for long periods or deal with delays.
If you’re thinking of driving, finding parking will be another challenge. Spaces fill up quickly, and the parking fees can be quite high. Even if you find a spot, it might be far from the festival grounds, requiring you to walk a considerable distance or take additional public transport.
And after the festival is over, you’ll have to deal with leaving, which can also be chaotic due to the high number of people trying to exit at the same time.
10. Climate impact
Large-scale events like Oktoberfest have a big impact on the environment. There’s the carbon footprint from all the people traveling to get there, often by plane or car. Then, there’s the amount of waste generated at the festival itself, from food wrappers to disposable cups. While there are efforts to recycle and manage waste, it’s still a significant concern.
Electricity and other resources are also used in large quantities to power the rides, lights, and music. If you’re someone who’s environmentally conscious, you might feel conflicted about participating in an event that consumes so many resources.
11. Language barrier
While Oktoberfest attracts visitors from around the world, the primary language spoken is German. Event announcements, menus, and signs might not always be in English or other languages. This could make it challenging to navigate the festival, order food, or even understand the safety instructions for rides and games.
Yes, many people in Germany do speak English, but not everyone does, especially among the older population. So, you might find it difficult to communicate or get the help you need.
12. Might not be welcoming to non-Europeans
Oktoberfest is deeply rooted in Bavarian culture, and most of the attendees are European. While the festival is known to attract visitors from around the globe, if you’re a non-European foreigner (read: white), you might feel like you stand out or are not as welcomed.
Cultural differences, including how to dress and behave, could make you feel like an outsider. You might also encounter people who are not used to interacting with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, which could result in awkward or uncomfortable situations.
Though many people report having a great time regardless of their background, the potential for feeling out of place is certainly something to consider.
Wrapping things up
Oktoberfest might be an experience of a lifetime for many, but it’s crucial to remember it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—or should we say, stein of beer? From the bustling crowds to the unending flow of alcohol, this event packs a punch that might just be too strong for some.
But I don’t want to rain on your parade if Oktoberfest is still calling your name. You do you! Just know what you’re getting into. And if you find that the loud music, packed tents, and ocean of beer aren’t your scene, that’s perfectly okay. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy German culture or simply have a great time with friends and family, no plane ticket to Munich required.