Beer. For some people this fermented tipple is viewed with something bordering on a religious devotion. As the world’s most popular beverage – and probably the oldest – it’s not that surprising that beer now has a committed following of (slightly tipsy) fans. If you are one of the many millions of people worldwide who enjoy a regular pint, pression or mug then no doubt you will already have beer festivals on your radar. Whilst many other countries have tried (successfully in some cases) to replicate the beer festival, it’s really in Germany where this event it both most enjoyable and the most at home; as a result, these annual festivities attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. For those who want to be in the know, here are the best of Germany’s beer festivals.
Munich Oktoberfest
The biggest and the best beer festival has to be Munich’s Oktoberfest, which takes place once a year in the last two weeks of September. More than five million people attend Oktoberfest each year and more than 17 litres of beer are served up to thirsty festivalgoers during the event. Although Munich’s Oktoberfest is obviously something of an excuse to get a little tipsy and work your way through as many different types of beer as possible, it does have its roots in German history and tradition, first recorded as an event in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig. Since then, the only thing that has stopped Oktoberfest going ahead is cholera epidemics and war – it’s an important annual event! Whilst around three quarters of those who attend Oktoberfest are native Bavarians, a quarter are foreigners indicating that people will travel from far and wide for these boozy celebrations.
The Stuttgart Beer Festival is another huge German event and attracts more than four million visitors during its three week duration. The festival takes place around the same time as Oktoberfest – the last weeks of September – and has parades, fairground rides, food, music and of course, a wide selection of beers to try. Although some see the Stuttgart event as more of an autumnal festival than specifically a beer festival, it has nevertheless gained a reputation as being second only in size and quality to Oktoberfest in Munich.
Although it may not have quite the pedigree of Munich’s Oktoberfest, the Berlin Beer Festival has 15 years of beer drinking under its belt and has become a hugely popular annual event for the city. The festival takes place from 5th to 7th August on Berlin’s ‘beer mile’ – between Strausberger Platz and Frankfurter Tor – and attracts more than 800,000 visitors from Germany and beyond. You can expect more than 2,000 varieties of beer on offer, as well as lots of local and international entertainment on the festival’s 18 stages.
Kolner Bierborse
Cologne’s annual beer festival takes place each year between 24th and 26th August in the city’s Media Park, an outdoor area that is within easy reach of most hotels and public transport. The festival attracts a large number of locals, as well as international tourist from all over the world who come to sample the 700 different varieties of beer that are on offer from 70 different countries.
Whilst Munich, Stuttgart, Berlin and Cologne are certainly widely regarded as having the best of Germany’s beer festivals, there are many other local gems just waiting to be uncovered by thirsty tourists. Most of these events tend to take place in August and September each year so if you want to find yourself an undiscovered gem of a bierfest then the best way to do it is to take to the road – all you need is a serious thirst!
This was a guest post by Amy from Easyjet who offer cheap flights to Berlin and flights to Munich – leaving you more money to spend on the beer! Image credit: ErinEB
