Oktoberfest: Austria's Take On The Famous Festival

Oktoberfest is a beer festival and travelling carnival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, from mid- or late-September to the first Sunday in October. The festival attracts more than seven million international and national visitors and is considered an important part of Bavarian culture. The original Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Today, Oktoberfest celebrations take place in cities all over the world, including in Austria.

Oktoberfest in Austria: What to Wear

Although Oktoberfest is most closely associated with Munich, the festival is celebrated in many cities across the world, including in Austria. In fact, almost every Austrian town has its own Oktoberfest!

If you're planning to attend an Oktoberfest celebration in Austria, you might be wondering what to wear. The best way to blend in with the crowd is to wear something traditional. Here is a guide to help you navigate the dos and don'ts of fashion for Oktoberfest in Austria.

Folk Costumes

Folk costumes are a popular choice for Oktoberfest in Austria. In fact, these costumes are worn all over the country, even outside of the festival. The traditional dress code is known as "tracht", which typically includes "dirndl" for women and "lederhose" for men. Tracht is often richly decorated, with the quality of the work representing the social status of the wearer.

Dirndl

A dirndl is a feminine dress based on the traditional clothing of Alpine peasants. It usually consists of a short-sleeve blouse, a corseted bodice dress, and an apron. Authentic dirndls are made up of three separate pieces: the dress, the blouse, and the apron. The blouse is always separate, while the dress and apron may be sold together or separately. Dirndls can range from traditional designs to modern versions with keyhole necklines and different-coloured blouses. When choosing a dirndl, it's important to pay attention to the length. The dress can be cut in three ways: mini (above the knee), midi (below the knee), or long (to the ankle). While mini dirndls are common among tourists, midi-length dirndls are considered more classy and are favoured by locals. Long dirndls are typically worn by older women.

When wearing a dirndl, it's important to pay attention to the way you tie your apron. The position of the bow signifies your relationship status: a bow on the right means you're married or in a relationship, a bow on the left means you're single, a bow in the back means you're a widow, waitress, or maid, and a bow in the centre means you're a virgin or prefer not to disclose your relationship status.

In terms of accessories, hats are not as common for women as they are for men, but they can still be worn. Ribbons, necklaces with an edelweiss pattern, and pins with flowers to wear in the hair are also popular choices. When it comes to footwear, avoid open-toed shoes and sandals, as they can be dangerous in a crowded festival with spilled beer and broken glass. Simple black shoes, ballerina flats, or leather shoes are good options. Braids are a popular hairstyle choice to complete the look.

Lederhose

Lederhosen are the male version of the dirndl. They are made of leather and can vary in length, typically falling above or below the knee. They are usually embroidered with Bavarian symbols and are often worn with suspenders. For a more modern look, men may choose to skip the suspenders. A white or gingham-checked button-up shirt, usually in bright colours, is a popular choice to pair with lederhosen. A vest or a traditional trachten jacket can also be added for a more complete look.

When it comes to footwear, traditional lederhosen shoes are called "haferlschuhe", which are all-leather work boots. Calf warmers, known as "loferl", are also commonly worn with lederhosen. Trachten socks, which are white knee-high socks with crocheted patterns, are another option. It's important to avoid sandals and flashy sneakers, as they are considered a fashion faux pas.

Hats are a popular accessory for men, with Alpine hats being a common choice. Hat pins, chains with dangling charms, buckles, and pocket squares are other accessories that can complete the lederhosen look.

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Austria

Although the original Oktoberfest is held in Munich, Bavaria, the festival has become so popular that it is now celebrated all over the world, including in Austria. In fact, almost every Austrian town has its own Oktoberfest celebration. So, if you're in Austria and want to join in the festivities, where should you go?

Wiener Wiesn, Vienna

Also known as the Wiener Wiesn Fest, this is Vienna's answer to the original Oktoberfest. Wiener Wiesn is one of the largest such events in the country, celebrating Austrian traditions of dress, dance, music, food, and drink. The festival usually takes place over 18 days in late September and early October, with free admission for most areas and times. Expect hundreds of hours of live music, chalets, booths, and giant festival tents, with a particular focus on Austrian folk music and traditional food and drink. The festival zone is located on the Kaiserwiese meadow at the start of the Prater park and entertainment area.

Kaiser Wiesn, Vienna

This is another Oktoberfest celebration in Vienna, held in the Prater area of the city. It features beer, food, and song, with free admission during the day and entertainment in the evenings.

Ottakringer Bierfest

This event in Vienna offers food, drink, music, and tradition.

Wiener Wiesn: Vienna's Oktoberfest

While the original Oktoberfest is held in Munich, the festival has gained traction across the globe, with celebrations in many cities. Austria is no exception, with Oktoberfest parties organised all over the country.

One of the largest Oktoberfest events in Austria is Wiener Wiesn, held in Vienna. Wiener Wiesn is a traditional festival that takes place in the heart of the city, beneath the iconic Riesenrad ferris wheel. The festival zone is located on the Kaiserwiese meadow at the start of the Prater park and entertainment area. The event is easily accessible by subway or tram/bus.

Wiener Wiesn brings its own unique flavour to celebrate all things Austrian. The festival is a chance for each region of Austria to showcase its local cultural traditions, arts, food, and live music in the capital. It features hundreds of hours of live music and entertainment across around 18 days. There are various open-air areas, chalets, booths, and giant festival tents.

In terms of food and drink, Wiener Wiesn offers a wide range of traditional Austrian cuisine, including meat, sausages, cheese, and organic wines. And, of course, there is plenty of beer. The festival also has a strong focus on live music, with a diverse range of folk music, from Alpine rock to marching brass bands. Over 100 different artists typically perform at Wiener Wiesn, with appearances from some of the biggest names on the Austrian music scene.

The festival is usually held in late September and early October, lasting for just over two weeks. Admission is free for most areas and times, but there is typically a charge for selected evening performances in the big festival tents.

The History of Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the largest Volksfest (folk festival) in the world, attracting over six million international and national visitors annually. The festival is held in Munich, Bavaria, from mid- or late September to the first Sunday in October. The last weekend of the festival falls in the first week of October, and the festival lasts for three weekends.

The inaugural Oktoberfest was celebrated in Munich in 1810 in honour of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (or Saxony). The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the festivities, which included a horse race held outside the city gates. The fields where the celebrations took place were named "Theresienwiese" ("Theresa's Meadow") in honour of the Crown Princess and have kept that name ever since, although locals have abbreviated it to "Wiesn". The festival was repeated annually following the wedding, except for a few years when it was cancelled due to wars and epidemics.

Over the years, the festival evolved to include carnival booths, an agricultural show, carousels, and beer stands. In 1887, the first parade of Oktoberfest staff and breweries took place, which has since become a tradition. In 1910, Oktoberfest celebrated its 100th birthday, with an estimated 120,000 litres of beer consumed. The festival was temporarily suspended during World War I and resumed in 1919 as a smaller autumn celebration.

Due to its enormous popularity, Oktoberfest has inspired similar celebrations in other cities worldwide, including Vienna, where it is known as Wiener Wiesn Fest. These events typically feature traditional food, drinks, music, and attire, emulating the original Munich Oktoberfest.

What to Eat and Drink at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is celebrated in Austria, with almost every town hosting its own Oktoberfest. The second biggest Oktoberfest in the world is held in Qingdao, China, but Austria is not far behind in its celebrations. The festival is a chance to indulge in traditional food and drink, with a focus on beer, meat, and soft pretzels.

What to Drink at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is, of course, famous for its beer. However, there are also other drinks available, including wine and non-alcoholic options.

What to Eat at Oktoberfest

Traditional Oktoberfest food is designed to fill you up with hearty, salty, fatty, meaty goodness to prepare for a marathon beer-drinking session. Here are some foods you might find at an Austrian Oktoberfest:

• Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle)
• Hendl (roast chicken)
• Pretzels
• Radishes
• Bratwurst mit Sauerkraut (German sausage with pickled cabbage)
• Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick)
• Ochsenbraten (roast ox)
• Spätzle (German mac and cheese)
• Käsespätzle (cheese noodles)
• Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes)

Frequently asked questions