Events in Munich

The traditional serving of spring strong beer in Munich begins every year after the end of Fasching and lasts about three weeks during Lent. The people of Munich are indebted to the monks for this "spring health cure", who since time immemorial had brewed an especially nourishing beer during Lent to strengthen their bodies weakened by fasting.

Venue: Paulanerkeller on the Nockherberg (Tel 45 99 13 0, Fax 44 70 07 2), Löwenbräukeller (Tel 52 60 21, Fax 52 89 33) and other beer cellars.

September 18th to October 3rd 2005: The Oktoberfest

With the traditional call "Ozapft is" (the barrel is broached) the Lord Mayor opens the Oktoberfest at 12 noon.

The Munich Oktoberfest is the biggest public festival in the world and will be held this year for the 166th time. Each year, the Oktoberfest is attended by around 6 million visitors, who drink around 5 million liters of beer (one liter glass is called a "Mass") and consume over 200,000 pairs of pork sausages - mostly in the "beer tents" put up by the traditional Munich breweries.

At the foot of the Bavaria statue, the huge Oktoberfest grounds also provide carousels, roller coasters and all the spectacular fun of the fair for the enjoyment and excitement of visitors of all ages.

The Riflemen's Procession, and a concert involving all the brass bands represented at the "Wies'n".

Informations: Tourist Office, Tel 23 30 30 0, Fax 23 33 02 33 - e-mail: tourismus@muenchen.btl.de

Every December: The Christmas Market

Munich's traditional Christmas Market takes place on the Marienplatz. A huge Christmas tree decorated with lights towers over the Yuletide magic of the vendors' stalls. Advent music every day at 5.30pm.

Informations: Munich Tourist Office, Tel 23 30 30 0, Fax 23 33 02 33 - e-mail: tourismus@muenchen.btl.de