This open space in Munich’s Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt borough may not be instantly recognisable to visitors most of the year, but it explodes in an iconic German frenzy each fall when Oktoberfest rolls around.
Countless cities around the world stage their own approximation of the late September to early October tradition, but the true Oktoberfest has its roots here. Nearly three weeks of overflowing steins contribute to the world’s largest beer festival, though visitors also enjoy a travelling amusement park and various traditional German foods like sauerkraut, pretzels, and spätzle noodles. Theresienwiese also hosts other festivals throughout the year, including Winter Tollwood in late November and a large flea market in April.
South-west of the city centre, Theresienwiese is accessible via the orbital Bavariaring road. Oktoberfest merrymakers, however, are better off making use of the Theresienwiese station on the Munich U-Bahn, served by both the U4 and U5 lines.
The area is named after Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen, who held her wedding to Crown Prince Ludwig I on this site in 1810. In fact, it’s this very event that Oktoberfest originally commemorated. The timing of the festival, however, has been recently adjusted to also celebrate the reunification of Germany after the Cold War.