Every year, Oktoberfest starts with a single swing of a mallet at Festhalle Schottenhamel — Munich’s oldest tent. This is wherein the first keg of Oktoberfest beer is tapped with the aid of the mayor of Munich, officially starting the sector’s largest beer pageant with the cry: “O’zapft is!”۔ But Festhalle Schottenhamel is more than a ceremonial icon — it’s where generations have gathered since 1867, where way of life and teens collide, and wherein you’ll find each true Bavarian spirit and an electrifying current birthday party.
Festhalle Schottenhamel began as a humble timber hut with just 50 seats. Over more than one hundred fifty years, it has grown into a massive competition corridor that now seats over 10,000 guests, split between its indoor vicinity and its beer garden.
The Schottenhamel family has hosted the tent across generations, making it its family-run institution in each generation. In 1950, the culture of the mayor tapping the first keg right here began — and it continues to this present day, broadcast stay and watched throughout Germany.
The modern tent design, inaugurated in 2000, blends undying Bavarian aesthetics with contemporary structure, making sure comfort, openness, and accessibility for all.
Unlike a few tents that lean closely into either culture or party lifestyle, Festhalle Schottenhamel blends both effects. By day, it welcomes families, vacationers, and tradition lovers with open arms. As the sun sets, it transforms into one of the most popular children-centered tents at Oktoberfest, often referred to as “the tent of the younger.”
Music transitions from conventional brass bands to live pop, dance, and disco tunes, developing a dynamic vibe that maintains power high into the night.
Festhalle Schottenhamel completely serves Spaten-Franziskaner-Bräu, one of Munich’s six authentic Oktoberfest beers. It’s a golden, smooth Märzen-fashion lager brewed in particular for the competition season — crisp, malty, and served in the iconic 1-liter Maß mug.
Fun Fact: Spaten Oktoberfestbier was first served at Schottenhamel in 1872, making it one of the authentic pageant beers.
The food services at Schottenhamel are a culinary journey via Bavaria’s rich flavors — perfect to accompany your beer.
Try the “Three Times Bavaria” platter: a trio of veal patties, Leberkäs (Bavarian meatloaf), and Munich Rostbratwürstl. Other famous gadgets consist of the crispy half of a bird and soft pork knuckle.
Vegetarians can bask in Allgäuer Kässpatzen (cheese spaetzle), potato waffles, and hearty salads — proof that Bavarian cuisine may be both filling and meat-loose.
Newer additions include the “Deandl & Burschenburger” — playful takes on burgers with Bavarian aptitude — and the beloved Böfflamot, a sluggish-cooked marinated pork dish.
End your meal with Kaiserschmarrn — a fluffy, shredded pancake with powdered sugar and plum compote — a true Oktoberfest classic.
The tent welcomes about 10,000 guests:
Its open layout, multiple stages, and acoustic-friendly structure ensure that visitors can enjoy the track and entertainment from any seat.
Operating Hours:
Daily from 10:00 a.m. From eleven:30 p.m. through Oktoberfest (September 21 – October 6)
Do You Need a Reservation?
Yes — if you’re making plans to visit during evenings or weekends, reservations are particularly recommended. Daytime stroll-ins are possible, particularly in advance of the day. Reserving a table guarantees you an area in the heart of the action, especially if you’re in a group.
Festhalle Schottenhamel is positioned on Wirtsbudenstraße, right among the Paulaner and Hacker tents. It’s easily accessible from Munich’s public transport network:
From significant Munich, the journey takes simply 10–15 minutes, making it handy for tourists and locals alike.
Whether you are trying to revel in the cultural heart of Oktoberfest, party with Munich’s colourful youth, or taste genuine Bavarian dishes, Festhalle Schottenhamel has it all. It’s no longer just the oldest tent — it’s where Oktoberfest without a doubt begins. Tradition, taste, and togetherness collide right here in one unforgettable birthday celebration.
If Festhalle Schottenhamel is where Oktoberfest begins with tradition and thunderous cheers, then the Ammer Hühner und Entenbraterei Tent is where you slow down and savor Bavarian heritage one bite at a time. As the oldest poultry tent on the Wiesn, Ammer offers organic roast chicken and crispy duck served with authentic charm and a glass of Augustiner beer poured straight from wooden barrels. Curious how flavor and legacy come together in one of Oktoberfest’s most historic culinary tents? Let’s head over and take a closer look.
12Jan 
by Smith 
02Feb by Smith 
12Feb by Smith 
15Feb by Smith 
23Feb 
by eLederhosen 
23Feb by Smith 