Oktoberfest in numbers
September 23, 2015
Oktoberfest in numbers
It's a festival of superlatives. Here are the hard stats for the Oktoberfest, Germany's beloved beer festival.
All about the beer
Last year, 6.5 million liters of beer were drunk at Oktoberfest - but that was a conservative year. A record 7.9 million liters of beer were served in 2011. To be precise, though, it was probably less: The word for the one-liter mug of beer used at the fest is a "Mass," but often it's actually filled with less than a whole liter. After all, a lot can slosh out on the way from the tap to the table.
Beer makes you hungry
People were incredibly hungry at the Oktoberfest in 1989. That's the year the most roast chicken (called "Brathendl") and sausage ("Schweinwürstl") were sold: 775,674 and 360,734, respectively. There are 128 food stations at the fest this year selling the festival's traditional fare. New this year, however, is beer-flavored ice cream.
Visitors from all over the world
About 7.1 million people showed up to party in 1985. That was the 175th anniversary of the event - athough it was actually held for the 151st time that year, due to the breaks caused by epidemics and world wars. An average 6 million visitors are expected every year, including in 2015.
The longest pause
Because of World War II, the event didn't take place from 1939 to 1948. A smaller version of the event was organized after the end of the war, called the "Herbsfest" (Fall Fest).
Beer gets pricier
Oktoberfest beer keeps getting more expensive every year. Expect to pay 10 euros ($11) to 10.40 for a Mass this year. Last year, the same huge mug cost between 9.70-10.10 euros.
The largest beer hall
In 1913, Pschorr-Bräu-Rosl set up the largest Oktoberfest beer hall, which provided seats for 12,000 people. Today, the Hofbräuhaus has the largest one, with room for about 10,000 guests. There year, there are 16 beer halls set up in Munich. Including other smaller seating areas, there are a total of around 119,000 seats.
Work, not play
There are enough of them to make up a small town: 13,000 people are working at Oktoberfest this year, including 8,000 staffers and 5,000 seasonal help.
The toilets
Last but not least - they're actually essential - there are 1,500 toilets are available on the Wiesn, and they're all free of charge. Of course, the reason to use them (the beer) is certainly not free.
From what to wear to the festival to the quirks of beer in Germany, click on the links below for more about Oktoberfest and German brew culture.