Every year, millions of visitors travel to Munich for Oktoberfest — the world’s largest folk festival and a true showcase of Bavarian pride. From the lively beer tents to the hearty food, it’s a celebration steeped in tradition. And at the very heart of it all are two legendary breweries: Löwenbräu and Spaten.
A Festival with Deep Roots
The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to mark the royal wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. What began as a horse race and community celebration has grown into an international event. Today, Oktoberfest is where Munich presents its finest beers to the world — and for centuries, Löwenbräu and Spaten have stood proudly among them.
The festival officially begins with the tapping ceremony at the Schottenhamel tent. The mayor of Munich drives the tap into the first barrel of Spaten beer, declaring “O’zapft is!” Only after that moment can the other tents start pouring. It’s not just tradition — it’s global spotlight. The whole world waits for that first stein of Spaten to be raised.
Food That Complements the Beer
No Oktoberfest experience is complete without food to pair with your beer. Traditionally, chicken, pork, and oxen roasts were the highlights, though nowadays you’ll also find vegetarian and vegan choices.
A favourite for many is half a roasted chicken, its golden, crispy skin pairing beautifully with the hoppy, refreshing notes of Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier. Others swear by the Ochsenbraterei tent, where the famous ox roast — rich and hearty — is perfectly matched with the malty depth of Spaten. Both breweries craft beers that elevate the food into something truly memorable.
The Tents You Can’t Miss
While every tent has its own charm, two stand above the rest for their history, atmosphere, and, of course, beer.
The Löwenbräu tent is iconic. Guarded by a roaring 4.5-metre-tall lion, it’s impossible to miss. The lion calls out “Löwenbräu!” every minute, drawing in visitors from all corners of the festival. Inside, it’s a celebration of everything Oktoberfest should be: great beer, hearty food, and people from all over the world coming together. Löwenbräu Oktoberfestbier is crisp, golden, and endlessly drinkable — a perfect partner for an afternoon of music, laughter, and friendship.
For a slightly more traditional feel, the Ochsenbraterei tent showcases Spaten, one of Munich’s oldest breweries. Here, the focus is on community, family, and food. A perfectly roasted ox with potato salad and a stein of Spaten Oktoberfestbier is the kind of pairing that keeps you at the table for hours. Smooth, malty, and full-bodied, Spaten’s brew is crafted for exactly this kind of occasion.
Why Löwenbräu and Spaten Define Oktoberfest
Both breweries embody what Oktoberfest is all about: history, quality, and a spirit of togetherness. The roaring lion of Löwenbräu symbolises Bavarian pride and tradition, while Spaten marks the ceremonial start of the festival with its famous first tap.
When you raise a stein of Löwenbräu or Spaten, you’re not just drinking beer — you’re taking part in a tradition that’s been celebrated for centuries.
Prost to Tradition!
Whether it’s the lively energy of the Löwenbräu tent or the traditional atmosphere of the Spaten Ochsenbraterei, Oktoberfest wouldn’t be the same without these two iconic beers. So this year, why not bring the festival spirit home? Pick up a Löwenbräu or Spaten Oktoberfestbier, gather your friends, and celebrate in true Bavarian style.
Prost!
