The Oktoberfest takes place in Munich, Germany, on the Theresienwiese. This world-renowned German beer festival, which attracts millions of visitors each year, is an unmissable event for lovers of German culinary specialties, lively celebrations, and, of course, beer.

To fully experience the festivities, you’ll need to head to Munich in the region of Bavaria. There, you’ll quickly find your way thanks to the giant beer tents, vibrant fairground rides, and the sound of traditional German music echoing through the air. Don’t be surprised to see many attendees dressed in authentic Oktoberfest costumes. The event takes place at Theresienwiese, a site rich in history and at the heart of Oktoberfest’s origin.

Originally, the celebration stemmed from a royal wedding—specifically, the union of the future King Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The wedding provided a perfect excuse for the local breweries to sell off their beer stocks, transforming the event into a grand public celebration. It was truly a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The royal wedding took place on October 12, 1810, and five days later, the very first Oktoberfest began. It might seem unusual to start the festival after the wedding, but that’s because the couple organized a major horse race in a meadow in Munich to honor the bride. That meadow would later become known as Theresienwiese. In German, “Theresien” refers to Therese, and “wiese” means meadow—so, quite literally, it means “Therese’s Meadow.”

It may have once been a charming green field, but today Theresienwiese is a vast 42-hectare paved space located in Munich’s Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district. Over the centuries, its name evolved from Theresens-Wiese to Theresienwiese, eventually becoming “Wies’n” or simply “Wiesn” in Bavarian dialect—an affectionate nickname that has stuck for more than 200 years.

This iconic site also features the imposing Bavaria statue, standing 18.52 meters tall, which personifies the spirit and strength of the Bavarian region. The area is situated at the city’s edge in a flat zone, with a small hill known as Sendlinger Berg, historically used as a natural grandstand during the horse races.

Now that you know the rich history behind Oktoberfest’s location, all that’s left is to experience it for yourself—prost !

Read other articles : What is a Festbier / Oktoberfestbier ?  and Oktoberfest beer hot dog !