Oktoberfest Beyond Munich: Hidden Gems in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Munich may host the world’s largest and most famous Oktoberfest, but if you’re looking for a more intimate, less crowded experience, there are plenty of other places where you can enjoy the spirit of Oktoberfest without the massive crowds. From smaller towns in Bavaria to charming celebrations in Austria and Switzerland, these alternatives offer all the beer, food, and tradition with a more relaxed, local atmosphere.
Image Source: Cannstatter Volksfest
Stuttgart – Cannstatter Volksfest (Germany)
Known as the second-largest beer festival in the world, the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart is often considered the best alternative to Munich’s Oktoberfest. Held at the same time as Oktoberfest, this event offers a similarly festive atmosphere but with fewer tourists.
Unique Features:
The festival celebrates the local Swabian culture, with a focus on regional beers like Dinkelacker and Schwaben Bräu, which are difficult to find outside of Stuttgart.
The large market area is famous for its local crafts and traditional goods, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for the opening weekend to see the Cannstatter Fruit Column parade, where massive floats decorated with fruits and vegetables march through the streets, honoring Stuttgart's agricultural heritage.
Rosenheim Herbstfest (Germany)
A hidden gem for those seeking a smaller, more traditional Oktoberfest experience is the Rosenheim Herbstfest, held in the charming town of Rosenheim, located just 45 minutes from Munich.
Unique Features:
The local breweries, Auerbräu and Flötzinger Bräu, are the stars of this festival. Both breweries are family-owned, and their beer is exclusively served at the event.
Visitors can witness traditional Almabtrieb (cattle drives) during the festival, where herds are led through town in decorated processions, marking the end of summer.
Insider Tip: Head to the Auerbräu Tent for the best live Bavarian brass bands, which play traditional oompah music in the evenings. For quieter moments, visit during the day when locals bring their families for a relaxed lunch.
Image Source: Carly Hulls
Oktoberfest in Vienna (Austria)
Vienna’s take on Oktoberfest combines traditional Bavarian elements with Austrian charm, creating a unique and vibrant festival that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Unique Features:
While the beer tents follow the Bavarian tradition, Vienna puts its Austrian spin on the festival with local breweries like Gösser and Ottakringer sharing the spotlight with German brews.
The food options include Austrian favorites such as Wiener Schnitzel and Käsespätzle, blending the best of Bavarian and Austrian cuisine.
Insider Tip: For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays, when the festival tends to be less crowded. If you’re a fan of Austrian wine, don’t miss the local wine stalls at the festival’s outskirts, where you can sample Vienna’s famous Grüner Veltliner.
Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt (Germany)
For a unique twist on Oktoberfest, the Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt focuses more on wine than beer. As the largest wine festival in the world, this event offers a different flavor of German celebration while still keeping the festive spirit alive.
Unique Features:
The wine is the star here, with over 150 local wineries offering tastings and bottles to enjoy. Traditional food stalls offer unique local dishes like Pfälzer Saumagen (stuffed pig’s stomach) and Bratwurst to pair with your wine.
There are special wine-tasting tents where you can sample rare and vintage local wines that are hard to find outside the Palatinate region.
Insider Tip: Visit the Weindorf (wine village) for a more intimate wine-tasting experience. You can buy wine by the glass or bottle and sit down to enjoy it in a quiet, shaded area that’s perfect for a break from the crowds.
Image Source: My Switzerland
Zurich Oktoberfest (Switzerland)
Switzerland’s largest Oktoberfest celebration takes place in Zurich, combining Bavarian traditions with Swiss hospitality. The festival is set in a beautiful lakeside location, offering stunning views alongside the festivities.
Unique Features:
Zurich’s Oktoberfest has a strong Swiss twist, with traditional Swiss dishes like Raclette and Rösti available alongside Bavarian favorites. The beer tents feature both German beers and local Swiss brews.
The festival’s lakeside location offers scenic views of Lake Zurich, making it one of the most picturesque Oktoberfest locations in Europe.
Insider Tip: If you want to experience the best of Swiss and Bavarian cuisine, book a spot at one of the lakeside tents for an evening meal, where you can watch the sunset over Lake Zurich while enjoying your food and beer.
Konstanz Oktoberfest (Germany)
Held on the shores of Lake Constance, this Oktoberfest offers a picturesque setting with a more laid-back vibe. While smaller in scale, Konstanz Oktoberfest offers all the elements of the traditional festival but with fewer tourists.
Unique Features:
The festival grounds are set along the shores of Lake Constance, offering beautiful views of the water. There’s even a chance to take a boat ride during the day before heading into the beer tent for the evening festivities.
Local brews and wines from the Lake Constance region are served alongside traditional Bavarian beer, giving visitors a taste of the unique flavors of the region.
Insider Tip: Book a lakeside hotel in advance to fully enjoy the scenic views, and visit the beer tent during the week to avoid crowds and secure the best seating near the stage for live music.
If you’re looking for an Oktoberfest experience without the massive crowds and high prices of Munich, these alternative celebrations offer a fantastic way to enjoy the beer, food, and festivities in a more intimate setting. Whether you’re heading to Stuttgart for the second-largest beer festival, or exploring Austria and Switzerland’s own take on the event, you’re sure to find the same Bavarian spirit in a more relaxed atmosphere.
