Oktoberfest Table Reservations
How to get a seat in a beer tent - and what to do when all tables are taken.
How the Reservation Process Works
Each beer tent manages its own reservations. There is no central booking platform. Here is the typical process:
Choose Your Tent
Decide which tent suits you best. Each has its own character - from the traditional Augustiner to the international Hofbräu.
Contact the Tent Office
Visit the tent's official website and use their reservation form. Some tents also accept inquiries by email or phone.
Specify Your Preferred Date
Provide your preferred date, number of people and alternative dates if possible. Weekdays and lunchtime slots have the best chances.
Wait for Confirmation
Processing can take weeks. If accepted, you will receive a confirmation with details about minimum orders and vouchers.
Pay for Vouchers
Transfer the amount for the vouchers (food + drinks) within the specified deadline. The reservation is only confirmed once payment is received.
* The reservation itself is free. You only pay for the vouchers (pre-ordered food and drinks).
Reservation Timeline 2026
When to start working on your reservation:
Reservation Windows Open
Most large beer tents open their reservation systems. Some tents like the Hofbräu-Festzelt use a lottery system.
Peak Booking Period
The most popular times (Saturday evenings, opening day) sell out fast. Apply early or enter the lottery.
Remaining Spots Allocated
Some tents still have remaining spots. Weekday and lunchtime tables are easier to get than weekend evenings.
Nearly Sold Out
Most tents are fully booked for popular times. Still available: weekdays, early afternoons, smaller tents.
Last Chance
Cancellations and last-minute releases. Check with tents daily or secure a spot through tour packages.
Reservation Tips by Tent
Every tent has its own quirks. Here are specific tips for the most popular beer tents:
Augustiner-Festhalle▾
Reservation:
Online form from January. Popular with locals, sells out fast.
Without Reservation:
Good chances on weekdays before 11 AM. The beer garden never requires a reservation.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + half chicken per person
Hacker-Festzelt▾
Reservation:
Online reservation from February. The 'Heaven of Bavarians' is in high demand.
Without Reservation:
Try mornings before 10 AM or afternoons around 2 PM.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + half chicken per person
Hofbräu-Festzelt▾
Reservation:
Lottery system! Apply online and hope for the best. Very hard to get.
Without Reservation:
The ground floor has 1,000+ standing spots - no reservation needed! The balcony and beer garden are also reservation-free.
Minimum Order:
Standing area: no minimum order
Schottenhamel▾
Reservation:
Direct contact with the tent office. The tapping ceremony tent is extremely sought-after.
Without Reservation:
On weekdays before 11 AM it is possible. On weekends, nearly impossible.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + food per person
Paulaner Festzelt▾
Reservation:
Online form from January. Weekday lunches are still available.
Without Reservation:
The beer garden is your best bet - large outdoor seating area.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + half chicken per person
Käferschänke▾
Reservation:
Exclusive and difficult. Through personal connections or tour operators.
Without Reservation:
Nearly impossible - only with a lot of patience and luck.
Minimum Order:
Premium menu from 60 EUR per person
Fischer-Vroni▾
Reservation:
Online inquiry from spring. The top choice for grilled fish fans.
Without Reservation:
Somewhat easier than the big tents. Weekday lunches are very doable.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + Steckerlfisch per person
Löwenbräu-Festhalle▾
Reservation:
Online form available. The famous Löwenbräu tower is the landmark.
Without Reservation:
Good chances in the beer garden. Inside on weekdays before 11 AM.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + half chicken per person
Weinzelt▾
Reservation:
Small, cozy tent. Reservations through the tent office.
Without Reservation:
Small tent = fewer seats, but those who ask often get lucky.
Minimum Order:
Wine + food per person
Marstall▾
Reservation:
One of the newer tents. Online reservation from spring.
Without Reservation:
Good chances on weekday afternoons. Beer garden usually has seats.
Minimum Order:
2 Maß + food per person
Oktoberfest Without a Reservation
Could not get a reservation? No problem! With these strategies you can still find a seat:
Beer Gardens (Outdoor Seating)
Every large tent has an attached beer garden - these never require a reservation! Simply sit down and order. On a nice day, this is the best option.
Hofbräu Standing Area
The ground floor of the Hofbräu-Festzelt has over 1,000 standing spots - completely without reservation. The atmosphere here is especially international and lively.
Small Beer Tents
The 21 small Wiesn tents (Ammer, Glück, Bodos Cafézelt, etc.) have no or simpler reservation systems. You can often find a spot spontaneously.
Go on Weekdays
Monday to Thursday, finding a seat is significantly easier. Before noon, you can get into most tents without a reservation.
Book a Tour Package
Many tour operators have reserved table allocations. Through a package (80 to 150 EUR) you get a guaranteed seat, even when the tent is 'officially' sold out.
Arrive Early and Be Patient
Even on weekends: if you line up before 9 AM, you will almost always get a seat. Tents open at 9 AM on weekends - join the queue beforehand.
What Does a Reservation Really Cost?
The reservation is free - but the vouchers cost money. Here is a typical breakdown:
The vouchers are redeemed for food and drinks during your visit. You are not paying extra - you are simply pre-ordering. Additional orders beyond the vouchers are paid for normally.
Warning: Black Market Reservations!
Reservations are frequently offered online at hugely inflated prices (200 to 500 EUR per person). Be cautious: these often come from unreliable sellers and can be fake. Only book through the official tent channels or trusted tour operators. If an offer sounds too good to be true - it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reservations
How do I reserve a table at Oktoberfest?
Each tent has its own reservation system. Typically, you contact the tent office directly - via an online form, email or phone. Reservation windows open between January and March. Some tents (like the Hofbräu) use a lottery system.
How much does a table reservation cost?
The reservation itself is free! However, there are minimum order requirements: typically 2 Maß beers and a half chicken per person, which amounts to about 40 to 50 EUR. You pay for these vouchers (Wertmarken) in advance when reserving.
How many people can I reserve for?
A standard reservation is for a table seating 8 to 10 people. Individual seats or smaller groups are harder to get. Some tents offer 'half tables' (4 to 5 people) - ask the tent office directly.
Can I cancel a reservation?
Yes, but cancellation policies vary. The vouchers (Wertmarken) are generally not refundable. Some tents allow transferring the reservation to other people. Cancel as early as possible so others can fill the spot.
Can I get a seat without a reservation?
Yes! On weekdays before noon, it is no problem at most tents. On weekends, you need to arrive very early (before 9 AM) or use the beer gardens and outdoor seating. The Hofbräu-Festzelt has over 1,000 standing spots with no reservation required.
How does the Hofbräu lottery work?
At the Hofbräu-Festzelt you apply online for a reservation. Since demand exceeds supply, spots are allocated by lottery. You will receive a notification about whether you got a place. Alternative: the standing area on the ground floor does not need a reservation.
Are there reservations for opening day?
Yes, but they are extremely sought-after and sell out almost instantly. For the tapping ceremony at the Schottenhamel tent, only a few reservations exist and they go to regulars. Tip: the Hofbräu-Festzelt is the best option on opening day without a reservation.
What are Wertmarken (vouchers)?
Wertmarken are pre-paid vouchers for food and drinks that you purchase when making a reservation. Typically: 2 beer vouchers + 1 food voucher per person. You redeem these at the tent. Unused vouchers generally expire.