Munich Oktoberfest is loved and known by everyone. But not everyone can attend this popular beer event. However, there is no need to despair – Germans love and know how to organize numerous beer festivals. Deutsche Welle compiled a calendar for 2018 and told where to drink beer well in Germany.
Oktoberfest
The famous Oktoberfest needs no introduction. It takes place annually in Munich from mid-September to early October and is replicated by many cities around the world. A liter mug of beer this year costs 10.95 euros, and popular brands include Augustiner, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Hofbräu. But in Germany, you can enjoy the hoppy drink not only at this festival.
Cannstatter Volksfest
From late September to early October, the Cannstatter Volksfest takes place annually in Stuttgart's park on the banks of the Neckar. Fans who compare it to Oktoberfest, the Swabians proudly note the proximity of the festivities to important sports venues – Porsche-Arena, Mercedes-Benz-Arena, and others. The center of fun is the tents of three breweries: Dinkelacker, Schwabenbräu, and Stuttgarter Hofbräu.
Strong Beer Days in Munich
For stronger beer, it's worth visiting the Starkbierzeit festival, held in various locations in Munich (March 4 – April 8). Lovers of not only strong beer but also witty remarks gather in the Salvator Keller cellar on Nockherberg hill. Politicians are not spared here – a satirical show featuring their doubles has become a cult. This year, the main characters are Angela Merkel and Martin Schulz.
Spring Festival in Munich
In April, Munich also hosts a mini-version of Oktoberfest – the Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest). In the second half of the month, the epicenter of folk festivities on the Theresienwiese is located in two large tents and a beer garden. The beer is supplied by Bavarian giants Paulaner and Augustiner.
Nuremberg Folk Festival
The famous Nuremberg red beer (Rotbier) made from particularly aromatic hop varieties can be tasted at the Nuremberg Folk Festival – Nürnberger Volksfest. In 2018, it will take place in spring (March 31 – April 15) and autumn (August 24 – September 9). On average, a liter mug of beer here costs 9.20 euros.
Hamburg Dom
Various types of Hamburg beer can be tried at the Hamburger Dom fair – the largest in northern Germany. It is held three times a year: at the end of March, end of July, and the most popular and traditional version is in autumn (this year from November 3 to December 3). In addition to classic brands like Astra, Holsten, and Duckstein, visitors are always greeted by carousels and North German cuisine.
Schützenfest in Wolfsburg
At the end of May, the Schützenfest takes place in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony. It is celebrated for several days, starting on the Friday before Ascension Day. Those who do not want to join the folk festivities sit in festival tents and beer gardens. The most common beer at the Wolfsburg festival is pilsner.
Schützenfest in Hanover
At the end of June, another Schützenfest takes place in Hanover – the largest celebration of its kind in the world. Six weeks before it begins, a special Hanover festival beer – Hanöversch Fest-Bier – is brewed. That is exactly how long it needs to acquire its special taste and aroma. In 2018, the festival will take place from June 29 to July 8.
The Largest Fair on the Rhine
In July, the largest fair on the Rhine takes place in Düsseldorf – Größte Kirmes am Rhein. It is visited annually by about 4 million people. The traditional dark beer of this city – Altbier – is offered by local breweries Schlösser and Zum Schlüssel. In 2018, the festival will take place from July 13 to 22.
Beer Exchanges
There are also many beer exchanges (Bierbörse) in Germany, where you can find beer from all over the world – from Germany to Singapore. In 2018, at one of them in Bonn, from July 27 to 29, more than 80 breweries will present about 700 types of beer, including monastic and the most exotic craft varieties. The festival's geography also includes Cologne, Leipzig, Karlsruhe, Düsseldorf, and many other cities.
Berlin Beer Festival
The capital is not bypassed by beer flows: annually at the end of August, the international Berliner Biermeile festival is organized in Berlin. About 350 breweries from 90 countries offer visitors more than 2,400 beer options. The festival takes place on Karl-Marx-Allee, turning it into the longest beer garden in the world (2.2 km). In 2018, the festival will take place from August 3 to 5.
Craft Beer Days in Hamburg
At the end of August and November in Hamburg, aromatic craft beer from 30 breweries from Germany and Europe is poured into glasses – more than a hundred types in total. At workshops, beer experts reveal secrets of pairing beer with other dishes and talk about future beer trends. Craft Beer Days also take place in other cities. The upcoming ones are in Stuttgart and Kiel on April 20-21 and April 22-23, 2018, respectively.