Oktoberfest beer guide: the six Munich breweries and what to expect
There is no single brand poured across every tent. Learn why only six Munich breweries supply Oktoberfest beer and how to choose a beer tent by fit.
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Why the beer is local
Oktoberfest beer comes from six Munich breweries
The official Oktoberfest list includes Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. Oktoberfest beer has a protected geographical indication in the EU: the name connects the beer to its specified Munich brewing and festival tradition. It is not a generic label for any seasonal beer sold around the world.
Each tent has its brewery arrangement, so the beer you encounter depends partly on the tent you choose. If a specific brewery matters to you, compare the tent listings before you go. The tent guide shows atmosphere and group fit; the beer-price guide lists the 2026 Maß price by tent.
Pacing a Maß
The glass is a litre, not a pint
A Maß is a one-litre serving, and Oktoberfest beer is stronger than many visitors expect from familiar lagers. Exact alcohol content varies by brewery and beer. There is no need to finish one quickly or match anyone else at the table.
Have food, take breaks and alternate with water or a soft drink. Free drinking-water fountains are available around the grounds. If you are driving, cycling or need to navigate a crowded station, choose a non-alcoholic drink and plan your trip home before the evening rush.
Useful before you go
Common questions, straight answers.
Which breweries serve beer at Oktoberfest?
Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten.
How big is a Maß at Oktoberfest?
A standard Maß is a one-litre glass.
Is Oktoberfest beer the same in every tent?
No. Breweries are associated with different tents and smaller outlets. Check the current tent listing for the beer served there.
No mystery meat facts
Sources and edition notes
Changeable details such as dates, prices, rules and opening times are checked against the linked sources. Recheck them before your visit.