Every autumn, over 6 million people flock to Munich for the iconic Oktoberfest, or as locals call it, the Wiesn. While the beer, music, and lederhosen steal the spotlight, what many visitors never see is the massive logistical operation that turns the open field of Theresienwiese into the world’s biggest beer festival.

The Setup: 12 Weeks of Precision, Muscle, and Munich Magic

Starting from the June 30th, Theresienwiese transforms from an open space into a self-contained city, requiring around 12 weeks of construction involving hundreds of workers, machines, and engineers.

Did you know…

• There are over 240,000 m² of festival grounds, roughly the same as 34 football (a.k.a. soccer) pitches
• A 10-kilometer security fence surrounds the entire site
• 14 large beer tents and 21 smaller tents are built from scratch
• Around 80 workers are needed per large tent, coordinated by the main tent-building firm, which employs over 200 crew members during setup
• The large tents are disassembled and stored in 100+ labeled and numbered containers, making it easier to rebuild exactly the Wiesn the same way next year
• Most tents use large-scale beer storage systems, including multiple 5,000-liter tanks kept under strict temperature and pressure control

🍻 A Special Tradition: Wooden Barrels at Augustiner Festhalle

While most tents rely on modern steel tanks, the Augustiner Festhalle is the last tent at Oktoberfest to serve beer straight from traditional wooden barrels (Holzfässer). The logistics of this are extraordinary, with fresh barrels delivered daily and stored in a special tower attached to the tent.

If you’ve ever noticed the word “Holzfasslager” on the tower, now you know it means “wooden barrel storage,” and it’s one of the most beloved traditions of the Wiesn, keeping the beer fresh, unfiltered, and uniquely smooth.

The Workers’ Canteen: Fueling the Builders

With hundreds of workers laboring long hours during setup and teardown, there’s a dedicated on-site canteen that serves hot, affordable meals.

The best part is, it’s open to the public, offering hearty Bavarian dishes like schnitzel and potato salad and beer at a fraction of festival prices (it’s an essential hub for the construction teams).

The Teardown: 8 Weeks to Disappear Without a Trace

The final beers are poured in early October, but the work isn’t over. It takes about 8 weeks to fully dismantle Oktoberfest and return Theresienwiese to a clean, grassy field.

During this phase:

• Over 7,000 tons of material are dismantled
• All tents, kitchens, rides, and stages are taken down
• Every item is packed and stored in labeled containers, and
• The 10km perimeter fence is removed and temporary utility systems are disconnected

By late November, the massive site is back to normal. Barely a hint of the world’s largest festival remains.

Want a Closer Look?

Curious to see this incredible transformation in real life?

If you’re in Munich before or after Oktoberfest, head to Theresienwiese (here on Google Maps) and witness the massive operation firsthand. From July through October, the grounds are alive with cranes, forklifts, and hundreds of workers transforming the space into the world’s most famous beer festival—and then taking it all down again.

Insider tip

During the setup and pack down times, check out modest but essential workers’ canteen on-site. It’s open to the public, serving hot, affordable meals to the hardworking crews. It’s a quiet hero of the build and a vital part of keeping the operation running smoothly.

Want More Than a Peek?

To truly understand the scale, stories, and soul of the Wiesn, join one of our guided experiences:

• Private Munich City Tour
  Dive into the city’s history, architecture, and Oktoberfest origins before seeing the grounds up close.
• Dachau Memorial Group Tour
  A powerful and respectful half-day tour to explore the deeper layers of Bavaria’s past.

From barrels and beams to culture and commemoration—come take a closer look at the real Munich.