Paulaner Festzelt – Winzerer Fähndl, beer dispenser, spinning tower, reservations

The Paulaner Festzelt is recognizable from afar by its 26-meter tower topped with a spinning giant Paulaner beer jug, the call to Oktoberfest fun-lovers. Inside, a new-generation beer pump system dispenses fresh brews at 15 pours per minute, with steins running over.

A popular meeting place for young and old, the Oktoberfest tent marries Bavarian-style warmth and fine dining with a range of beers, attracting Munich locals, celebrities, and international visitors to celebrate beneath its famous roof.

basic information

the history

Paulaner Festzelt (formerly Winzerer Fähndl, founded 1885) led the way for Oktoberfest’s transition from tiny stands to large tents. Famous for landmarks such as its giant floating beer jug (1950) and spinning stein tower (1951), it became Paulaner’s flagship tent following a merger with Thomasbräu. A 2010 makeover incorporated contemporary technology such as an underground beer pipeline, while maintaining Bavarian flair.

Though it has history as Oktoberfest’s original giant beer hall, its original name was lost in 2018 to prevent confusion, being rebranded “Paulaner Festzelt”—a change decried for erasing connections to crossbow traditions (ceased in 1926). Now, it balances innovation and tradition, serving up classic beer under host Arabella Schörghuber.

music band

Nachtstark Band: This band plays the Paulaner Festzelt every night (7:00–9:00 PM), bringing crowds into the Oktoberfest atmosphere with energetic combinations of Bavarian rock, international top hits, and German party classics.

Die Nockherberger: Directed by Konrad Aigner, this traditional band engages afternoons with Bavarian brass and traditional Wiesn songs, while nights are reserved for rowdy festivity with Oktoberfest’s oldest, most legendary band.

serving Beer 

The Paulaner Festzelt taps its legendary Original Paulaner Oktoberfest beer, a refreshing brew renowned for its light hoppy scent and malt-dominant flavor, all masked in a rich amber color. Served through a state-of-the-art beer pipeline, each stein comes fresh and frothy, guaranteeing optimal flavor and quality.

Read More : Reservations, Menu, Pink party of Fischer-Vroni Oktoberfest Tent

Paulaner Festzelt menu

The tent has a menu of local and traditional Bavarian cuisine designed to appeal to all tastes, making both Munich residents and international visitors feel at home and experience the real Oktoberfest.

• Meat Dishes: Enjoy Bavarian favorites such as spit-roasted Bauern-Hendl chicken, roast pork, and duck, accompanied by rustic rolls for a classic Oktoberfest dinner. 

• Vegetarian Dishes: Savor international-inspired dishes such as baked sweet potato, African bean stew, tofu cream, and fresh rocket salad—all of which are plant-based and delicious. 

• Dessert: Treat yourself to Kaiserschmarrn, the classic shredded, caramelized pancake, for a delightful ending to the meal.

opening hours

Monday to Friday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

peak hours: from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

Beer serving ends: 10:30 pm.

Festzelt Reservation 2025

The table can be reserved online from April 10. Visitors may choose between three desired days, tables, and reservation areas, although the reservations are solely for groups of ten (each reservation accommodating exactly ten persons).

Until June 30, 2024, cancellations are free; after this period, charges will be applied. Notice also that there are no last-minute reservations for fully booked dates, so book in advance to grab your place in this Oktoberfest tent.

tent Location and accessibility

The Paulaner Festzelt, situated at the feet of Munich’s iconic Bavaria statue and mere steps away from the traditional Oktoberfest grounds, is one of the most popular locations at the Wiesn. To sidestep parking headaches, public transportation is highly advised.

The nearest stops are the Theresienwiese and Goetheplatz U-Bahn stations, the Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station, or the Schwanthalerhöhe tram stop.