Schottenhamel – Oktoberfest’s oldest beer tent, tapping ceremony

To kick off the festival, the mayor ceremoniously taps the first beer in the Schottenhamel tent, the oldest tent at Oktoberfest. Favoured by younger audiences, it combines dance nights with tradition for endless enjoyment.

basic information

the history

Originally a 50-seat cottage in 1867, Oktoberfest’s oldest tent today accommodates over 10,000 people.  Among the contributions of the Schottenhamel family are the introduction of the mayor’s ceremonial keg tap in 1950 and the creation of Märzen beer in 1872 following a summer scarcity.  Although its construction, which was completed in 2000, maintains history, contemporary features like the disco lighting (2016) and the snug seating provoke discussion. 

Well-liked by students (some fraternities have booked tables!), it combined tradition with modern flair by adding wine and spirits service in 2023 and a stylish bar in 2024.  From the birthplace of beer to the centre of parties, tent continues to be the beating heart of Oktoberfest.

Music

Each band transforms the tent vibe, ensuring the celebration evolves from laid-back mornings to electrifying nights. The bands are 

Schwarzfischer: Having played at Oktoberfest since 1950, the band is credited with being the first to play the “Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” toast after the keg tapping, a song that has since come to be associated with the Wiesn spirit.

Daytime Tradition: Under the direction of conductor Christian Sachs, the band combines traditional Bavarian brass with modern gleams throughout lunch, combining lively tunes with first beers and roasted chicken to create a perfect midday ambiance.

Late Night Energy: The Südherz band transforms the tent into an energetic dance floor around 9:00 PM, raising the volume with party tunes that keep everyone applauding till the end of the night.

Beer 

The Schottenhamel tent pays tribute to Munich’s brewing heritage by offering Spaten Franziskaner beer, a staple of the city’s brewing tradition, in addition to the traditional Märzen, first tapped by the Schottenhamel family in 1872.

In celebrating Oktoberfest’s beer traditions, the tent also accommodates contemporary tastes with wine, sparkling wine, champagne, coffee, and schnapps (new in 2023), so that each visitor can find their ideal pour.

Schottenhamel menu

The tent is a culinary experience of Bavarian heritage, fusing rare delicacies with ancient recipes. From a variety of options prepared with original ingredients, each dish honors the heritage of the region yet meets contemporary taste. 

• Meat Dishes: The “Three times Bavaria” platter, which includes traditional dishes like half chicken and crispy pig knuckle, as well as veal patties, Leberkäs, and Munich Rostbratwürstl, is a favourite among meat enthusiasts.

• Vegetarian Options: With savoury potato waffles and Allgäuer Kässpatzen (cheesy noodles), vegetarian treats shine for a filling, meatless supper.

• Desserts: Kaiserschmarrn, which consists of warm, shredded, fluffy, caramelised pancakes, is dessert nirvana.

• Special Dishes: Specialities that celebrate long-standing tradition, such as Böfflamot (marinated beef stew) and “Deandl and Burschenburger” (unique Bavarian burgers), steal the show.

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.

Reservation 2025

Bookings for the tent are to be made via the official site’s reservation request form, available for group bookings of 8 to 10 persons to facilitate best seating arrangements. Upon submission of your inquiry, your booking will be confirmed by way of an invoice being sent from mid-July.

tent Location and accessibility

A major destination on the Oktoberfest route, the tent is situated in the middle of Wirtsbudenstrasse, sandwiched between the bustling Hacker-Festzelt and the famous Paulaner Festzelt. Visitors can arrive stress-free from Munich’s main transportation hubs by taking the Theresienwiese U-Bahn station (U4/U5 lines) or the Hackerbrücke S-Bahn station, which are both conveniently close to the festival grounds.