Munich and I go way back. I first visited the city in 2008 as part of my high school graduation trip, and even back then, I fell in love with the culture, the food, and the people. Since that first visit was not during Oktoberfest though, I have wanted to go back ever since.
For years, I dreamed of rolling through the Oktoberfest tents, clinking glasses with locals, and experiencing the world’s biggest beer festival for myself. It has been one of my biggest bucket list items for as long as I can remember. And in early October 2025, I finally made it happen.
Spoiler alert: it was everything I hoped for and so much more.
First Impressions of the World’s Largest Beer Festival
I knew Oktoberfest was big, but I was not prepared for how massive it actually is. The festival takes place at Theresienwiese, a large open space in the heart of Munich. Picture giant beer tents, carnival rides, souvenir stalls, live music, and a LOT of people celebrating together.
When I rolled onto the grounds, I felt the excitement immediately. Music poured out of every tent, laughter filled the air, and the smell of sausages and pretzels surrounded me. It felt like entering a Bavarian wonderland.
As a wheelchair user, I was curious to see how accessible Oktoberfest would be. I am happy to report that it is very inclusive. The organizers have clearly put thought into making the festival enjoyable for everyone, no matter their mobility level.
Rolling Into the Beer Tents
One of my biggest questions before visiting was whether I would be able to get inside the large beer tents easily. The answer is yes. Most of the major tents have accessible entrances with ramps and wide doors.
Each tent has its own vibe, with live bands, long wooden tables, and people standing on benches singing traditional German (and sometimes English) songs. It is loud and lively.
There are designated accessible tables set aside for wheelchair users and companions. These accessible tables are available on a first come, first served basis, so arriving early is important. My mom, our friend Kayla, and I showed up in the late morning (around 11am) and managed to get a great spot close to the music.
You can reserve tables ahead of time if you want guaranteed seating, but the process felt complicated. We decided to take our chances, and it worked out well, luckily.
Prost! The Beer, the Music, and the Atmosphere
Now let’s talk about the beer. Each tent serves its own brewery’s Oktoberfest beer, and it typically comes in one size, one liter. When my first beer arrived, I could not help but laugh. It was almost as big as my head.
I am not really a fan of beer, but sipping a cold Munich lager while surrounded by singing and laughter is an experience I will never forget. The atmosphere inside the tents is contagious. Even if you do not know the words to the songs, you will find yourself clapping along.
There are accessible restrooms located throughout the festival grounds. According to Oktoberfest officials, there are eight accessible companion care restrooms, with one in each major restroom area. After a liter or two of beer, I was very thankful for that.
The restrooms were clean and easy to find, with enough space for wheelchair maneuvering. Accessibility can make or break an event like this, and Oktoberfest impressed me.
Wheelchair Accessible Rides at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is not just about beer. The festival grounds are filled with carnival rides and attractions. To my surprise, some of the rides are wheelchair accessible. I rode both the Ferris wheel and the Skylift, and they were a lot of fun.
The Ferris wheel operators helped me roll into an accessible gondola, and soon I was high above the crowds. The view of Munich from up there was beautiful. You can see the colorful tents and the city skyline, and I loved that I could enjoy the views while in my power wheelchair.
The Skylift was another highlight. It is a smooth ride that glides over the festival, and I stayed in my wheelchair the entire time. The pods are larger than the Ferris wheel, so it can hold more people. It was another great way to take in the scene below.
Accessibility Highlights
Oktoberfest has been around for more than 200 years, but accessibility is clearly part of the planning today. These features made my visit easier:
- Accessible entrances at most large beer tents
- Designated tables for wheelchair users and companions
- Eight accessible companion care restrooms across the festival grounds
- Paved pathways throughout Theresienwiese
- Helpful staff across the festival
As someone who travels often, I am used to encountering obstacles at large events. Oktoberfest surprised me in a good way. It is one of the most accessible major festivals I have attended.
Eating My Way Through Oktoberfest
Even if you do not drink beer, the food alone makes Oktoberfest worth visiting. The options are endless, and everything smells good.
I started with a giant pretzel that was soft and salty. Then I ordered cheese spätzle, a Bavarian take on mac and cheese that might be one of the best comfort foods around. For dessert, I could not resist warm apple strudel.
Between the pretzels, sausages, roasted chicken, and sweets, it is hard to go hungry. My advice is to come with an empty stomach and try as many foods as you possibly can.
Where I Stayed in Munich
While in Munich, I stayed at the Courtyard by Munich City Center, and it was a great choice for my Oktoberfest wheelchair accessible trip.
The hotel is in a convenient location, just a couple of blocks from the central train station and a short roll to the festival grounds. It is also about a 15 to 20 minute walk or roll to Marienplatz and other attractions.
I stayed in room 120, one of the hotel’s accessible rooms. It had a king-sized bed that was 25 inches tall, with enough clearance underneath for a Hoyer lift. The hotel also provided a rollaway bed for a third person.
The bathroom was designed with accessibility in mind. It had a pull-under sink and a roll-in shower with a smooth entry. The hotel provided a shower seat, but I used my own shower wheelchair from home, which you can see in the photo below.
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Overall, I was happy with the accessibility and comfort of the Courtyard by Munich City Center. I would certainly stay there again.
Getting Around Munich
Munich is one of the most wheelchair-friendly cities in Europe in my opinion, which makes getting to Oktoberfest simple. The U-Bahn subway system has elevators at most stations, and the Theresienwiese stop drops you off near the festival entrance.
Once at the festival, the main pathways are paved and easy to navigate. Some areas get crowded in the evenings, but I did not have major issues moving around.
If you are visiting Munich beyond Oktoberfest, take time to explore the city. From Marienplatz to the English Garden, Munich is an easy city to roll through and the accessible transportation will enable you to get from place to place rather easily.
Tips for Visiting Oktoberfest in a Wheelchair
If you are planning your own accessible Oktoberfest trip, these tips may help:
- Arrive early to secure a spot at an Oktoberfest wheelchair accessible table
- Visit on a weekday when crowds are smaller
- Reserve tables in advance for guaranteed seating
- Bring a refillable water bottle
- Dress for changing weather (and dress for the occasion with lederhosen or a dirndl!)
- Take breaks when needed
- Come hungry and ready to have fun
Prost to an Accessible Adventure
As the sun set and the lights of Oktoberfest glowed around me, I could not stop smiling. I had finally checked off one of my biggest bucket list items, and it exceeded my expectations in every way.
Oktoberfest is not just about beer. It is about culture and community. The fact that it is welcoming to wheelchair users makes it even more special.
If Oktoberfest has been on your bucket list and you have wondered whether it is wheelchair accessible, take it from me… It absolutely is.
Prost!
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