Beer lovers stagger: Oktoberfest prices soar past €15 (£12.7) barrier
In September, the beloved Oktoberfest in Munich, adored by beer enthusiasts, will begin, attracting millions of tourists from around the world each year. However, this year the beer prices might discourage some. According to the daily "Die Welt," the price for a pint of beer will exceed the 15-euro (£12.7) mark for the first time.
This year's Oktoberfest begins on 21 September. More than two months before the event, Munich announced the prices that will apply. The German newspaper Die Welt reported that a pint of beer at this year's Oktoberfest will cost between 13.60 (£11.50) and 15.30 (£12.90) euros.
This means the price of festival beer will increase by an average of 3.9% and for the first time will exceed the 15-euro mark (£12.7).
Beer prices at Oktoberfest
Last year, the price range for a pint of festival beer was between 12.60 (£ 10.70) to 14.90 (£12.60) euros. As reported by "Die Welt," Munich, as the organiser of Oktoberfest, is analysing whether the prices calculated by stall owners are justified. For this purpose, they are comparing them with the prices in large dining establishments in Munich, which currently charge between 6.60 to 11 GBP per pint of export beer.
The beer served at Oktoberfest is brewed especially for this festival and has a higher alcohol content of around 6%. Tavern owners have to bear significant costs related to the construction and dismantling of tents for the two-week festival. Additionally, providing live music also entails extra expenses.
Restaurateur Peter Inselkammer referred to the sharply increased costs, saying that "prices have been adjusted proportionately." He explained that the beer price was influenced by higher wages for employees and electricity costs, which have doubled.
How long will Oktoberfest last?
This year, not only beer but also non-alcoholic beverages will be more expensive. A pint of water will cost an average of 9 GBP (in 2023, 8.70 GBP), the drink Spezi 10.50 GBP (previously 10 pounds), and lemonade 10 GBP (previously 9.50 GBP). Free drinking water fountains will be available at the festival.
As reported by the daily "Die Welt," the festival attracted 7.2 million guests last year and consumed 6.5 million pints of beer during the event. Exact data on chicken and oxen consumption was not provided, but prices will likely rise this year. The federal government raised the VAT on food in restaurants from 7 to 19% in January, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The construction of the large festival tents began on Monday. Organisers expect six million visitors at the Oktoberfest this year. The event will last until 6 October.
