The world's most famous and popular Oktoberfest is in Munich, Germany, but this is not the only place where German traditions, food and beer are celebrated in Europe this autumn. If you have been faithful to your local Oktoberfest celebration back home year after year and are looking for a different way to celebrate, why not plan a trip to Europe? Of course, there are many cities and towns in Germany that celebrate the festivities, but there are also many other countries that also take the festive spirit. Here are eight Oktoberfest destinations worth travelling to in Europe.
Munich, Germany Oktoberfest 
Credit: www.bigstock.com Oktoberfest Munich where people sit at large tables in the Hippodrom tent
Munich, Germany Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
No European Oktoberfest list would be complete without first mentioning the big event in Munich. This classic Oktoberfest festival attracts millions of visitors every year and takes place in the Theresienwiese park. Traditional Oktoberfest clothes are a must when attending the event in Munich, and the event runs from 22 September to 7 October 2018. The opening ceremonies take place in the Schottenhamel tent, and there is no entrance fee to enter the area or the beer tents. These tents fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book in advance. Key events to check out are the Oktoberfest parade for costumes and riflemen, the parade of Oktoberfest owners and breweries, and the official keg tapping. Other German Oktoberfest destinations worth checking out if you're on an autumn tour of the country are Stuttgart, Hamburg and Berlin.
Vienna, Austria Oktoberfest 
Credit: facebook.com Austria Oktoberfest
Vienna, Austria Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
Another great place to celebrate Oktoberfest in Europe is Vienna Austria. This event takes place over nine days, from 27 September to 14 October 2018, with tents set up on the Kaiser Weiss in the Prater. Here you will find a giant Ferris wheel, live music from folk groups and actually 700 hours of live music. There will be plenty of local beer and food on site, including wiener schnitzel and brettljause. Come here to learn about the unique customs of the Austrian provinces on Sunday from 11.30am to 8pm and every other day of the festival from 11.30am to midnight. There is no admission charge for the festival tents until 6pm, there is an LGBT community event on 5 October, and the Wiesendorf festival's outdoor stage offers free entertainment for all.
Madrid, Spain Oktoberfest 
Credit: www.facebook.com Applause at the Madrid Oktoberfest
Madrid, Spain Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
Oktoberfest is an autumn festival held every year in Madrid and offers many delicious Bavarian dishes and German beer. The WiZinkCenter celebration of Oktoberfest takes place from 27-29 September 2018 and this is the festival's fifth anniversary. Here you will find live music, German cuisine and a fun atmosphere. The beer served at the first Oktoberfest, König Ludwig, will be served here. The food will be provided by the speciality catering company, Majorca, and will feature sausages, savouries and pork knuckle. You can pay for an individual seat, a reserved table or a VIP table for different prices between ⬠15 and ⬠65. Various buses will take you to the festival, or you can take advantage of the local bike-sharing system.
Paris and Marseille, France Oktoberfest 
Credit: www.facebook.com Dancing at Oktoberfest in France
Paris and Marseille, France Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
If you are in France, you can also celebrate Oktoberfest and join thousands of visitors for an authentic event. There is a large main festival tent in Paris, live Bavarian music and plenty of beer along the Seine. The Paris event runs from 4 October to 14 October 2018. You can also go to Marseille to attend the Oktoberfest celebration with German bands and a fun mix of German and Mediterranean cultures. The Marseille event runs from 25 October to 3 November 2018. This is an adults-only event with the exception of the Sunday brunch. Make sure you book your place to attend one of these events in France and start thinking about your costume now!
London, UK Oktoberfest 
Credit: www.facebook.com Balancing beer at the Erdinger Oktoberfest in London
London, UK Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
Not surprisingly, London also has a great Oktoberfest atmosphere with numerous festivals organised in the city. Tens of thousands of visitors come to dress up in traditional costumes, play traditional Oktoberfest games and enjoy delicious food and drink. You can attend the event in Millwall Park, Canary Wharf from 4 to 14 October or the Finsbury Park event (which doubles as a Halloween special) from 18 to 31 October. Another fun Oktoberfest destination in London is the Bavarian Beerhouse, which hosts its event from 26 September to 20 October, Wednesday to Saturday, in 2018. This event attracts over 180,000 guests a year and was the first and original Oktoberfest in the UK. Other Oktoberfest destinations in the UK worth visiting are Manchester and Glasgow.
Stockholm, Sweden Oktoberfest Credit: www.facebook.com Ladies enjoying beer at the Stockholm Oktoberfest
Stockholm, Sweden Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
You might be surprised to know that Stockholm, Sweden, also has an exciting Oktoberfest event, and this is one you will definitely enjoy. Many people hire costumes to participate in the event and thousands of people attend every year.The event takes place in Gärdet, Lindarängsvägen in Stockholm and is one of the first Oktoberfest celebrations in Europe - from 15 to 18 August 2018. At this annual event, you will find beer, pop music and the famous 'Heidi' models who are incredibly beautiful Beer, cider and food are on sale and no advance tickets are required.
Genoa, Italy Oktoberfest 
Credit: www.bigstock.com Oktoberfest mugs and savouries
Genoa, Italy Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
Also, consider visiting Genoa, Italy, to join the fun of this Oktoberfest celebration. This is Italy's first Oktoberfest, and it runs from 6 to 23 September 2018. There is a big beer tent in Piazza della Vittoria, which is filled with long wooden tables for eating Bavarian food and drinking German beer. Here you will also find music, children's workshops, concerts and tasting courses. There is also an Oktoberfest festival in Turin, Italy, from 28 September to 8 October, if you miss the one in Genoa.
Gdańsk, Poland Oktoberfest 
Credit: brovarnia.pl Poland Oktoberfest
Gdansk, Poland Oktoberfest (Hotels nearby)
We also recommend going to Poland to check out the Oktoberfest celebration in Gdańsk. Brovarnia organises this event and also presents excellent German and local beers. The Oktoberfest celebration starts on 22 September 2018 and offers a delicious menu with sausages, sauerkraut, pork chops, pork knuckle, smoked apples and beer ice cream. It takes place in a festive beer tent, the staff are dressed in traditional clothes, and special gift sets are available for souvenir purchase.