Schottenhamel-Festhalle

The Schottenhamel family has been around for a fabulously long time. Their beer tent was established in 1867. In 1872 they were the first to introduce the Märzen beer to Oktoberfest, which only happened due to short supplies of the usually sold summer beer after an unusually hot summer. The students and soldiers, who made up a good portion of their guests back then, were very pleased by this new sort of beer and willingly paid a higher price for the stronger brew. The Schottenhamel tent is still today a popular destination among students and other young guests. Some fraternities even have their own tables in the students’ box in the back of the tent.

In 1950, the landlord at that time, Michael Schottenhamel, had a very sustainable idea by engaging mayor Thomas Wimmer for tapping the first barrel ins his tent. A new tradition was born, which spread all over Bavaria.

Until 2015 the tent’s look has not changed much since 1953. Unfortunately, in 2016 a new lighting concept premiered, turning the tent into a discotheque for good. The current building was inaugurated in 2000. Seating is here is rather unusual as tables are smaller and benches on all four sides increase the density. Some appreciate the consequential cuddliness, others argue that a little more space for eating would be more comfortable.

Since 2023 the tent has been allowed to serve wine and liquour as well. Therefore, the tent received a bar, next to the main entrance, in 2024.

Music and Atmosphere

The non-reserved area of the tent quickly fills with very young guests each day, while the rest of the tent is usually very calm until the evening reservations arrive. Otto Schwarfischer’s band is known to play at least some more sophisticated compositions in the afternoon, but unfortunately sticks to a much reduced, extremely party-oriented repertoire in the evening. For decades, the music has been known to be oriented towards the traditionally younger crowd.

For the first time, in 2022, Schwarzfischer was replaced each day after 8:30 pm by a party band called Südherz, which is led by a Schwarzfischer musician.

Reservations 2024

Reservations for very short shifts at the Schottenhamel-Festhalle can be requested using the reservation form since December 19. At the beginning, some afternoon tables for the holiday were included.