Oktoberfest Stalls: From Bird Whistles to Hau den Lukas

Traditional stalls on the Wiesn

Hundreds of stalls line the paths and squares of the festival grounds. They sell souvenirs, offer games of skill and strength, and serve sweets, snacks, and drinks. Many stalls have been run by the same families for generations and are part of the fairground tradition. Strolling past the stalls, trying your luck at a game, or picking up a souvenir is a classic Oktoberfest experience.

Bird whistles and traditional toys

Bird whistles (Vogelpfeifen) are among the best-known Oktoberfest souvenirs. These small clay or ceramic whistles, often shaped like birds, produce a distinctive sound and have been sold at the Wiesn for over a century. Stalls selling bird whistles can be found across the grounds; they are a popular gift and a typical sound of the festival. Other traditional stalls offer wooden toys, figurines, and Bavarian handicrafts that make lasting souvenirs of your visit to Munich.

Hau den Lukas and strength games

Hau den Lukas (Hit the Bell) is the classic strength-test game at German fairs and at the Oktoberfest. You swing a heavy mallet onto a pad, sending a puck up a track toward a bell at the top. The harder you hit, the higher it goes — and if you ring the bell, you have proved your strength. Hau den Lukas stalls are a fixture on the Theresienwiese and draw crowds of visitors trying to beat the bell. Other strength and skill games, such as hammer games and high-striker variations, are also part of the stall line-up and add to the funfair atmosphere.

Shooting galleries and games of skill

Shooting galleries (Schießbuden) are a long-standing tradition at the Oktoberfest. Using air rifles or similar equipment, visitors aim at targets to win prizes — from cuddly toys to sweets. Ring toss, darts, and other games of skill are also common. These stalls are especially popular with families and groups. Prizes are displayed at the front of the stall; payment is usually per round. On the historic Oide Wiesn, you will find historic throwing and shooting galleries that fit the nostalgic theme.

Original Oktoberfest souvenirs

Stalls across the grounds sell original Oktoberfest souvenirs that have become symbols of the festival. The most famous are the large Lebkuchen hearts (Lebkuchenherzen) — gingerbread hearts decorated with icing and messages such as “Oktoberfest”, “O’zapft Is!”, or personal names. They are edible (though often kept as keepsakes) and make popular gifts. Other classic souvenirs include:

• Beer steins and Masskrüge — Ceramic or glass one-litre beer mugs, often with Oktoberfest or Bavarian motifs; official licensed designs are available.
• Dirndl and Lederhosen accessories — Aprons, hats, braces, and small items for traditional dress.
• Oktoberfest posters and prints — Official poster designs from past years; reprints are sold at the Oide Wiesn museum stall and elsewhere.
• Bavarian figurines and ornaments — Wooden or ceramic figures, cuckoo-clock style items, and decorative pieces.
• Edible treats — Candied almonds, chocolate, and other sweets from sweet stalls (Süßwarenbuden).

Buying from stalls run by licensed vendors helps you take home genuine Oktoberfest souvenirs. For official merchandise and poster reprints, check the museum area at the Oide Wiesn and stalls marked as official or licensed.

Sweet stalls and snacks

Sweet stalls (Süßwarenbuden) sell candied almonds (gebrannte Mandeln), candy floss, chocolate, and other treats. They are scattered across the Theresienwiese and are a hit with children and adults alike. Many stalls also offer small snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, so you can take a break from the beer tents without leaving the festival atmosphere.