Oktoberfest Gdańsk: Bavarian mugs in the Hanseatic spirit
- Damian Brzeski
- 40 minutes ago
- 16 min read
The pretzel here smells of the Baltic Sea, and the mug sounds like the Hanseatic League – in Gdańsk, Oktoberfest has its own, inimitable accent.
From tap takeovers at Montownia, through the Beer Harvest Festival at Brovarnia, to concert evenings at PG4 and the craft bounty of Hevelka – it's a map of flavors, history and good fun.
Want to know where to sit, what to drink (and why not just lager), what to eat, and when to come for the best vibe? Read on—your appetite is just getting started.
An autumn toast in the heart of Gdańsk
Imagine crisp autumn air from the Baltic Sea blowing across the brick facades of Gdańsk's Main Town. The air is filled with the scent of salt, mingled with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pretzels and malt.
That's when something extraordinary happens. Gdańsk sheds its Hanseatic solemnity for a moment, giving way to the warm, vibrant atmosphere of one of Poland's most surprising festivals. It's Oktoberfest , but in a way that could only have originated here, on the Motława River.
This isn't a simple carbon copy of the Munich festival. It's a fascinating cultural dialogue, where the tradition of the German festival meets the almost mythical legend of the Gdansk Jopenbier .
This article is your personal guide to a world where Gdańsk, a city with its own powerful brewing traditions, not only imported German traditions but also imbued them with them, infused them with local traditions , and created a unique, hybrid celebration that attracts thousands of foodies and fun-seekers every year.
Where to Go to Octoberfest in Gdańsk? Location Guide
During Oktoberfest, Gdańsk isn't centered around a single central square. Instead, the city transforms into a festival treasure map, with each major location having its own distinct identity and character.
This clever diversity means that individual locations do not compete with each other, but create a complementary offer.
This festival offers something for everyone: the beer connoisseur, the family with children, and the group of friends simply looking for a lively party.
This is a strategy that consciously builds the brand of the Gdańsk Oktoberfest as a multi-dimensional event, making it a key autumn tourist destination.
The table below is your guide to the key festival stages. It will allow you to quickly compare venues and choose the one that perfectly suits your expectations.
Place | Atmosphere / Specialty | Key Attractions | Entry Fee |
Foodhall Assembly Plant | Modernity, Craft, Competition | Beer Challenge, Tap Takeovers, Workshops | Free admission |
Brovarnia Gdańsk | Tradition, History, Culinary | "Gdańsk Beer Harvest Festival", Bavarian-Pomeranian Menu | Free admission, special events may require tickets |
PG4 Brewery | Lively, Party | Golden Oktober beer, live Bavarian music | Free admission |
Hevelka Festival | Craft Beer Showcase, Large Scale | 200+ Polish craft beers, food trucks, "Beer Mile" run | Ticketed (e.g. ~33-36 PLN/day) |
Foodhall Montownia – tasting and workshop center
Montownia , located in a fantastically revitalized former shipyard, offers a modern, urban take on Oktoberfest. It's a vibrant place where tradition collides with new trends.
The program here is dynamic and interactive. The focal point is the Tap Takeovers , during which the bar scene is handed over to leading craft breweries such as Nowy Browar Gdański , Warsaw's Funky Fluid , and Birra Mania . It's a unique opportunity to sample a wide range of beers in one place.
The event is accompanied by Beer Tasting panels and an organized beer tasting , which add an educational dimension to the festival. Here, you can not only taste but also meet brewery representatives, learn about the brewing process and the philosophy behind their products.
But what really ignites the most excitement is the Beer Challenge , a timed beer-drinking competition. It's a true challenge for the brave, with official records to beat: 3.19 seconds for 0.5 liters and 7 seconds for 1 liter .
The spontaneous nature of the fun is emphasized by the fact that registration takes place on-site, just before the start of the competition.
The offer is complemented by brewing workshops and quizzes, positioning Montownia as a place not only for consumption, but also for broadening beer horizons.
Brovarnia Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Beer Harvest Festival
Brovarnia, located in a historic, 400-year-old granary on the grounds of the Hotel Gdańsk, is a place where Oktoberfest gains historical depth. As the oldest operating brewery in the city, it gives its celebrations a unique significance.
Instead of copying the German name, Brovarnia organizes the Gdańsk Beer Harvest Festival – an event consciously referring to the local traditions of the hop harvest festival, which took place in Gdańsk as early as the 16th century.
The culminating moment is the ceremonial tapping of the first barrel of beer, performed by famous personalities from the world of culture and media.
In previous years, this honor was bestowed upon actress Ewa Kasprzyk , satirist Szymon Majewski , and musician Krzysztof Skiba , among others, which adds prestige and media coverage to the event.
The atmosphere of Bavarian festivals is created by staff dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes , live music and banquet tables set up in a tent specially prepared for the occasion on the hotel patio.
Importantly, the festival in Brovarnia is the longest of all , often lasting over a month, from the end of September until the end of October.
PG4 Brewery – music, cooking and beer
The PG4 brewery , located near the main station, is the epicentre of energetic, loud and joyful fun in true Bavarian style.
During the festival, the restaurant's interior explodes with characteristic blue and white colors, and staff in traditional costumes complete the immersive experience.
The focal point of the beer offering is Golden Oktober, brewed especially for this occasion – a delicious beer that perfectly complements the festival menu.
Music fuels the atmosphere. Regular live concerts, especially on Thursdays and Saturdays, featuring bands such as the Kwaśnica Bavarian Band , guarantee an authentic, festive atmosphere.
The fun is enhanced by numerous contests with prizes that engage guests and enhance the festival atmosphere. The festival at PG4 typically lasts about three weeks.
Hevelka Craft Beer Festival – craft beers in the spirit of Oktoberfest
The Hevelka Craft Beer Festival is for those who look for more than just tradition in beer – it is a celebration of the Polish craft revolution.
Held at the Polsat Plus Arena, it is the largest event of its kind in northern Poland. The festival's name itself is a beautiful nod to local history, honoring Johannes Hevelius – the famous Gdańsk astronomer who was also a renowned brewer.
A true abundance awaits you at Hevelka: over 200 types of beer from the best Polish craft breweries, as well as a wide selection of other craft spirits, ciders and meads.
But it's not just about beer tasting . The festival also features a food truck rally serving dishes from around the world, concerts, a board game zone, and a unique attraction – the Beer Mile run, in which participants complete four laps, each with a free beer.
The organizers also take care of logistics, providing free buses to transport festival goers to the stadium.
What are the best beers served at the festival?
The beer offerings at Gdansk's Oktoberfest are a fascinating testament to the duality of the local scene. On the one hand, we have bastions of tradition like Brovarnia and Browar PG4 , which meticulously cultivate classic German styles.
On the other hand, events such as the Hevelka Craft Beer Festival or the tap takeovers at Montownia , which show the full power and creativity of the Polish craft avant-garde.
The types of beer served during the event create a platform on which these two worlds – tradition and revolution – not only coexist but also intertwine.
For a fan of traditional flavors, this may be the first opportunity to try Gdańsk beer from a new-wave brewery, and for a lover of craft experiments, it may be a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship of a perfectly brewed, classic lager.
Craft beers and local breweries in Gdańsk
During the festival, it's worth paying special attention to the various beers brewed especially for the occasion. At PG4 Brewery , this includes the aforementioned Golden Oktober .
Brovarnia, in turn, presents its Brovarnia Oktoberfest Beer every year, described as an amber lager-style beer with a beautiful amber color and a delicate caramel flavor.
Their offer also includes the classic March beer (Märzen) , which is the archetypal Oktoberfest beer.
The festival is also a great opportunity to sample a variety of local brews and explore the richness of the entire Pomeranian beer scene. Various local breweries often grace the taps and stands, including such esteemed brands as AleBrowar , Browar Amber, Browar Gościszewo, and Nowy Browar Gdański , offering a full cross-section of the region's best.
Beer tastings and panels with breweries
The Gdańsk Oktoberfest is not only about carefree consumption but also about education. The festival's interactive nature is most evident in the Montownia , where tasting panels are held with brewers and brewery representatives.
This is a unique opportunity to hear about beer from its creators, ask pressing questions, and understand the processes behind your favorite flavors.
For more demanding groups, Brovarnia offers professional beer seminars on request, led by the head brewer, which can be combined with a ceremonial keg tapping.
Popular beer styles: Hefeweizen, Pilsner, IPA, Porter
The festival features a wide range of beer styles, including classics like Hefeweizen , a refreshing wheat beer and a staple in Brovarnia's lineup.
Lager lovers should try the flagship beer from the same brewery – Złoto Brovarni . This multi-award-winning Pilsner , which won gold medals at competitions in Poland and Lyon, is a prime example of brewing precision.
The kings of the craft scene, present especially at Hevelka and Montownia , are IPA (India Pale Ale) style beers, delighting with intense hop aromas.
It is interesting to note that even such a traditional brewery as Brovarnia is successfully experimenting with new waves, as evidenced by the medals won by their Black IPA .
It is also worth looking out for Baltic Porter , a historic beer style that is one of the greatest treasures of Polish and Pomeranian brewing.
Festival cuisine: flavors of Bavaria and Pomerania
The menu served at the Gdańsk Oktoberfest is a carefully crafted culinary dialogue between Bavaria and Pomerania. It's much more than a blind copy of German dishes – it's a conscious juxtaposition of them with local specialties.
In addition to Bavarian pork knuckle and sausages, the menu also includes Old Gdańsk-style duck and goose from a Kashubian village.
This culinary fusion, combining local culinary traditions with Bavarian classics, is a metaphor for the entire event, strengthening its identity and making it more than just a branch of a German festival.
This is an authentic Gdańsk event that attracts tourists not only with the promise of Bavarian fun, but also with a unique opportunity to get a taste of the region.
Traditional Bavarian dishes: pretzels, sausages, pork knuckle, Obatzda
An absolute classic and a must-have on every festival menu is the Pork Knuckle , known in Bavarian as Schweinshaxe .
At Brovarnia it is served in a "MEGA" version, often marinated in dark beer and served with cabbage and baked potatoes.
Sausages ( Wurst in German) are equally popular, ranging from those described as "juicy" to specific specialties such as Bavarian sausage , Nuremberg sausages or spicy beef sausage.
The ultimate symbol of Oktoberfest is, of course, crunchy pretzels , the perfect snack to accompany beer. The menu is complemented by other Bavarian classics, such as Obatzda cheese spread, sauerkraut (a thick soup with spare ribs), and Apfelstrudel for dessert.
Regional Pomeranian cuisine and Gdańsk bagels
What sets the Gdańsk Oktoberfest apart is its skillful incorporation of regional treasures into the menu. At Brovarnia, alongside Bavarian dishes, you'll find specialties such as Old Gdańsk-style duck with cranberries, goose imported from Kashubian villages, and Old Gdańsk-style herring .
In many brewery restaurants, a permanent element of the menu is żurek ( sour rye soup) served in bread, a classic of Polish cuisine.
It is worth correcting a certain misunderstanding: although in everyday language "obwarzanek" is sometimes used as a synonym for pretzel , the famous "obwarzanki" are a Krakow specialty, with a history dating back to the 14th century and a protected geographical indication.
At the Oktoberfest in Gdańsk, their Bavarian cousins – salted pretzels – undoubtedly reign supreme.
Culture and entertainment at Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is much more than just delicious beer and food. It's a complete cultural experience, where music, fun, and a unique atmosphere play an equally important role. The festival offers a rich entertainment program, which is the soul of the entire event.
Live music and artistic performances
Music is the heart of the festival atmosphere. From the traditional, lively Bavarian rhythms that fill the tent at Brovarnia, to the energetic concerts performed by local bands and groups like the Kwaśnica Bavarian Band at Browar PG4 , the sounds create a unique, convivial atmosphere. However, the entertainment program can be much more extensive.
Previous editions of the festival hosted performances by well-known cabarets (including Łowcy.B) and satirists (Jerzy Kryszak), as well as stand-up comedy evenings (Tomasz "Boras" Borkowski), which shows that the organizers focus on diversity and high quality entertainment.
Traditional Bavarian costumes and a festival atmosphere
The visual complement of the festival is traditional Bavarian costumes , eagerly worn by both the staff and many guests.
Ladies wear colorful Dirndl – characteristic dresses with a fitted bodice, wide skirt, white blouse (Bluse) and apron (Schürze).
Men, on the other hand, reach for Lederhose – leather, often embroidered trousers with suspenders, paired with a checked shirt (Trachtenhemd). These characteristic Bavarian outfits create an incredible atmosphere at Bavarian festivals .
It's worth knowing a certain hidden cultural code. The way the bow is tied on a Dirndl apron conveys specific information about the wearer's marital status. A short cheat sheet on bow language:
Bow on the left: Miss
Bow on the right: married or in a relationship
Back Knot: Widow or Waitress
This small but fascinating piece of information can enrich the festival experience and become a pretext for an interesting conversation.
Beer competitions, quizzes and brewing workshops
Oktoberfest in Gdańsk also offers numerous interactive attractions. The most spectacular are the beer-drinking competitions held at Montownia .
Many venues, including PG4 and Brovarnia, host competitions with prizes, often testing knowledge about beer and the history of brewing.
For those who want to deepen their knowledge, there are quizzes and brewing workshops available, offered mainly at Montownia .
Attractions for families and children
Although Oktoberfest is largely an event aimed at adults, organizers of some events try to incorporate family-friendly elements. However, it's important to acknowledge that offerings for children are limited, not systematic.
The prevailing atmosphere is convivial and beer-focused, which parents should take into account when planning a visit.
Children's zone with animations and games
Dedicated children's zones are not standard at Oktoberfest in Gdansk. They appear occasionally, as part of specific events.
A good example is Nowy Browar Gdański , which offered special attractions for children during the weekend combining birthday celebrations with Oktoberfest.
The program includes pizza-making workshops, a special play area, and face painting. However, such initiatives are the exception rather than the rule, so it's always worth checking the detailed program of a given establishment before a family visit.
Family activities and a safe festival space
For families with children who want to experience the festival atmosphere, daytime visits may be the best option, especially at open-air venues like Foodhall Montownia . The variety of dining options ensures there's something for everyone.
It is also worth remembering that an autumn trip to Gdańsk can be complemented with a visit to numerous attractions dedicated to children, such as the interactive Hewelianum Centre , the largest indoor playground in Poland Loopy's World or the Fun Arena at the stadium.
The tradition and history of Oktoberfest in Gdańsk
The deep roots of Oktoberfest in Gdańsk are no coincidence. It's not so much an imitation as a rebirth and creative reinterpretation of the city's own, incredibly rich brewing heritage.
The history of hundreds of breweries operating in the city during its golden age, and the legend of the unique Jopean beer, provide historical legitimacy for the contemporary festival. When Gdańsk combines tradition with fun, it doesn't pretend to be Munich.
Rather, he's saying, "We, too, have a wonderful beer tradition . Let's celebrate it, inspired by your wonderful festival." This historical foundation gives the event authenticity and depth, transforming it from a beer event into an event of cultural significance.
The brewing tradition of Gdańsk and its importance
Gdańsk's beer brewing tradition stretches back centuries, making the city a true European beer powerhouse.
At its peak, in the early 16th century, there were over 400 breweries in the city, and the most eminent citizens were involved in brewing, including the famous astronomer Jan Heweliusz.
This magnificent brewing tradition brought the city fame far beyond the borders of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Its greatest treasure and symbol of this power was the legendary Jopenbier .
Produced since at least 1449, it was an absolutely unique beverage. It resembled a thick, rich, almost black beer syrup more than modern beer. The wort was boiled until it collapsed, sometimes for over 20 hours, which led to its caramelization.
Then an army of wild yeasts from the air would go to work, starting a long, spontaneous fermentation lasting many months.
Jopenbier was so thick that, according to legend, its quality was tested in a peculiar way: it was poured onto a wooden bench on which men in leather trousers sat.
When they tried to stand up, the bench had to rise with them . This beer was valued as medicine, as an addition to other beers, and as a culinary spice. The drink's fame was so great that for centuries, today's Beer Street bore the proud name Jopengasse .
How Gdańsk combines Bavarian tradition with local identity
The tradition of brewing Jopean beer , although interrupted after World War I, is alive today thanks to the efforts of local breweries.
Both the PG4 Brewery (located in the special JOPENZONE zone) and the craft AleBrowar undertook the incredibly difficult task of recreating the historic recipe. This is the most beautiful testament to the continuity of Gdańsk's beer culture.
It is this deep awareness of its own heritage that allows Gdańsk to combine Bavarian tradition with local identity . This manifests itself on many levels: in the nomenclature ( Gdańsk Beer Harvest Festival ), in the cuisine (combining Bavarian and Pomeranian dishes), and in the narrative that promotes its own local traditions as an integral part of the festival.
Practical information for participants
To fully enjoy the festival, it's worth checking out some practical tips. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about locations, costs, and festival etiquette to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.
Main locations for the Beer Festival: Old Town, Reagan Park, Gdańsk Bay
Contrary to some general information, the main Oktoberfest events don't take place in Reagan Park. They are concentrated in the heart of the city and its surrounding areas, making it easier to get from one location to another.
Brovarnia Gdańsk: Szafarnia Street 9 (in the historic part of the city, right on the Motława River).
Browar PG4: ul. Podwale Grodzkie 4 (convenient location near Gdańsk Główny train station).
Foodhall Montownia: ul. Lisia Grobla 7 (in the dynamically developing post-shipyard area).
Hevelka Craft Beer Festival: Polsat Plus Arena Stadium (in the Letnica district, with convenient access by public transport and dedicated buses).
What you should know before the festival starts
Reservations: At the most popular venues, such as PG4 and Brovarnia, table reservations are highly recommended and essential on weekend live music nights.
Payments: Cards are readily accepted at all major locations. However, it's a good idea to bring some cash for smaller stands or food trucks.
Costs: Admission to breweries (PG4, Brovarnia) and Montownia is usually free. However, large-scale festivals, such as Hevelka, are ticketed (costing around 33-36 PLN for a one-day ticket). Special events and the official festival kickoff , such as at Brovarnia, may also be ticketed, and the entry fee (in the past around 70 PLN) often includes a food package (e.g., beer, pretzel , and a main course).
How to Dress for Oktoberfest – Style and Comfort
Traditional Bavarian clothing is not mandatory, but it certainly adds color to the party and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.
Whether you opt for full Bavarian attire or comfortable casual wear, one rule is sacred: comfortable shoes!
The festival encourages visitors to visit various locations, which involves walking. Also, be mindful of the changeable autumn weather on the Baltic Sea.
Even if it's hot inside, evenings can be chilly, so it's worth bringing a warmer outerwear. A woolen jacket, called a Joppe , is a perfect complement to traditional men's attire.
Why is it worth visiting Gdańsk during Oktoberfest?
If you're still hesitant about whether an autumn trip to Gdańsk is a good idea, here are some final arguments that will surely convince you.
This is not only an opportunity to have fun, but also to discover how unique Gdańsk is in its interpretation of global traditions.
A unique combination of culture, taste and entertainment
The Gdansk Oktoberfest is much more than just a beer festival. It's a multifaceted cultural experience that uniquely combines joyful, convivial fun, excellent regional and Bavarian cuisine, live music, and a fascinating history lesson.
This event engages all the senses and leaves unforgettable memories. It's undoubtedly worth visiting this city in the fall.
The festival as a tourist and culinary attraction on the Baltic Sea
During Oktoberfest, Gdańsk offers a unique tourist experience in Poland. It's a unique opportunity to see how a global, widely recognized tradition can be creatively interpreted and enriched by a strong, proud local identity.
This is a story about a city that can draw on its own rich past to create modern, attractive and authentic events.
A visit to Gdańsk at this time is a toast not only to the golden drink, but also to the creativity, history and unique spirit of this extraordinary city.
From Wedding to World's Largest Beer Festival: The True Story of Oktoberfest
Before delving into Gdańsk's beer tradition, it's worth taking a moment to travel back to Bavaria in the early 19th century. Few people know that the origins of Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, weren't even brewed in the golden liquor.
Instead of a sea of mugs, there was… dust kicked up by horses’ hooves, all thanks to a grand royal wedding.
Royal love and horse racing
It all began on 12 October 1810, when the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I) married Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen .
To mark the occasion, large public celebrations were held on the grounds outside Munich's city walls, the main attraction being horse racing. The event was such a resounding success that the citizens were enthusiastic about repeating it.
The decision was made: the festival would be held annually, commemorating the royal anniversary. And the meadows themselves, in honor of the beloved princess, were named Theresienwiese ("Theresa's Meadows"), which is still shortened to the familiar "Wiesn" in local dialect.
How did beer appear at the festival?
Initially, the festival had an agricultural focus. Over time, carousels, swings, and other attractions began to appear. Beer, indeed, was present from the beginning, but it was served in small, makeshift booths.
The real revolution came at the end of the 19th century, when breweries, seeing the enormous potential of the event, received permission to erect large, richly decorated tents.
It was then that Oktoberfest began to take on its modern, beer-themed character.
Today, the festival begins with a traditional ceremony, which itself has a relatively short history. Only since 1950 has the mayor of Munich tapped the first barrel promptly at 12:00 noon on the first Saturday of the festival, shouting the famous "O'zapft is!" ("Tapped!"), the official signal for the city-wide celebration to begin.
Why does Oktoberfest start in September?
This is one of the most common questions and a great fun fact. The answer is simple: the weather!
To allow guests to enjoy warmer, sunnier days longer, the festival's opening was moved to the second half of September. However, tradition remains intact – the last weekend of the event always falls in early October.
And it is this extraordinary, joyful tradition, born out of love and evolving into a global celebration, that has inspired cities around the world, including Gdańsk, to create their own, unique versions of this festival.
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