Anything but a Fridge Magnet: Oktoberfest Edition
Looking for the perfect Oktoberfest souvenir? Skip the fridge magnet. From hand-painted steins to sweet gingerbread hearts, here’s what to bring home from Munich’s biggest party.
So, you’re heading to Munich for Oktoberfest, aka the world’s most iconic beer festival. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories of beer halls, bratwurst, and Bavarian bands—but what about something you can actually bring home?
Spoiler alert: it’s not that fridge magnet shaped like a beer mug at the airport gift shop, (although the cuckoo clock ones are pretty sweet).
From handcrafted steins to embroidered dirndls, lederhosen, and those heart-shaped cookies you see hanging from everyone’s neck, Oktoberfest souvenirs go way beyond basic. Each one has a story, a tradition, and a little Bavarian magic baked in.
1. The beer stein aka: the holy grail of Oktoberfest
Let’s start with the obvious one: the stein.
Sure, you’ll hold one for about 90% of your trip to the festival grounds—but bringing one home? That’s a power move.
Each year, Oktoberfest releases a limited-edition official beer stein, featuring that year’s festival poster design. You can buy one at the souvenir stalls or directly from the beer tents. They’re made from stoneware or glass, and some even come with a pewter lid engraved with the festival year. Translation: classy and collectable.
But if you want something truly special, skip the mass-produced mugs and head to one of Munich’s local ceramic workshops. Try Steinzeug Manufactur near Marienplatz or Haferlhaus, where artisans hand-paint traditional Bavarian scenes.
Pro tip: Don’t steal a stein from the tents. Security checks bags at the exits, and you will get caught (and fined). Better to buy your pride than lose it.
2. Dirndls and lederhosen: wearable history
If you thought the festival outfits were just for tourists—think again. Locals wear dirndls (for women) and lederhosen (for men) with serious pride.
Traditionally, a dirndl’s bow placement even has a secret code:
Right side = taken
Left side = single
Center front = a bit of mystery (or maybe your first Oktoberfest)
Center back = widowed or working as a waitress
Buying your own set is a souvenir and an experience. Skip the cheap Halloween-costume versions and head to Angermaier or Lodenfrey, where you’ll find everything from classic cotton dirndls to embroidered velvet showstoppers.
And yes, lederhosen are expensive—but they last for decades. If you want something authentic (and custom-fitted), check out Lederhosen Bequem or Gweih & Silk for modern-meets-traditional styles.
3. The gingerbread heart: Lebkuchenherz
You’ve seen them: giant iced cookies with German phrases like Ich liebe dich (I love you) or Schatzi (sweetheart) hanging from everyone’s necks. These Lebkuchenherzen, or gingerbread hearts, are a must-have souvenir. They’re hand-decorated with frosting, strung with ribbon, and come in every size imaginable—from “adorably wearable” to “I might need a carry-on for this.”
Each one is unique and often handmade by local bakeries just for Oktoberfest. You can find them at stalls throughout the Wiesn (that’s what locals call the fairgrounds).
Fun fact: they’re technically edible, but most people keep them as decor. Years later, they’ll still smell faintly of cinnamon, sugar, and nostalgia (just don’t actually try to eat them then).
4. The hat pin: Gamsbart if you’re fancy
Now for something you won’t find in every travel guide: the Gamsbart. It’s a traditional Bavarian hat decoration—basically, a tuft of hair worn on alpine hats. Historically made from the beard hair of a mountain goat, it was once a symbol of pride and masculinity.
Today, you can find modern (animal-friendly) versions all over Munich, especially in hat shops like Hutmacher Dieter Kautzmann.
Or, if you just want a little flair, start a hat pin collection. Every Oktoberfest tent and brewery has its own custom pins—think enamel badges with logos, slogans, or beer mugs. Collect one from each tent you visit and turn your hat (or backpack) into a wearable memory board.
TL;DR: Here’s why Oktoberfest souvenirs go way beyond the fridge magnet
Beer steins are collectible, functional, and actually cool to display
Dirndls and lederhosen are wearable tradition (and great conversation starters)
Gingerbread hearts are the sweetest souvenir (literally)
Hat pins and Gamsbarts add Bavarian flair you won’t find anywhere else
So, whether you’re sipping your way through the Hofbräu tent, dancing on benches, or just soaking up the Munich magic, bring home something that tells the story—not just something that sticks to your fridge.
Prost!
