Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
What would make thousands of people wake up at 2 a.m., put on traditional Bavarian garb, and gather in a Munich beer garden before sunrise?
Welcome to the Kocherlball, one of Germany's most unique and historic festivals. Every summer, around 12,000 people meet under Munich's famous Chinese Tower in the English Garden to dance the waltz, polka and traditional folk dances as the sun comes up. Originally created by cooks, maids and servants in the 19th century, the Kocherlball has become one of Bavaria's most beloved traditions. While tourists flock to Oktoberfest, many locals say this event offers a more authentic glimpse into Bavarian culture.
Join us as we follow 19-year-old student Leonora through a night of folk music, beer before dawn, traditional Dirndl fashion and nonstop dancing in the heart of Munich.
CHAPTERS
00:00 What is Munich’s Kocherlball?
00:27 Getting ready at 2 a.m.
01:21 Why young Bavarians love folk music
02:36 The surprising history of the Kocherlball
03:58 Dancing begins at sunrise
04:58 A festival open to everyone
05:53 Why locals prefer this to Oktoberfest
#dweuromaxx #kocherlball #munich
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CREDITS
Report: Melanie Matthäus
Camera: Hermann Sowieja
Edit: Marcel Epple
Supervising Editor: Mirja Viehweger
Thumbnail Photograph: © Wolfgang Maria Weber/IMAGO
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Would you like to find out more about Euromaxx?
▸Website: dw.com/english/euromaxx
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DW Euromaxx brings you engaging insights into European cultures and lifestyles.
What would make thousands of people wake up at 2 a.m., put on traditional Bavarian garb, and gather in a Munich beer garden before sunrise?
Welcome to the Kocherlball, one of Germany's most unique and historic festivals. Every summer, around 12,000 people meet under Munich's famous Chinese Tower in the English Garden to dance the waltz, polka and traditional folk dances as the sun comes up. Originally created by cooks, maids and servants in the 19th century, the Kocherlball has become one of Bavaria's most beloved traditions. While tourists flock to Oktoberfest, many locals say this event offers a more authentic glimpse into Bavarian culture.
Join us as we follow 19-year-old student Leonora through a night of folk music, beer before dawn, traditional Dirndl fashion and nonstop dancing in the heart of Munich.
CHAPTERS
00:00 What is Munich’s Kocherlball?
00:27 Getting ready at 2 a.m.
01:21 Why young Bavarians love folk music
02:36 The surprising history of the Kocherlball
03:58 Dancing begins at sunrise
04:58 A festival open to everyone
05:53 Why locals prefer this to Oktoberfest
#dweuromaxx #kocherlball #munich
--------------------------------------------
CREDITS
Report: Melanie Matthäus
Camera: Hermann Sowieja
Edit: Marcel Epple
Supervising Editor: Mirja Viehweger
Thumbnail Photograph: © Wolfgang Maria Weber/IMAGO
--------------------------------------------
Subscribe to DW Euromaxx:
bit.ly/DWEuromaxx_Sub
Would you like to find out more about Euromaxx?
▸Website: dw.com/english/euromaxx
▸Facebook: facebook.com/dw.euromaxx
▸Instagram: instagram.com/dw_euromaxx
DW Euromaxx brings you engaging insights into European cultures and lifestyles.
