If you are coming into Gatlinburg this month (October), one of our top recommended activities is attending Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg is one of Gatlinburg’s oldest and most well-known attractions, and it also just happens to be the only ski resort in the state of Tennessee. Right now, there’s not much snow to be found there, but you can find Oktoberfest!
Oktoberfest is Ober Gatlinburg’s homage to the original Oktoberfest held annually in Munich, Germany.
Oktoberfest in Gatlinburg is not just something you can walk up to right off the street. You have to actually get to Ober Gatlinburg first! But the ride to Ober Gatlinburg is great fun. You get there by riding the aerial tramway. It can take a while to get on the tram, but it is worth the wait. The views along the way are incredible, and you will find the tram operator to be highly entertaining!
When you exit the tram, you will find yourself in a facility that houses a number of businesses, eating establishments…and an ice skating rink! Just so you know, however, most of the activities at Ober Gatlinburg are an extra fee.
Our number one most-recommended activity (other than just hanging out at Oktoberbest) at Ober Gatlinburg is the Scenic Chairlift. At over 3 thousand feet in length, Ober Gatlinburg claims that it is the longest such chairlift in the United States (and it is really long!), and at 3,455 feet above sea level, it gives you BY FAR the highest mountain view of any of the lifts in Gatlinburg.
At the top of the Scenic Chairlift, you will find not only incredible mountain views…but bluegrass!
The view on the way down is spectacular.
Vacation tip: drinks are normally not allowed on the chairlift, but if you purchase a beverage in one of their novelty containers, you are allowed to take it on the lift.
You can pick up some sweet Oktoberfest merchandise while you’re at the event. But, if you are really there to do the authentic Oktoberfest experience, you’re probably going to want to pick up your souvenir novelty boot full of beer and a brot.
The Oktoberfest entertainers were goofy…but really fun! They sing a variety of popular songs in a traditional Oktoberfest style, and they do it very well. So grab you a beer and a brot and sit down for some really good-natured, fun entertainment.
Oktoberfest ends on October 30th. We highly recommend you check it out!