Oktoberfest in Germany

How to get there, Oktoberfest Tour, Oktoberfest Food

You want to visit the Oktoberfest in Germany? Need tips and advice how to get around in Munich during this busy time? Looking for accommodation or an Oktoberfest tour?

Munich is the third largest city in Germany that attracts visitors all around the year. But can you imagine what the city is like during the Oktoberfest? When millions of visitors arrive to celebrate at the Wiesn? Busy, very busy indeed, and certainly a bit crazy, too.

It is a good idea to plan your trip and book a hotel in advance to have a relaxed time once you arrive.

On this page you will find all the info you need to be prepared for a fantastic experience.
Want to have someone else do the planning for you? There are a few carefree packages available which include accommodation and seat reservation at an Oktobefest tent. What else do you need?

Hacker Beer Hall

Oktoberfest in Germany - Oktoberfest Tour

It is not easy to get a seat reservation at the large Oktoberfest tents, especially if you decide to go to the Wiesn at short notice. Of course, it is possible to get into a beer hall without reservation. However, sometimes the tents become closed when they are overcrowded and it is a challenge for large groups to get in then.

Booking a package that includes seats, accommodation and other sightseeing activities in Munich can put your mind at ease.

Oktoberfest Munich Ticket And Tour

By joining this tour you will get a guaranteed seat at the famous Hofbräu tent for about five hours in the afternoon.
But at first, your tour guide shows you around the Oktoberfest grounds, tells about the history of the festival, and you can take a free ride on the ferris wheel.
2 Maß beer and half a roast chicken are also included in the tour price.
Relax, or get excited, enjoy the beer, the atmosphere and the live music by the Hofbräu band. Dancing on the tables is not allowed, but you can dance and cheer on the benches.

4-Day Oktoberfest Experience

This is an Oktoberfest vacation package for those who don't want to worry about anything. It is perfect for a group of friends who don't mind to stay in a quality hostel dormitory and have a fantastic time in Munich.
This package includes a guided walking tour in central Munich on your first day. The 2nd and 3rd day is spent at the Wiesn. Enjoy the fun rides, explore the famous tents like Schottenhamel, Hofbräu und Augustiner Festhalle. Try the different foods before you take your reserved seats at the Löwenbräu tent.
When one day at the Oktoberfest was enough for you, you can swap the second Oktoberfest day for a full day tour to Neuschwanstein Castle. It is your decision.

Please note

Oktoberfest in Germany 2012

3-Day Munich Card & Oktoberfest Ticket

This package is right for independent travellers, no tour bus, no fixed times. Explore Munich at your own pace.
The offer includes:
- 2 nights accommodation & breakfast at a centrally located 3* hotel,
- a Munich City Card valid for 3 days. With the card you have free public transport in Munich and you can save up to 50% on many Munich attractions.
- a day at the Oktoberfest with seat reservation in the Löwenbräu tent from noon to 5pm plus 2 Maß beer and a snack.

Don't be late, all offers are likely to sell out soon.

Oktoberfest in Germany - Food

When you drink beer, it is important to have a decent lunch and dinner to absorb all the liquid stuff. One Maß beer on an empty stomache, and you will fall under the table very soon.

The traditional Bavarian food is hearty and delicious. During the Oktoberfest the Wiesn hendl (roast chicken) is the most favourite treat, very tasty.
Other typical dishes are Schweinswürstel / Bratwurst (pork sausages), Schweinshaxen (pork knuckles), delicacies from the grilled oxen, and Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), and the brezn.

By the way, many food stalls and fun rides offer discounts during a time that is called the Mittagswiesn. From 10am to 3pm (Monday - Friday) they give discount on foods and activities. This is not obligatory & not valid in beer tents, so you can't expect it from all stalls, but many do join the Mittagswiesn offer.
There is really a lot to try, so you don't need to be hungry :).

How to get to the Oktoberfest in Germany?

Getting to Munich by train from major cities in Germany is quick and easy. There are ICE train connections from Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Cologne. Check for Train Ticket Offers.

Once you are in Munich the best tip is to use public transport. Don't go to the Oktoberfest in Germany with your own car. You won't find a parking lot anyway. Apart from that, you want to drink beer, and you shouldn't drive then.

The U-Bahn lines U4 and U5 bring you to the stop Theresienwiese, which is right at the northern entrance of the festival grounds.
The Theresienwiese is about 15 minutes walking distance from the Hauptbahnhof (main train station), so you can even walk from many centrally located hotels in Munich.

Oktoberfest Munich - Hotels

Don't take any chances and expect to find a last minute hotel in Munich during the Oktoberfest. You can be certain that the remaining available bed will be sold at astronomical prices.

If you plan to go to the Wiesn, book your hotel well in advance. You can use the search box below to compare deals from different hotel booking agencies for Munich hotels.

Just in case you don't find a room in your price bracket anymore, just try it in Starnberg, Dachau or Garching. These towns have quick and easy S-Bahn or U-Bahn connection to Munich.

Read more about the history, general facts and the Wiesn tents on my Oktoberfest Munich page. Happy planning, and have fun visiting the Oktoberfest in Germany.

Don't miss these pages about interesting places in Southern Germany:

Oktoberfest Munich | Munich attractions | Neuschwanstein Castle | Black Forest Germany

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Photos Wikipedia by Andreas Steinhoff | iStockphotos