Oktoberfest is the world’s biggest beer festival, folk festival and the original and best celebration of Bavarian culture. It’s where beer lovers from all over the world – around seven million of them – will congregate for a beer-filled bender of world-beating proportions. A stein-session that goes for three full weekends and all the weekdays between them. But what’s it all about? And where should you stay for Oktoberfest (obviously with us).
What is Oktoberfest?
Starting when Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese in 1810, Oktoberfest has since evolved into a celebration of Bavarian, Alpine and German culture, with huge glasses of beer, oompah bands, hearty German beer drinking food and dancing on tables with people from all over the world as the centrepieces.
Where is Oktoberfest?
In a continuing nod to the event’s royal wedding traditions, Oktoberfest is held in Munich city central, in the Theresienwiese (Therese’s meadow) showgrounds a short walk, and even shorter stumble, from downtown Munich.
The Oktoberfest celebrations are also very easily connected to the very reliable and cheap public transport network from Munich Central Camping.
When is Oktoberfest?
Despite the name, Oktoberfest mostly takes place in September, having been moved by the organisers to take advantage of the better late-September weather.
Oktoberfest always has to finish on the first Sunday after German Reunification Day (October 3rd) and this year the dates are from the 20th of September until the 5th of October.
Munich Central Camping is open all year-round so you can stay as long as you want before, during and after the event.
Where should I stay for Oktoberfest?
As seven million beer lovers descend on Munich for the event each year you can imagine that hotels and even hostels get super expensive.
We recommend that you stay with us, in our basic but comfortable enough places to pass out, saving you much needed money for the beer halls.
Or, if you’re looking for a more-inclusive Oktoberfest package you can check out our buddies over at Stoke Travel (be warned, they love to party so it’s not for the faint-hearted).