Useful Info

Organising a trip to Oktoberfest can be both a thrilling and daunting experience, so careful preparation will ensure you make the most of your time at the worlds most famous Volksfest. Oktoberfest attracts millions of visitors every year and can be extremely busy at peak times, so to fully enjoy it, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan for your time in the Landeshauptstadt des Freistaates Bayern.

Choose Your Dates & Book Flights Early
The Oktoberfest is 16 days long and ends on the first Sunday in October – except when the first Sunday falls on the 1st or 2nd, then it is extended by one or two days respectively).  Choose dates that align with your schedule and (if not booking a package) consider going mid-week, when crowds are less and it will be easier to get seats (especially if you do not have a reservation).

Munich is well-connected by air, with many North American airports offering direct flights into Munich Airport (MUC). Flights tend to get more expensive as Oktoberfest approaches, therefore it is a good idea to book your flights as early in advance as possible to secure the best rates.

Airport to the City
Upon arrival, the best and most economical way to reach downtown Munich is public transport (S-Bahn or Lufthansa Bus). Ticket machines in the Z zone (Zentralbereich; Central Area, between Terminals 1 & 2) are in most major languages. You can use a credit card to pay and a partner ticket (Gruppen-Tageskarte) is available for up to 5 adults. Some tickets are validated when sold for immediate use, others you have to stamp in the little blue boxes near the stairs/escalators. If you see two arrows and “hier entwerten” on the ticket, it needs validating before use.
The S-Bahn (either the S1 or S8) depart every 10 minutes most of the day and the S8 is pretty much 24 hours. Journey times are under 45 minutes (to the central station or Marienplatz). When you get off the S-Bahn your ticket is good for immediate onward travel, whether that be on the Underground (U-Bahn), trams or buses. The Munich Transport Association (MVV) operates on a trust system: There are no barriers, just pop your validated ticket into your wallet and off you go. You will only need to produce the ticket if plain clothed inspectors board and ask to see it and they all carry ID.

Away from Oktoberfest: Other Must Sees
All famous city sights – Marienplatz & the Town Hall (Rathaus), Viktualienmarkt, Frauenkirche, and the Hofbräuhaus – are close to one another, allowing you to walk between them all at your own pace. Think of Munich city centre as a baseball diamond with Isartor, Sendlinger Tor, Karlsplatz/Stachus and Odeonsplatz as the four points. The first three still have part of the city gates intact, and just beyond Isartor you will find the river Isar and crossing over it brings you to the Deutsches Museum (well worth a visit if the weather is not playing ball).
Other sites worth visiting (and a little further afield) include the BMW Museum, the Olympic Park and Tower, English Garden and Chinese Tower (Englische Garten und Chinesische Turm). Finally, if the weather allows, why not sample one of Munich’s wonderful beer gardens, such as Augustinerkeller; a 10 minute walk from the central station (Hauptbahnhof).

Why Not Learn Some Useful German Phrases
The majority of people speak English, but it’s always appreciated if you know a few basic phrases.

Prost! – Cheers!
Ein Bier, bitte – One beer, please
Was kostet das? – How much is this?
Entschuldigung, wo ist die Toilette? – Excuse me, where is the toilet?
Die Rechnung, bitte – The bill please

Safety and Etiquette
Munich is Germany’s third largest city (approx 1.3 million), yet is one of the safest places in the whole of Europe. You are unlikely to see any trouble during your time there, even scuffles or fights at Oktoberfest are very rare. That said, make sure you have your valuables securely stored when out and about. Top tip: Invest in a strap for your mobile phone so you can wear it like a purse.

Have Fun and Embrace the Atmosphere
The most important thing about Oktoberfest is to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty meal, making new friends, or simply soaking in the vibrant surroundings, make sure to relax and enjoy the celebration of Bavarian culture!

By following these steps, you should be well-prepared to make the most of your trip to Munich, Bavaria and Oktoberfest, and experience everything this iconic event has to offer. Prost!