How to Enjoy Oktoberfest in Munich Germany

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By Kimberley Riccio
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Originally started as a wedding celebration for Prince Ludwig of Germany, the Oktoberfest was held in October. However, the festival was moved to September because of the softer weather conditions. The nights were still warm enough in September for people to walk about without feeling chilled. The Munich Oktoberfest from 21 September through to mid October.

The Oktoberfest is one of the biggest parties on earth and the main purpose is to eat, drink, and have fun with your friends. You will be sure to meet new friends along the way. Prost!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pen an Paper for planning your trip.
internet access
the love of good food and good beer
the love of travel

Step 1

Fly into Munch’s International Airport. The International Airport is located on the outskirts of Munich, so that a short Taxi ride will get you to any downtown hotel in a matter of minutes.
Step 2

Stay in one of Munich’s fine hotels or Guesthouse. Get in on the special Oktoberfest deals with Hotel Regent, Holiday Inn, and Hotel Grand Central. There are a variety of small guesthouse also available and have great deals. A guesthouse also provides you will a chance to mingle with the locals prior to attending the Oktoberfest.
Step 3

Use the public train system to get to the Oktoberfest. The train or straussbahn is the best way to get around Munich. Don’t try to drive, the traffic and parking will just make a good trip bad. The trains run nightly from Friday to Saturday, and Saturday to Sunday, until about 2 am. In addition, trains will run until about 1 am on all other nights during the Oktoberfest. The trains run in 10-minute frequencies, so it is easy to get a train at any time during the festival.
Step 4

Learn the language of the Oktoberfest. It is always a good idea to learn a few word of language before traveling. In this case, how can you know what to learn the German word for beer or the German toasting songs? Learning a few key phrases will add to the fun and make you a few new friends as well.
Step 5

Arrive early to the Oktoberfest for a good seat. Book your seat reservations with the individual beer tents. Each of the beer and food tents get crowd early. Contacting the tent you would like to spend the most time in is a good idea. In addition, there is no serving of beer to anyone that is not seated. Therefore, research each tent, decided the best for you, and book a seat.
Step 6

Watch the open ceremonies and parade. The highlight is the Oktoberfest Costume and Riflemen’s Parade. The parade happens every year on the first Sunday of the festival. Other not to be missed events include the Oktoberfest landlords and breweries, Official Tapping of the Keg, and the Oktoberfest Mass with can salute. In addition, this year’s festival holds the agricultural festival. The agricultural festival is included with the Oktoberfest every three years.
Step 7

Enjoy the amusement parks and gardens. There are many rides and amusements at the Oktoberfest. Everything from Towers, to swings, to drops in mid air; there are roller coasters, and spinning wheels and games to be played. There is so much in the amusement area to entertain you and the family.
Step 8

Shop for your festival souvenirs at one of the many shops held within the Oktoberfest grounds. You will find everything from t-shirts, steins, cuckoo clocks to traditional German apparel.

Comments

sullysee said

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on 10/2/2009 One of the biggest parties in the world? Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany sounds like a must do. Thanks for the great tips for enjoying it . 5*, rec.

boatst said

on 9/9/2009 I love the Oktoberfest in the German communities here so I know I'd love German. Thanks for wonderful article.

busybeeson said

on 9/7/2009 Great article! I would love to go and experience Oktoberfest! 5* and a rec.

excellence12 said

on 9/6/2009 Excellent international travel information. Thorough and makes you want to be there! I've traveled quite a bit, internationally, yet still have not been to Germany. Now I know when to go, as soon as I am able. It's a *5* and if I could Rec, again... you know I would!