What is Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is Munich’s famous fall festival, held from late September into early October each year. It started in 1810 as a public celebration of a royal wedding and evolved from horse races and local fairs into the beer-and-music-filled festival people know today.
One of the key traditions: in the big tents, beer is served only from original Munich breweries that meet strict local criteria, which keeps the whole experience very “only-in-Munich.” Today, Oktoberfest blends Bavarian music, Dirndls and Lederhosen, hearty food, and modern fairground rides, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Even if you aren’t a big beer fan, the festival includes so many other things to enjoy.
What to Wear
Traditional Bavarian attire is highly encouraged at Oktoberfest. You will see Dirndls and Lederhosen everywhere. However, the most important thing is being comfortable. Wear good walking shoes and check the weather before you go. It is generally a little colder in Munich at the end of September than it is in Washington, DC where I am. You likely won’t need a winter coat but long pants and top layers are your best bet.
Join a Tour Group or Make Reservations
All of the tents at Oktoberfest fill up very quickly. Unless you want to arrive very early, reservations are essential. If this is your first visit, I’d recommend talking a tour. Your tour guide will give you the lay of the land, some history, and get you reservations at a tent. Tour groups sit together you and can get to know other travelers.
A Week in Munich
I’d recommend at least 3 days in Munich depending on how much you want to see but plan to spend a full day enjoying Oktoberfest. We enjoyed a full afternoon one day with our tour group and a few hours on a second day enjoying the fun outside the tents. Then, take a walking tour, try local restaurants, and visit the famous Nymphenburg Palace.
Salzburg is the perfect add-on destination for a day trip or an overnight. Salzburg is about 2 hours from Munich so 1 or 2 nights here will give you time to fully explore. Take a Sound of Music Tour, visit Mirabell Palace where the Sound of Music was filmed, and visit the spot where Mozart was born. Another great day trip is Neuschwanstein’s Castle, about 2 hours from Munich. This castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Go early or join a tour because transportation home can be challenging later in the day.
Where Else To Go
If you have more than a week to spend, there are three major cities people usually visit with Munich: Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. (Pick 1 or 2 to pair with Munich. A 4 city European adventure might feel rushed in two weeks.) Vienna is a music lover’s dream destination where you can enjoy a variety of performances and even see Beethoven’s grave as Vienna was where he spent over 3 decades of his life. You can also walk the grounds of Schloss Hof, about an hour from Vienna. Schloss Hof is huge! We spent an entire day here touring the estate, the ground, and enjoying the food on site. About 90 minutes from Vienna, you’ll find also find the Wachau Valley, a stunning wine region with little shops, wine tastings, and signature apricot treats. I’d have never heard of this area until I did a Danube River cruise. It is by no means a hidden gem but does not seem to be on every American’s Vienna itinerary.
I’ve never met anyone who visited Prague and didn’t leave with a sense of overwhelming romantic nostalgia. The city was not as effected by war so much of the historic charm remains. Enjoy countless music venues, stunning architecture, a friendly locals. Budapest offer similar old world charm. Many of their building are newer but I was blown away by the quaint streets, beautiful buildings (especially the Parliament building!), and the food at Central Market Hall. Take a city tour, enjoy views from Fisherman’s Bastion, and try one of the thermal bath houses.
Can’t decide? If the timing is right, consider a river cruise on the Danube. A 7 day river cruise paired with a few days in Munich can be a great way to see Vienna, Budapest, and the Wachau Valley without organizing trains or moving hotels. Many of the cruises end in Budapest so you can add a few extra days there if you have time.
