When the traditional costumes are taken out of the wardrobe and the city is transformed into a sea of bright colors and cheerful faces, it’s time again: Oktoberfest – O’zapft is! Whether it’s the perfect traditional costume outfit, travel, accommodation, reservations… – organization can sometimes be challenging, especially in larger groups. But don’t worry, we have a list of tips for you here to make preparing for the Wiesn easier.
And if your celebratory mood continues after Oktoberfest or you only have time afterwards, we have the perfect solution to continue enjoying the Oktoberfest feeling even after the Wiesn is over!
The outfit
Don’t worry: there is no obligation to wear a traditional costume at Oktoberfest! However, if you want to experience the festival at its most authentic, you will certainly feel at home in traditional costume. Munich offers a great selection of shops where you can buy dirndls, lederhosen and everything that goes with them. Whether you are coming from Munich or traveling here, you have the opportunity to store to your heart’s content before the Oktoberfest. Whether you’re looking for a traditional costume, something unusual or a cheaper option – there’s something for everyone!
How to get there and back
Once you have found the right time for your Oktoberfest visit (a little tip: Monday to Thursday is quieter, especially at lunchtime, while Friday evenings, Saturdays and the public holiday on October 3 are the busiest), you can plan your journey. For an environmentally friendly journey, take the train or long-distance bus. From the main train station, you can either walk to Theresienwiese or use public transport. However, if you come by car, you should park outside the city center and use public transport to get to the Oktoberfest.
Accommodation
One key point: plan and reserve early! Millions flock to Oktoberfest every year and hotels in Munich are often fully booked weeks in advance. To avoid high prices, you should really look for a suitable hotel or Airbnb in good time. Hotels close to the festival grounds, for example in Ludwigsvorstadt or Schwanthalerhöhe, are particularly practical. Alternatively, cities such as Dachau or Augsburg offer cheaper options and good public transport connections.
Tents and table reservations
If you want to visit the Oktoberfest in the evening or at the weekend in larger groups, a reservation is recommended! Only a limited number of seats can be reserved in advance in the festival tents, while no reservations are possible for the beer gardens. There is no central reservation service – reservations are made directly with the respective tent operator, online or by telephone.
The after-party: Grandls Hofbräu tent
And finally: Remember to plan the after-party in advance so that you don’t have to go home in a party mood just because you haven’t prepared your trip to the Cannstatter Wasen. This is also a perfect option for those who can’t make it to Munich during Oktoberfest! While the Wiesn only lasts until October 6, you can continue partying at the second largest folk festival in Germany until October 13 – a whole week longer to enjoy and unwind to the fullest.
Your Oktoberfest outfit is ideal, so no need for a new costume! In the unique Stuttgarter Grandls Hofbräu tent you can really let off steam: Look forward to live music, Swabian delicacies and an exuberant atmosphere. Even after the Munich Oktoberfest, the party continues in Stuttgart with a real “Wasen feeling“!