TrekUnity
When
September
Attendance
~6,000,000
Admission
Free
Setting
Both
Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival — roughly 16 days from mid-September into early October on Munich's Theresienwiese, where enormous beer tents run by the city's historic breweries serve liter steins of Märzen to some six million visitors amid brass bands, roast chicken, pretzels, and a huge fairground.
A Bavarian tradition since 1810, "die Wiesn" is a bucket-list celebration of beer and Gemütlichkeit — dirndls and lederhosen, oompah music, and communal tables — set in one of Europe's most livable cities.
Want to go? Turn Oktoberfest into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Mid-September to the first Sunday in October (~16 days)
Admission
Free to enter · pay per beer & food · 16+ vibe in tents
Parking
Don't drive — the U-Bahn and S-Bahn serve Theresienwiese directly; central Munich is walkable.
Nearest airport
Munich Airport (MUC) — ~45 min by S-Bahn
Typical weather
Cool early-autumn Bavaria — 50s–60s °F, chance of rain; the tents are warm, so layers work.
Official website
Location
Munich, Germany
Where to stay
Hotel Bayerischer Hof
Grand luxury hotel in the heart of Munich.
Louis Hotel
Boutique hotel by the Viktualienmarkt.
Ludwigsvorstadt guesthouses
Walkable to the Theresienwiese.
Where to eat & drink
Beer-tent fare
Roast chicken (Hendl), pork knuckle, and giant pretzels.
Viktualienmarkt
Historic open-air food market with a beer garden.
Hofbräuhaus
The famous centuries-old beer hall downtown.
Nearby attractions
Marienplatz & the Glockenspiel
Munich's central square and town hall.
English Garden
One of the world's largest city parks, with beer gardens.
Nymphenburg Palace
A grand baroque palace and gardens.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + old town
- •Fly into MUC
- •Afternoon: Marienplatz + Viktualienmarkt
- •Evening: Hofbräuhaus
2Oktoberfest day
- •Late morning: reserve a tent table
- •Afternoon: steins + Hendl + brass bands
- •Evening: fairground rides
3City + more Wiesn
- •Morning: English Garden
- •Afternoon: back to the tents
4Palace + depart
- •Morning: Nymphenburg Palace
- •Head to MUC
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Go on a weekday morning for a walk-in table in the big tents.
- Take the U-Bahn to Theresienwiese; don't drive.
- Pace yourself — the steins are a full liter.
Frequently asked questions
When is Oktoberfest?
From mid-September to the first Sunday in October — about 16 days — in Munich, Germany.
Do you need a tent reservation?
Tables in the big tents are often reserved, especially evenings and weekends; go on a weekday morning for the best chance of a walk-in spot.
How do you get there?
Take the U-Bahn/S-Bahn to Theresienwiese — driving and parking are impractical.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Oktoberfest or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.