Oktoberfest – In September??

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As soon as we realized we would be in the near vicinity of Germany during the fall season the first thing I did was look up Oktoberfest. I’ve heard stories, seen pictures of plenty a beer guzzling travelers – who doesn’t want a piece of this pie pretzel??

oktoberfest

(Photo by Constant Progression via Flickr.)

In my research I discovered that Oktoberfest is not only the largest German festival but the largest fair IN THE WORLD. Wow. Over 5 million people descend upon Munich each year to gobble up sausage, cabbage, ham & pretezels, among many other German foods that a lot of people find mouth watering. Personally I’ll stick with the pretzels, but let’s face it, the reason people really embark upon this journey to Munich is for the beer.

Interestingly enough only beer that is brewed in Munich is served at Oktoberfest. I actually think that’s pretty cool. It’s not only a huge benefit to the brewers of the city but it makes sense – why would I want to go all the way to Munich to drink Sam Adams? The brewers include: Augustinerbräu, Hacker, Pschorr Bräu, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulanerbräu & Spatenbräu.

Oktoberfest 2009

(Photo by uLe @ Dortmund via Flickr.)

Upon further research I discovered that the entire event is free!! Amazing! I liter of beer cost about 9 Euro but hey if the above photo is any indication – 9 Euro is a great deal! I think if I had 2 of them I’d be face down on the ground for the remainder of the day.

I was researching flights last week trying to find a good deal to Europe and I found a couple that few in and out of London for about $650. Then I found another great flight that flew into Amsterdam with a return out of Paris on AerLingus for only about $700 including taxes. I LOVE the idea of flying into Amsterdam and out of Paris. We have never been to Amsterdam but have only heard good things. Flying into Amsterdam was the catalyst that sparked the idea of traveling over to Germany on our way to Serbia and catching Oktoberfest.

Historisches Oktoberfest 2010

(Photo by digital cat ? via Flickr.)

Unfortunately, during my research I discovered that Oktoberfest mainly happens in September!! Agh!! It starts on September 17th and ends on October 3rd this year. I guess they have moved it mainly into September due to the weather being warmer that time of year. I thought that’s what the beer was for!  I doubt highly we’ll make it there since I was looking at flights on October 4th but I’m going to keep searching though to see what I can find.

Since we’ll be flying into Europe we won’t need airport parking but if you’re flying to Munich out of England you can always use Luton airport parking to park your car before your flight.

Has anyone gone to Oktoberfest? Do you have any suggestions? If I found a flight and we were able to get to Munich on October 2nd & 3rd would it be worth it or would we just be drinking bottom of the keg swill?

If anyone has any advice/recommendations please let me know in the comments below.

I’m also taking bets! I think if we make it to Oktoberfest I think the odds of me getting Randy into one of these awesome outfits are highly in my favor. Any takers??
Historisches Oktoberfest 2010

(Photo by digital cat ? via Flickr.)

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****************Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps a singing bird will come.**************** Bethany Salvon is a full time Travel/Wedding photographer, travel blogger, world adventurer & the founder of BeersAndBeans.com. She has a thing for blueberries and vintage photographs.

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24 comments

  3. I went to Oktoberfest about 4 years ago, and it is still one of the greatest experiences of my life. So much fun!

    It is definitely worth it for just a couple of days. But make sure you get to the beer tent as soon as they open (around noon I think) because they will get super-packed, and you need to secure a spot at a table. In many beer tents, you cannot get beers unless you are at a table. Also, sit by the band if you can. Lots of fun dancing on the tables with your new best friends from all over the world.

  4. Hopefully you will be able to find a flight that will get you there in time to experience it. I agree that for 9 euros you surely do get a lot of beer. I wouldn’t mind a piece of the huge pretzel as well.

  5. I went to Oktoberfest last year – it was definitely tricky because I booked everything last minute. I ended up renting a room outside the center – but it was just an easy train ride to the city. I LOVED it ! I was worried it would only be tourists, but there were lots of natives as well. A really great tradition and good excuse to see Munich 🙂

  6. I haven’t been, but there’s a festival modeled after this in my hometown that I always visit when I get the chance. It’s a blast, so I’ll bet the real thing is 10x as amazing!! Good luck, hope you get to be there in time to enjoy it. 🙂

    ~Heidi

  7. I had no idea they only serve beer brewed in Munich there. That’s awesome. I’d definitely have a pretzel, but probably gorge on sausage and beer until I passed out from high cholesterol, if that can happen. Anyhow, I hope you get Randy into a getup like those; when in Rome, you know?!

    1. I didn’t either until I started researching it. If we get there I will so get Randy in one of those outfits! He’s half German already! @Mack Reynolds,

  8. What I would give to get to Germany for Oktoberfest… It is on my bucket list, and I hope to cross it off soon.

    1. Well the replies on here have me thinking that it is a worthwhile event to go to! I can’t believe how much everyone loves it! You’ll make it there I’m sure. 🙂 @Andreas,

  9. I’m hoping to make it to Oktoberfest next year for my 30th bday! I heard it was in September just recently. I have faith that you can make it work!

  10. As a three-time vet of Oktoberfest (2007,2008,2010), this is a festival close to my heart. Let me assure you that showing up during the last couple days will in NO WAY put a damper on your experience. I have never been on a weekend simply due to the crowds, but the opening and closing weekend (which you will be attending) are the most popular and raucous. It is possibly one of the only things I have been to that lives up to every bit of hype thrust upon and then some. GO FOR IT!

    1. Thanks for the info Scott! Seriously, that was exactly what I needed to hear. I think that if we can make it happen we’re going to! @Scott,

  11. I’m so happy to see all these posts about Oktoberfest. We’re going this year and I was beginning to get concerned about the costs. We’d been told that you have to pay to get into the tents. The comments above give me hope that it will not be as costly as had been portrayed. I’m now more exicted than ever as we count down the days. Thanks!

  12. I just saw this post and I got so excited just reading that you might go to Octoberfest this year!! I really hope that it works out- it’s such a great experience, and there’s nothing like it in the world. Every brewery has its own huge tent (for up to 8,000 people!!) and I highly recommend the HACKER tent. There’s always a great party atmosphere. The biggest party tent is the Hippodrome (young crowd). As other people have already said – go early, so that you’ll get a seat at one of the tables, or you won’t be served anything. In the beginning, you won’t know anyone at your table, but by the time you leave, you guys will have 8 new friends 😉

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