Oktoberfest in Germany

Oktoberfest is the biggest folk festival in the world and is held every year in Munich, Germany. The event attracts millions of visitors from all over the world and is known for its mix of traditional Bavarian culture, music, dance, food and, of course, lots and lots of beer.

Oktoberfest starts at the end of September and runs until the first weekend of October. In 2025, you can enjoy this great folk festival in Munich from the 20th of September until the 5th of October. 

Oktoberfest is not just another festival; it is a unique experience that you can only experience once a year. This event truly belongs on your bucket list and will provide you with unforgettable stories and memories for life. What to expect.

• One giant party
  Oktoberfest is the place for an unforgettable party. Think gigantic beer tents with live bands playing both traditional and modern music. The atmosphere is truly unparalleled. Everyone comes together to sing, dance and toast. The party atmosphere is infectious, and you are guaranteed to go home with new friends and unforgettable moments.

• The tastiest beers
  Taste the special Oktoberfest beer, brewed by Munich's best breweries. Available only during the festival, these unique beers are served in iconic litre pints.

• Delicious Bavarian food
  Enjoy an abundance of delicious food: from giant pretzels and juicy bratwursts to grilled chicken and sweet apple strudel. The ideal base for all those beers you consume during Oktoberfest.

• Traditional attire
  Don't forget to don a lederhosen or dirndl and fully immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. Not only is it fun to wear, but it really makes you feel part of the festivities.

• Exciting attractions
  Besides the beer tents, there are plenty of fairground attractions such as roller coasters, haunted houses and shooting stalls. Ideal for an extra adrenaline boost between partying.
   

The biggest Oktoberfest, as you could guess, can be found in Munich. This is therefore where Oktoberfest originated. Yet versions of Oktoberfest can also be found in other German cities. These events vary in size, but they all try to capture the essence of the Bavarian festival. Besides Munich, you can also visit Stuttgart, Berlin and Hanover, among others. Want the real, original Oktoberfest experience? Then you should definitely go to Munich

The Oktoberfest itself is free to enter. You do not have to pay an entrance fee to enter the Theresienwiese, which is the name of the festival grounds. You can walk around freely to soak up the atmosphere and check out the various attractions and stalls. Although admission to Oktoberfest itself is free, it is often wise to book in advance if you plan to sit in one of the popular beer tents. Especially if you are going with a large group of friends.  Check the websites of the individual beer tents to make reservations. This is because each tent has its own reservation system and rules.

If you want to be in Munich during Oktoberfest, it's important to book accommodation in time. Whether you opt for a hotel room, a cosy bed & breakfast, a campsite or holiday park. Demand for accommodation during Oktoberfest is huge and prices shoot up as the event approaches. Especially if you want to stay near the Oktoberfest grounds.

Can't find an (affordable) place in Munich? Then look at accommodation in the surrounding regions or nearby cities such as Augsburg or Ingolstadt. By train, you can get to Oktoberfest there within 30 minutes to an hour.

Do you still have a Hotelgiftcard lying around at home and fancy a party? With a Hotelgiftcard you can stay overnight at countless accommodations in Munich and its surroundings. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, a charming guesthouse or a cosy Bed and Breakfast. Thanks to the versatility of the Hotelgiftcard, you can flexibly choose from numerous options to suit your budget and needs. Just be there in time so you can enjoy the festivities without worries!

Want to give someone an Oktoberfest experience? Then a Hotelgiftcard is a cool and convenient gift. After all, with Hotelgiftcard the recipient can easily book a comfortable accommodation nearby. No Oktoberfest this year? No problem. Hotelgiftcard is valid for two years and can be redeemed at over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Our tip to make this gift even more fun: add a personal message and a good bottle of wine to get in the party mood.