Oktoberfest in Germany

Oktoberfest is the world's largest folk festival, held annually and originating in Munich, Germany. It attracts millions of visitors from all over the world and is famous for its mix of traditional Bavarian culture, music, dance, food and, of course, most of all, lol beer.
Oktoberfest takes place from late September to the first weekend of October. This year (2024), you can enjoy Oktoberfest in Munich from Saturday 21 September to Sunday 6 October. 

Oktoberfest is not just another festival; it is a unique experience you can only have once a year. It is a bucket list-worthy occasion that will give you stories and memories for life. Expect:
 

1. One big party
   Oktoberfest is the ultimate place for an epic party. Giant beer tents with live bands playing both traditional and modern music. The atmosphere at Oktoberfest is truly unparalleled. Everyone comes together to sing, dance and toast. The communal party atmosphere is infectious. You will therefore undoubtedly go home with new friends and unforgettable moments.
    
2. The tastiest beers
   Taste the special Oktoberfest beer, brewed by Munich's best breweries. These unique beers are only available during the festival and are served in iconic litre pints.
    
3. Tasty Bavarian food
   Enjoy an abundance of delicious food: from giant pretzels and juicy bratwursts to grilled chicken and sweet apple strudel. The perfect base for all the beers you consume there.
    
4. Traditional Clothing
   Also, don't forget to pull out a lederhosen or dirndl and fully immerse yourself in Bavarian culture. It's not only fun to wear, but also a great way to be part of the festivities.
    
5. Exciting Attractions
   Besides the beer tents, there are also plenty of fairground attractions such as roller coasters, haunted houses and shooting stalls. Perfect for an extra adrenaline rush in between partying.

You guessed it: the biggest Oktoberfest takes place in Munich. After all, this is where Oktoberfest originally originated. Nevertheless, there are countless other cities in Germany that host their own versions of Oktoberfest. These events vary in size, but they all try to capture the essence of the Bavarian festival. Apart from Munich, Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Stuttgart, Berlin and Hanover, among others. Want the real, original Oktoberfest experience? Then we recommend heading to Munich.

The Oktoberfest itself is free to enter. You do not have to pay an entrance fee to enter festival grounds the Theresienwiese. So 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 B&B. 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 gift someone an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience? Then a Hotelgiftcard is a cool and useful gift. After all, with the 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 next to the Hotelgiftcard.