View Photos (17)

Oktoberfest in Munich

7 Days of Oktoberfest in Munich: A Festive Blend of History, Beer, and Bavarian Spirit

Thematic

Trip Code: #10945

What's included?

All Flights

Hotel

Transfers

Flexibility Policy

Expert trip manager

All taxes & fees

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(647) 694-5673

Offline

ThematicTrip Code: #10945

Best Price Guarantee

Customize and Book with an Expert

(647) 694-5673

Offline

Dates and Prices

Select a day to go to next step

Day By Day Itinerary

7-days itinerary trip visiting 1 country and 1 city

Day 1Welcome to Munich, Germany
Welcome to Munich! Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon your arrival and departure, and for a seamless start to your journey, we recommend booking an early hotel check-in.

Suggestion For The Day:

Munich is alive with celebrations during this Oktoberfest season, so take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by visiting one of the festival tents, where you can enjoy traditional beer, local food, and lively music.

Oktoberfest's opening (September 20th) and closing ceremonies (October 5th) are both unforgettable experiences. The opening ceremony at the Schottenhamel tent kicks off the festivities with the Lord Mayor of Munich tapping the first keg and shouting, "O'Zapft Is!" - signaling the start of Oktoberfest. On the other hand, the closing ceremony at the Hacker-Pschorr tent is a massive sing-along with 10,000 revelers, sparklers lighting up the night, and a celebration full of emotion and joy. Both are tough to get into but absolutely worth it!
Day 2Munich at Oktoberfest
Suggestion For The Day:

Spend the morning at the Alte Pinakothek, one of the oldest galleries in the world, housing European masterpieces.

Explore the Neue Pinakothek for 19th-century art and the Pinakothek der Moderne for modern and contemporary art.

Visit the Lenbachhaus, famous for its collection of works by the Blue Rider group.

Curiosity: The name "Oktoberfest" originates from its first celebration on October 12, 1810, marking the wedding of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The event was such a success that it extended for five days, and the following year, locals decided to repeat it, eventually turning it into an annual tradition. However, October proved to be less than ideal for such a large outdoor festival due to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and increased rainfall. Responding to participants' complaints, authorities moved the event to September to take advantage of better weather conditions. Since the early 20th century, Oktoberfest has been held in mid-to-late September, despite retaining its original name.
Day 3Munich at Oktoberfest
Suggestion For The Day:

Visit the Munich Residenz, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs, and explore its opulent rooms and museums.

Head to the Nymphenburg Palace, a beautiful baroque palace with extensive gardens.

Curiosity: Contrary to what many might think, Oktoberfest isn’t the perfect opportunity to sample Germany’s vast variety of beers. Only Munich-based breweries are allowed to serve their products at the festival. The six breweries authorized to offer their beer in the iconic one-liter mugs are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten.
For those who aren’t beer enthusiasts, there are other options, including wines, spirits, liqueurs, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beer. As a family-friendly event, Oktoberfest ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Day 4Munich at Oktoberfest
Suggestion For The Day:

Spend the day exploring the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world.

Visit the Chinese Tower beer garden for a traditional Bavarian lunch and some live music.

Enjoy a paddle boat ride on the park's lake or simply relax on the green lawns.

Curiosity: Oktoberfest is a beloved Bavarian tradition that attracts millions of tourists to Munich each year. Many attendees dress in traditional German folk costumes to enjoy local foods like bratwursts and pretzels, along with the famous beer. However, the festival is not limited to Munich.
Cities around the world, particularly those with large German communities, also celebrate their own versions of Oktoberfest. Since the 1960s, countries like Argentina (Córdoba), Chile, Colombia, Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Málaga), Brazil, Canada, and the United States have hosted their own Oktoberfest events, spreading the festive spirit globally.
Day 5Munich at Oktoberfest
Suggestion For The Day:

Take a day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairy-tale castle built by King Ludwig II.

Enjoy the scenic train ride from Munich to Füssen, followed by a short bus ride to the castle.

Tour the castle and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Return to Munich in the evening and enjoy the Oktoberfest festivities.

Curiosity: The festival officially kicks off when the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer with a mallet and shouts "O'zapft is!" ("It’s tapped!"). The mayor then serves the first beer to the Prime Minister of Bavaria, signaling that beer can now be served and the festivities can begin.
This ceremony takes place at noon, and until then, only non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available. Interestingly, this tradition is relatively new, starting in 1950 with Mayor Thomas Wimmer.
Day 6Munich at Oktoberfest
Suggestion For The Day:

Spend the morning at the Deutsches Museum, the world's largest museum of science and technology.

Visit the BMW Museum and BMW Welt to explore the history and future of the iconic car brand.

Tour the Olympic Park, built for the 1972 Summer Olympics, and take a ride to the top of the Olympic Tower for panoramic city views.

Dine in the Milbertshofen area, which offers a variety of dining options near the Olympic Park.

Curiosity: All beers at Oktoberfest are served in the classic Masskrug, a one-liter mug that is a true symbol of Germany. For waiters and waitresses, carrying these heavy mugs through the crowded tents is no easy task. However, in 2023, a new record was set when a waiter managed to carry and serve 27 full Masskrug mugs at once. This impressive feat highlights both the strength and skill required to navigate the bustling Oktoberfest atmosphere.
Day 7Return Flight Home

Itinerary presented is a suggestion and the length of stay may vary. All tours are suggestions unless clearly stated.

Why We Love This Deal

What makes this itinerary truly special is the chance to experience Munich during Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. As the city transforms into a festive wonderland, you’ll be fully immersed in the joyous atmosphere of the festival tents. Picture yourself savoring traditional Bavarian beer, feasting on delicious regional dishes like bratwurst, pretzels, and roasted chicken, while enjoying lively music and cheerful crowds. Oktoberfest is far more than just a beer festival - it’s a true celebration of Munich’s deep-rooted traditions, its festive spirit, and the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
During your visit, you can expect to experience the festival at its fullest, with opportunities to join in the revelry in the festival tents, each offering its own unique vibe, from traditional Bavarian tunes to contemporary beats. The famous beer tents, including those hosted by Munich’s six local breweries, will be filled with locals and visitors alike, singing, dancing, and raising their steins in celebration. Expect to see beautifully dressed participants, many in traditional Bavarian dirndls and lederhosen, adding to the fun and authentic atmosphere.
The package allows you to balance these festive moments with visits to Munich's iconic landmarks, such as the magnificent Munich Residenz and the iconic Frauenkirche, ensuring that you also explore the city’s rich history and culture. You’ll also have time to unwind in Munich’s picturesque beer gardens, such as the Englischer Garten and Hirschgarten, where you can enjoy a relaxed beer in the sunshine and experience the local way of life.
This trip offers the perfect mix of culture, history, and fun, combining the timeless elegance of Munich’s architecture and historical sites with the vibrant, celebratory energy of Oktoberfest. With plenty of opportunities to enjoy Munich’s finest beer, food, and traditions, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the city’s heritage and its most iconic festival. Whether you're a beer lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone looking for fun, this experience has something for everyone!

Available Experiences

Things to Know

About the Destination