The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 to commemorate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Theresa. Since then, the event has evolved into a worldwide affair where people from hundreds of different cultures and nations converge on Munich to celebrate with copious amounts of beer, dancing, amusement rides and all-around debauchery. To make the event friendlier to older crowds, loud music is not allowed in the various beer tents until after 6 p.m. In 2008, Germany passed a law banning smoking in enclosed spaces, which includes all the various beer tents, essentially making the event smoke-free for the first time.
The grassy area where the festival takes place spans 104 acres, and the 6 million annual visitors drink nearly 7 million liters of beer during their stay. In 2009, there were 14 main tents and the price to get in is $10 per tent in U.S. currency, plus the cost of each drink. Grabbing a souvenir mug from the event is always a popular tradition; mugs can cost up to $50 U.S.
Munich has hundreds of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motels to choose from. Booking early is essential for guaranteeing a hotel room, but deals can be had at any time of year. In 2009, prices ranged from $200 to $700 per night for the Oktoberfest period.
Taking a plane to Munich is ideal, but flying into other major cities, such as Berlin or Paris, is an option, as train rides to Munich will only take a couple of hours and cost less than $50 from each city. Oktoberfest packages with flights, hotel, tent seats, and vouchers for food and drinks are available. For cheaper accommodations, there are multiple places to legally park a mobile home or set up a tent at a campsite to enjoy the festivities. Hostels are also an option for those who can rough it a little.
Munich boasts an extensive bus and rail system that makes exploring the city easy and user-friendly. Be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes to enjoy many sites by foot.
In October, the weather in Munich is still sunny and warm. Average temperatures are in the 65 to 75°F range.
