My husband and I are flying into Prague in mid-September for a total of 12 days. We are both beer lovers and look forward to exploring the sites as well - castles, architecture, etc. We have both traveled extensively in SE Asia, but this will be our first trip to Europe. Can't decide between Munich (with possible side trip to Salzburg) or Budapest. We are also torn between spending much time in Munich with Oktoberfest happening as we've heard it can be pretty crazy. Thoughts & suggestions appreciated...Thanks!
Posted by
Washington DC
28073 posts
The availability of lodging in Munich during Oktoberfest might be an issue--or at least the availability of affordable lodging. It might be worth taking a look at what's on offer at this point on one of the major hotel websites. I use booking.com.
Posted by
OP
Montana
4 posts
Thanks acraven. Wondering if it would be worth checking out Munich for a day but spending more time in Salzburg/lake districts
Posted by
Houston, TX
487 posts
The Oktoberfest grounds can be pretty crazy and lodging can be expensive as mentioned, but we did not have any issues with other venues in Munich during Oktoberfest. If you are really interested in spending time in Munich I would not necessarily let the festival deter you.
Posted by
Green Bay
21145 posts
Of course, you could do Salzburg and take a side trip to Munich for Oktoberfest and not have to worry about high hotel occupancy and prices in Munich. Get a Bayern ticket for 31 EUR for 2, M-F and take the 9:15 am Meridian train to Munich. Your Bayern Ticket will also cover the U-Bahn transfer to the Theresienwiese. You could be raising your first mass at 11:30 am.
Last Meridian train back to Salzburg is at 11:50 pm. Most of the tents close at 10:30 pm. That same Bayern Ticket will include the U-Bahn back to the Hbf and the train to Salzburg.
Saturday and Sunday you can leave anytime, but the Wiesn will be extra busy on weekends.
Posted by
2 posts
Like Sam said, the Bayern Ticket is a good deal since it covers all of Bavaria and border towns, you have to time it right to get maximum advantage of it. Oktoberfest definitely will be crowded and will elevate your lodging cost but in my opinion it is a good experience. Also in Munich you have the breweries beer halls also, I would recommend Hofbrau there and Franziskaner in Salzburg. Bamberg has a smoked beer that is worth trying. I prefer Pilsen Urquell from Czech Republic.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Prague and Munich beers are very good. The difference is that in Prague you can have 4 beers for the same price what you spend in Munich for one.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20188 posts
I think the answer lies in the time period of 12 days. Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich in 12 days? If your 12 days include arrival and departure days it will be a bit of a race.