we will arrive in Frankfurt on September 25 and depart from Munich on October 5. We will touring primarily the Bavarian region and will have no need for formal clothing. I know jeans are heavy, but I've factored them into our weight limit as we prefer jeans (husband will carry chinos too and I plan to take a pair of black pants). Can I consider a long cropped pant this time of year? I am thinking Danskos for shoes, but I'm trying to find a Keen selection that would work for smart casual and the fall weather. Is is usually cool this time of year?
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Evenings can be a bit nippy, but the weather at that time should be quite pleasant. The most you'll need is probably a light jacket.
Posted by
Charlestown, PA, USA
193 posts
I was there that time last year and am going back the same time again this year.
I took a pair of shorts with me and never used them. I wore jeans the whole time. I also had a sweater and sweatshirt I wore either one most nights as it got cool at night.
See you at Oktoberfest in Munich on Oct. 1-3 ;)
Posted by
OP
Dallas, TX, USA
73 posts
Yeah! We will be at Oktoberfest on October 4--the last crazy Saturday of the festival. We've never been before, and my husband is so looking forward to this. I know we need to get there before the fairgrounds open if we hope to get a tent seat!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
You really don't have to go before it opens to get a seat.
There are at least two waves of people in the tents. One group arrives first thing, drinks a lot and forgets to eat. If nothing else you can take their seats when they are (quite literally) carted off.
I usually head in about the time I would be looking for an early dinner, after having already eaten an even earlier dinner outside the tent. I like the Lowenbrau tent but you can choose based on how it looks (and how long the line is at the door).
I usually get right in or have only a short wait. Find a seat, order a beer and introduce yourself to the people around you.
I speak reasonably good German. You don't have time to learn much more than please, thank you, excuse me and where is? Everyone will speak English but it's nice to have a few words to start a conversation and be polite rather than rely on them to speak your language.
The other really valuable preparation is to learn some of the classic German drinking songs. You will put them to good use and impress your new friends knowing the words to the songs everyone is singing.
I think you can do cropped pants. Nights are cool to cold but the days are often nice. You will fit right in with jeans as long as you realize they are bulky and heavy in your luggage and cost a lot to launder.
This is what works for me:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=1440268
Adjust to your taste but hopefully it gives you some ideas.
The whole thing closes nightly at 10:30. If you are nice to your neighbors, they may invite you to their favorite club to continue the party or you can just go get rest for the next day.
Prost!
Posted by
OP
Dallas, TX, USA
73 posts
Wow! Thanks, Brad. You are a wealth of information. I know that this will be quite an experience of a lifetime (and one my husband will want to repeat on an annual basis!).
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
27 posts
hey guys and gals.. my wife and i will pass by munich on sept 21st on our way to zurich.. we'll be there for 6 hours just enjoying the scenery.. what's the best tent with the best food?
Posted by
Charlestown, PA, USA
193 posts
My vote goes for the Hofbrau tent. Great atmosphere, good music, everyone motivated to have a good time together. The food in all of the tents is better than a ball game but overall pretty simple stuff (roasted chicken, giant pretzels, etc.) Lowenbrau is a good, and popular tent too.
This site has the skinny on most tents and is a good resource.
http://www.theoktoberfest.com/HTML/index.html
Prost!