I have a chance to go to Europe in September 2009, and one of the cities I'd like to visit is Munich. Octoberfest begins on Saturday 9/19 this year. How many days before Octoberfest will the city hotels begin filling? I'd like to pick travel dates so I'm gone by then, since I've heard people make reservations for Munich hotels a year in advance if they're planning on attending Octoberfest.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
I showed up on the first day of Octoberfest and was able to find a pension open for the night. It sounds easy but I started at the TI. It was like the Chicago mercantile trading floor. I gave up there and went to the phone and called a list of potential places before finding a place. I generally travel without reservations and this was the first time I really thought I would go homeless.
If you can't book something in Munich, look for something along the train lines from the festival grounds. I've heard Augsberg suggested but anywhere within 30 minutes by train will work.
The festival closes early (10:30 pm) so you should be able to catch a crowded train to and from the festival.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9224 posts
I think that Mike does NOT want to be there for Oktoberfest and wants to know how early do the hotels fill up with people who DO want to be there. Do they start arriving the day before or 3 days before and do the hotels start charging more then too.
Mike, I think if you go to some hotel booking sites like HRS.com or something similar and play around with the dates a bit, you will see when rooms become scarce and when the prices start going up. Then you will have your answer.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Jo is right, the first post answered the question opposite the one being asked by the OP: "I'd like to pick travel dates so I'm gone by then."
I don't know the answer, to answer it accurately requires a local or someone very familiar with Munich during Oktoberfest.
Mike: If you don't get a specific enough reply here, try posting the question here