My friends and I (3 physically capable adults in our 50's) will be travelling to and within Germany next September before our RS (My Way Europe in 14 Days) tour starts in Paris, and we're trying to work out details. We've already decided to rent a car to take us from Munich to Berlin (for five days) and back. We'll then be in Munich for three days specifically for the opening of Oktoberfest. The original plan was to return the car to the airport once back in Munich. Our current debate is whether to extend the rental time on the car as we are planning a day trip to Salzburg for one of those "Munich" days. We are weighing cost vs. convenience between rental car extension and train. Unfortunately, you can't book the trains more than a couple months in advance to check price.
So my questions are:
1. For planning purposes, are current the times and costs listed for trains similar to what we'll see in September? Do the costs of the trains go up for special occasions like Oktoberfest?
2. Is it easy to get around on foot in Salzburg? Is it easy to find parking if we drive? Our Munich hotel (Hotel Metropol) is close to the train station, so is it crazy to even consider keeping the car just for that day trip? It will cost us 15E a day to park at the hotel.
3. I'm getting mixed information about getting into the Oktoberfest tents. We will be there on opening day and potentially again for a few evening hours during our RS Tour a week later. We do plan to try to experience a few tents. We've even splurged on dirndls and lederhosen for the festivities. On one hand we're hearing/reading to be sure and reserve a tent space. On the other we're hearing that's impossible and silly/un-necessary to do. Naturally we'd prefer to skip the huge lines if at all possible by knowing we have a guaranteed reservation for three of us sitting together- at least for a couple of hours at one tent. I know the reservations go quickly, so was preparing to send out e-mails to each of the tents, as well as to our hotel, in hopes that one or two might come through with a guaranteed reservation time. I've been to several websites dedicated to Oktoberfest, as well as the official site. So now I'd like the scuttlebutt from those who have been there. I know often the reserved tables are saved for groups and businesses, so would it be worth it to do something like that through Viator or some other tour company?
4. Any other tips for enjoying Oktoberfest on opening day? Opening day is our only real day, our only full day, as we're headed to Paris the day after for the start of the RS tour. Plus, our 3rd person leaves us after Paris to head to England while the other two of us tour. So we know opening day will be crazy, but it's our day. We want to see the tapping of the keg on Saturday, tour the grounds early, then perhaps rest at our hotel (we're changing to a fancy one within walking distance for Sat night) before heading back to the fest in the evening. We also hope to attend the Sunday morning parade before we leave to Paris.
5. We're still debating plane/train to Paris. Initial flight costs were dirt cheap, til we saw the fine print about luggage. The carry on size they allow is much smaller than the carry on size allowed on the big planes. Since we'll each have a 22" rolling bag as well as a 22" backpack plus purses or camera bag, those under 50E flights jack up to more like $250, making the train seem the better, if longer, option. Advice or suggestions?
Thank you all in advance for your comments, suggestions and advice!
Lisa