FAQs: Where to stay during Oktoberfest

The popular folk festival usually takes place from the end of September to mid-October. This year's Oktoberfest runs from September 20th through October 5th.

The opening hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 23:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• The festival grounds open at 9:00 am.

We recommend the Oktoberfest barometer if you want to know how crowded the tents are at a certain time of day.

No, there is no entrance fee for Oktoberfest. You only pay for food, drinks, and fairground rides.

You can, but it's not necessary. Some beer tents don't allow reservations at all. It's best to check in advance. However, if you want to get into one of the tents, you should go early.

Incidentally, the Platzl Hotel has a very special connection to the Armbrustschützenzelt. Our hotel owner, Peter Inselkammer, is a host at Oktoberfest himself. He is also the spokesperson for the Wiesenwirte, the landlords of the Oktoberfest tents.

Reserve your table here

The official prices were recently announced. One pint costs between €14.50 and €15.80.

It’s a traditional Bavarian trick-taking card game that has been played since the late 18th century. This tradition continues to this day. The annual tournament held at the Armbrustschützenzelt at Oktoberfest is a real highlight!

More about Schafkopf

Yes, of course! Bavaria is not all about meat. Several vegan and vegetarian options are now available at the fair stalls and in the beer tents.

Although many fair stalls and beer tents now accept credit cards, you should still take some cash with you. There are ATMs on the premises, but you may have to wait in long queues to access them.

If you would like to store your luggage safely, you can do so in the luggage storage area at the entrance for €5. Backpacks and large bags are not permitted on the premises, but small handbags are.

No, bicycles and e-scooters are not allowed on the premises. Dogs are not allowed either.

Absolutely not! This is considered theft and will be punished. However, if you would like to take home a beer mug, you can purchase one from several shops, including the Oktoberfest Shop.

Use public transport or walk if you are staying nearby. The trains will be busy.

• Subway: U4 or U5 to Theresienwiese
• S-Bahn: to Hackerbrücke, then about 10 minutes’ walk
• It takes 44 minutes to walk from Marias Platzl and 35 minutes from Platzl Hotel

There are very few and they will be in high demand. Leave your car at our hotel and use public transport instead.

If you're coming to Munich for Oktoberfest, make sure you plan some extra time for sightseeing. The city really has a lot to offer, and you might need a little break too. Whatever your interests, whether it's art, history or nature, you'll be spoilt for choice here. 

We would be happy to give you some tips:

• Pinakothek
• Frauenkirche
• Englischer Garten
• Deutsches Museum
• BMW Welt

Discover more sights of Munich

You'll find what you're looking for in Munich's many traditional clothing stores such as Ludwig Beck. Department stores and online shops can also be helpful. Alternatively, you can also rent one.

To help you feel safe, the City of Munich and the Munich Police have developed a comprehensive security concept which has proven its worth in recent years and is constantly being adapted.

More information about the safety measures

You should definitely bring cash, your ID and a fully charged mobile phone. A power bank may also be useful. It can get a little chilly in the evenings, so we recommend bringing a light jacket. Very important: comfortable shoes!

We strongly recommend that you start looking for suitable accommodation for your Oktoberfest holiday as soon as possible. Due to the festival's popularity, rooms in Munich tend to get booked up quickly.

It's best to look for accommodation near the Oktoberfest. The most important things are to be in the centre and to have good access to public transport. For example, you could stay at our Platzl Hotel, located in the heart of the old town.

We also recommend staying at Marias Platzl in the beautiful, peaceful Au district. Take a look at the Maria's Oktoberfest offer. It might be just what you're looking for!