Oktoberfest

ABOVE: Oktoberfest's "tents" are huge prefabricated structures that accommodate thousands of beer drinkers.

Planning your trip to Oktoberfest

When to come. Oktoberfest takes place from late September until early October. Here's a calendar to help you with your planning:

2011: September 17 - October 3
2012: September 22-October 7

Tip: Visit on a weekday (the earlier in the day, the better) to avoid the most crowded times. On weekends, it may be impossible to get into a beer tent without a reservation.

When to book. The earlier, the better. Hotel rooms are in short supply during Oktoberfest, but don't let that stop you from coming: You can easily take a train into the Munich Hauptbahnhof (main railway station) if you're unable to book a flight or a hotel room.

How to reach the Wiesn. Don't even think about driving, because the Munich police will keep you from getting anywhere near the grounds. Instead, walk from the city center or use one of the many forms of public transportation available in Munich: U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus, tram, or taxi. Another possibility, if you're coming from outside Munich, is to book an excursion through a local travel agency.

Next page: Oktoberfest Web links

In this article:

Munich Oktoberfest

My evening at Oktoberfest

Planning your trip to Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest Web links

Oktoberfest pictures

More Oktoberfest photos

Munich Beer and Oktoberfest Museum

Hofbräuhaus München

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