The Oktoberfest in Munich takes place from 26 September to 6 October and is an iconic festival that attracts millions of visitors every year. For many, this event is high on the bucket list, and what could be better than combining this unique experience with an motorhome trip? In this comprehensive guide, we not only share the best routes and motorhome sites, but also provide useful tips to make the most out of your Oktoberfest adventure. From avoiding the crowds to discovering the rich Bavarian culture - this guide has it all.
A trip to Oktoberfest naturally starts with a well-planned route. Depending on your starting point, there are several scenic routes you can take. We recommend dividing the journey into stages so you can enjoy the beautiful German landscape and some historic cities along the way. With the handy route planner feature in the Campercontact app, you can easily enter your start and end destination and see on the map which motorhome sites are near your route. It's useful if you want to book some nights in advance!
A golden tip is to drive to Munich via the Romantic Road. This route takes you through picturesque villages, castles and impressive natural landscapes. Cities such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Augsburg are definitely worth a stop to stretch your legs.
After your journey through picturesque Germany, you'll finally reach Munich. This is where the real party starts! Keep in mind that Oktoberfest brings huge crowds, including on and around motorhome sites. It is wise to arrive a few days in advance so you can settle in comfortably. Moreover, it can be very helpful to reserve a good pitch in advance, and enjoy the festival without worries.
Visiting Oktoberfest can be overwhelming, especially if you are not well-prepared. Here are some tips to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
Avoid the biggest crowds
The opening day of the Oktoberfest and weekends are notorious for huge crowds. If you don't like crowds, try to avoid these peak days. Instead, go during the weekdays or during quieter hours, such as early in the morning.
Enjoy more than just beer
While beer is a central part of Oktoberfest, it is definitely not the only thing the festival has to offer. The atmosphere in the beer tents is great, even if you don't drink beer. Feel free to order a soft drink or water and enjoy the music and lively ambiance. Plan your day well: start the attractions before you have a belly full of beer!
Eat enough and enjoy the local cuisine
Food is essential to keep your energy up during Oktoberfest, especially if you plan to drink. Bavarian cuisine is rich and diverse. Be sure to try a pretzel, roast chicken, or the famous Weisswurst. Keep an eye on prices though, as they can be quite high - especially inside the festival grounds.
Bring cash
Although more and more sites are accepting card payments, Oktoberfest is still largely cash-based. Make sure you have enough cash on hand so you don't have to wait in line for an ATM. Additionally, waiters and waitresses appreciate a good tip in cash, which can improve your service the rest of the day.
Traditional clothing: fun, but not required
Wearing traditional Bavarian clothing such as Lederhosen or a Dirndl is common at Oktoberfest and adds to the festive atmosphere. Dressing up is optional, but ensure that whatever you wear remains respectful. Carnival versions of traditional costume are not always appreciated!
The Oktoberfest at night
Traditional clothing, Dirndls and Lederhosen
Oktoberfest-Camping Munich
Oktoberfest-Camping Munich is a large pop-up campsite set up especially for Oktoberfest. This campsite offers a lively atmosphere as it is mainly frequented by festival-goers. It is an excellent choice for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the festivities and enjoy meeting other visitors. The campsite has all the basic facilities you need, such as sanitary facilities and electricity. Moreover, its location is ideal, as you are just a few minutes from the festival site. This makes it easy to enjoy several days of Oktoberfest without having to travel far.
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Campingplatz Nord West
Campingplatz Nord West is located on the outskirts of Munich, near a train marshalling yard. While this is a quieter option compared to Oktoberfest-Camping München, it still offers all the necessary amenities such as a snack bar and easy access to public transport. The campsite is 14 km from the city centre, making it less crowded, but the bus stop just 50 metres away makes traveling to Oktoberfest convenient.
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Parking Olympiapark
Parking Olympiapark is a parking facility near the Olympia Halls, also used by Oktoberfest visitors. This location is perfect for those planning a day trip to the festival and don't require extensive facilities like those found at a campsite. Its location near the Olympiapark makes it easy to travel to Oktoberfest by public transport. While the location is ideal for shorter stays, it offers limited comfort and facilities for those who want to stay longer.
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After a few days of festivity and beer at Oktoberfest, you might be ready to escape the crowds or perphaps extend your trip to explore more of the area. Of course, Germany has much more to offer than just the Oktoberfest! Bavaria is a region absolutely worth exploring with your motorhome.
Visiting Oktoberfest by motorhome is an unforgettable experience. Ensure you are well-prepared, so you can make the most of your trip and fully enjoy both the festival and its surroundings to the fullest. Whether you are a beer lover, a culture lover or simply want to enjoy nature - Bavaria has something for everyone. Cheers and enjoy Oktoberfest!
Combining Oktoberfest with a motorhome trip is the ultimate way to experience freedom and festivities. Enjoy the festival during the day and return to your own motorhome in the evening for a relaxing overnight stay. Want to know more about the best sites to park your motorhome or the rules for camping in Germany? Then click here. With Campercontact PRO+ you have access to thousands of motorhome sites across Germany. Use the route planner, save your favourite sites to your favourites lists, and have an unforgettable Oktoberfest experience!